City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Gothenburg — 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.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $763 | +$129 |
| Groceries | $208 | $283 | $75 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $175 | $40 |
| Transportation | $34 | $78 | $44 |
| Utilities | $98 | $86 | +$12 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $115 | +$18 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$1,267
per month
Only $1,267/mo in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg on $1,500/month?
In Gothenburg, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $763 rent, $283 groceries, $175 dining.
Is Lisbon or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$1,267/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.