City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Ho Chi Minh City — 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.
Ho Chi Minh City
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Ho Chi Minh City.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Ho Chi Minh City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $764 | +$128 |
| Groceries | $208 | $406 | $198 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $94 | +$41 |
| Transportation | $34 | $14 | +$20 |
| Utilities | $98 | $108 | $10 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $114 | +$19 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Ho Chi Minh City equivalent
$760
per month
Only $760/mo in Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City on $1,500/month?
In Ho Chi Minh City, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $764 rent, $406 groceries, $94 dining.
Is Lisbon or Ho Chi Minh City cheaper?
Ho Chi Minh City is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Ho Chi Minh City 22.2 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Ho Chi Minh City?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$760/mo in Ho Chi Minh City using COL adjustment.