City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Chicago vs Lisbon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Chicago
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Chicago.
Lisbon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lisbon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chicago | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $899 | $892 | +$7 |
| Groceries | $211 | $208 | +$3 |
| Dining Out | $133 | $135 | $2 |
| Transportation | $37 | $34 | +$3 |
| Utilities | $85 | $98 | $13 |
| Other / Misc | $135 | $133 | +$2 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chicago
$1,500
per month
Lisbon equivalent
$1,151
per month
Only $1,151/mo in Lisbon matches $1,500/mo in Chicago — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Chicago on $1,500/month?
Living in Chicago on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$899 to rent, $211 to groceries, $133 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 Chicago or Lisbon cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chicago 57.1 vs Lisbon 43.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Chicago worth in Lisbon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Chicago equals ~$1,151/mo in Lisbon using COL adjustment.