City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Chennai — 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.
Chennai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 18.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chennai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Chennai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $742 | +$150 |
| Groceries | $208 | $317 | $109 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $196 | $61 |
| Transportation | $34 | $36 | $2 |
| Utilities | $98 | $98 | $0 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $111 | +$22 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Chennai equivalent
$620
per month
Only $620/mo in Chennai 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 Chennai on $1,500/month?
In Chennai, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $742 rent, $317 groceries, $196 dining.
Is Lisbon or Chennai cheaper?
Chennai is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Chennai 18.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Chennai?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$620/mo in Chennai using COL adjustment.