City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Cebu — 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.
Cebu
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 15.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Cebu.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Cebu | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $511 | +$381 |
| Groceries | $208 | $538 | $330 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $149 | $14 |
| Transportation | $34 | $25 | +$9 |
| Utilities | $98 | $201 | $103 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $76 | +$57 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Cebu equivalent
$531
per month
Only $531/mo in Cebu 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 Cebu on $1,500/month?
In Cebu, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $511 rent, $538 groceries, $149 dining.
Is Lisbon or Cebu cheaper?
Cebu is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Cebu 15.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Cebu?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$531/mo in Cebu using COL adjustment.