City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Cape Town — 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.
Cape Town
Moderate
COL+Rent: 28.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Cape Town.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Cape Town | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $708 | +$184 |
| Groceries | $208 | $274 | $66 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $241 | $106 |
| Transportation | $34 | $45 | $11 |
| Utilities | $98 | $126 | $28 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $106 | +$27 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Cape Town equivalent
$976
per month
Only $976/mo in Cape Town 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 Cape Town on $1,500/month?
In Cape Town, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $708 rent, $274 groceries, $241 dining.
Is Lisbon or Cape Town cheaper?
Cape Town is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Cape Town 28.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Cape Town?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$976/mo in Cape Town using COL adjustment.