City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Amsterdam — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Lisbon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lisbon.
Amsterdam
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 65.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Amsterdam.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Amsterdam | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $930 | $38 |
| Groceries | $208 | $168 | +$40 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $119 | +$16 |
| Transportation | $34 | $49 | $15 |
| Utilities | $98 | $94 | +$4 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $140 | $7 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Amsterdam equivalent
$2,243
per month
You'd need $2,243/mo in Amsterdam to match $1,500/mo in Lisbon.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Lisbon on $1,500/month?
Living in Lisbon on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$892 to rent, $208 to groceries, $135 to dining.
Can I live in Amsterdam on $1,500/month?
In Amsterdam, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $930 rent, $168 groceries, $119 dining.
Is Lisbon or Amsterdam cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Amsterdam 65.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Amsterdam?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$2,243/mo in Amsterdam using COL adjustment.