City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Athens — 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.
Athens
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 38.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Athens.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Athens | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $581 | +$311 |
| Groceries | $208 | $353 | $145 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $264 | $129 |
| Transportation | $34 | $34 | $0 |
| Utilities | $98 | $181 | $83 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $87 | +$46 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Athens equivalent
$1,329
per month
Only $1,329/mo in Athens matches $1,500/mo in Lisbon — better value.
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 Athens on $1,500/month?
In Athens, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $581 rent, $353 groceries, $264 dining.
Is Lisbon or Athens cheaper?
Athens is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Athens 38.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Athens?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$1,329/mo in Athens using COL adjustment.