City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Izmir — 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.
Izmir
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 20.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Izmir.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Izmir | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $613 | +$279 |
| Groceries | $208 | $441 | $233 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $206 | $71 |
| Transportation | $34 | $43 | $9 |
| Utilities | $98 | $105 | $7 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $92 | +$41 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Izmir equivalent
$692
per month
Only $692/mo in Izmir 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 Izmir on $1,500/month?
In Izmir, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $613 rent, $441 groceries, $206 dining.
Is Lisbon or Izmir cheaper?
Izmir is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Izmir 20.2 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Izmir?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$692/mo in Izmir using COL adjustment.