City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Edinburgh — 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.
Edinburgh
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 40.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Edinburgh.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Edinburgh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $732 | +$160 |
| Groceries | $208 | $249 | $41 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $191 | $56 |
| Transportation | $34 | $66 | $32 |
| Utilities | $98 | $152 | $54 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $110 | +$23 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Edinburgh equivalent
$1,380
per month
Only $1,380/mo in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh on $1,500/month?
In Edinburgh, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $732 rent, $249 groceries, $191 dining.
Is Lisbon or Edinburgh cheaper?
Edinburgh is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Edinburgh 40.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Edinburgh?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$1,380/mo in Edinburgh using COL adjustment.