City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Brasília — 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.
Brasília
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Brasília.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Brasília | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $568 | +$324 |
| Groceries | $208 | $427 | $219 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $221 | $86 |
| Transportation | $34 | $88 | $54 |
| Utilities | $98 | $111 | $13 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $85 | +$48 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Brasília equivalent
$613
per month
Only $613/mo in Brasília 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 Brasília on $1,500/month?
In Brasília, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $568 rent, $427 groceries, $221 dining.
Is Lisbon or Brasília cheaper?
Brasília is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Brasília 17.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Brasília?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$613/mo in Brasília using COL adjustment.