City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brisbane vs Lisbon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Brisbane
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brisbane.
Lisbon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lisbon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brisbane | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $859 | $892 | $33 |
| Groceries | $231 | $208 | +$23 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $135 | +$11 |
| Transportation | $54 | $34 | +$20 |
| Utilities | $82 | $98 | $16 |
| Other / Misc | $128 | $133 | $5 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brisbane
$1,500
per month
Lisbon equivalent
$1,217
per month
Only $1,217/mo in Lisbon matches $1,500/mo in Brisbane — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Brisbane on $1,500/month?
Living in Brisbane on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$859 to rent, $231 to groceries, $146 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 Brisbane or Lisbon cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brisbane 54 vs Lisbon 43.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brisbane worth in Lisbon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brisbane equals ~$1,217/mo in Lisbon using COL adjustment.