City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Berlin vs Lisbon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Berlin
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Berlin.
Lisbon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lisbon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Berlin | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $729 | $892 | $163 |
| Groceries | $250 | $208 | +$42 |
| Dining Out | $164 | $135 | +$29 |
| Transportation | $48 | $34 | +$14 |
| Utilities | $199 | $98 | +$101 |
| Other / Misc | $110 | $133 | $23 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Berlin
$1,500
per month
Lisbon equivalent
$1,500
per month
Similar purchasing power.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Berlin on $1,500/month?
Living in Berlin on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$729 to rent, $250 to groceries, $164 to dining.
Can I live in Lisbon on $1,500/month?
In Lisbon, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $892 rent, $208 groceries, $135 dining.
Is Berlin or Lisbon cheaper?
Both cities are similarly priced. COL+Rent: Berlin 43.8 vs Lisbon 43.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Berlin worth in Lisbon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Berlin equals ~$1,500/mo in Lisbon using COL adjustment.