City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Johor Bahru — 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.
Johor Bahru
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 15.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Johor Bahru.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Johor Bahru | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $512 | +$380 |
| Groceries | $208 | $546 | $338 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $186 | $51 |
| Transportation | $34 | $47 | $13 |
| Utilities | $98 | $133 | $35 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $76 | +$57 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Johor Bahru equivalent
$541
per month
Only $541/mo in Johor Bahru 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 Johor Bahru on $1,500/month?
In Johor Bahru, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $512 rent, $546 groceries, $186 dining.
Is Lisbon or Johor Bahru cheaper?
Johor Bahru is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Johor Bahru 15.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Johor Bahru?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$541/mo in Johor Bahru using COL adjustment.