City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Brisbane — 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.
Brisbane
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brisbane.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Brisbane | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $859 | +$33 |
| Groceries | $208 | $231 | $23 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $146 | $11 |
| Transportation | $34 | $54 | $20 |
| Utilities | $98 | $82 | +$16 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $128 | +$5 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Brisbane equivalent
$1,849
per month
You'd need $1,849/mo in Brisbane 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 Brisbane on $1,500/month?
In Brisbane, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $859 rent, $231 groceries, $146 dining.
Is Lisbon or Brisbane cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Brisbane 54 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Brisbane?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$1,849/mo in Brisbane using COL adjustment.