City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Chicago — 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.
Chicago
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Chicago.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $899 | $7 |
| Groceries | $208 | $211 | $3 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $133 | +$2 |
| Transportation | $34 | $37 | $3 |
| Utilities | $98 | $85 | +$13 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $135 | $2 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Chicago equivalent
$1,955
per month
You'd need $1,955/mo in Chicago 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 Chicago on $1,500/month?
In Chicago, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $899 rent, $211 groceries, $133 dining.
Is Lisbon or Chicago cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Chicago 57.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Chicago?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$1,955/mo in Chicago using COL adjustment.