City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Barcelona — 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.
Barcelona
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 44.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Barcelona.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Barcelona | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $864 | +$28 |
| Groceries | $208 | $224 | $16 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $148 | $13 |
| Transportation | $34 | $29 | +$5 |
| Utilities | $98 | $106 | $8 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $129 | +$4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Barcelona equivalent
$1,517
per month
You'd need $1,517/mo in Barcelona 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 Barcelona on $1,500/month?
In Barcelona, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $864 rent, $224 groceries, $148 dining.
Is Lisbon or Barcelona cheaper?
Both cities are similarly priced. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Barcelona 44.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Barcelona?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$1,517/mo in Barcelona using COL adjustment.