City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Kyoto — 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.
Kyoto
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 27.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Kyoto.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Kyoto | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $604 | +$288 |
| Groceries | $208 | $383 | $175 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $126 | +$9 |
| Transportation | $34 | $77 | $43 |
| Utilities | $98 | $219 | $121 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $91 | +$42 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Kyoto equivalent
$938
per month
Only $938/mo in Kyoto 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 Kyoto on $1,500/month?
In Kyoto, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $604 rent, $383 groceries, $126 dining.
Is Lisbon or Kyoto cheaper?
Kyoto is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Kyoto 27.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Kyoto?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$938/mo in Kyoto using COL adjustment.