City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Heraklion — 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.
Heraklion
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 26.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Heraklion.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Heraklion | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $461 | +$431 |
| Groceries | $208 | $412 | $204 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $307 | $172 |
| Transportation | $34 | $40 | $6 |
| Utilities | $98 | $211 | $113 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $69 | +$64 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Heraklion equivalent
$904
per month
Only $904/mo in Heraklion 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 Heraklion on $1,500/month?
In Heraklion, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $461 rent, $412 groceries, $307 dining.
Is Lisbon or Heraklion cheaper?
Heraklion is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Heraklion 26.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Heraklion?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$904/mo in Heraklion using COL adjustment.