City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Cape Town vs Lisbon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Cape Town
Moderate
COL+Rent: 28.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Cape Town.
Lisbon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lisbon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Cape Town | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $708 | $892 | $184 |
| Groceries | $274 | $208 | +$66 |
| Dining Out | $241 | $135 | +$106 |
| Transportation | $45 | $34 | +$11 |
| Utilities | $126 | $98 | +$28 |
| Other / Misc | $106 | $133 | $27 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Cape Town
$1,500
per month
Lisbon equivalent
$2,305
per month
You'd need $2,305/mo in Lisbon to match $1,500/mo in Cape Town.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Cape Town on $1,500/month?
Living in Cape Town on $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$708 to rent, $274 to groceries, $241 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 Cape Town or Lisbon cheaper?
Cape Town is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Cape Town 28.5 vs Lisbon 43.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Cape Town worth in Lisbon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Cape Town equals ~$2,305/mo in Lisbon using COL adjustment.