City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs London — 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.
London
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in London.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $906 | $14 |
| Groceries | $208 | $171 | +$37 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $136 | $1 |
| Transportation | $34 | $46 | $12 |
| Utilities | $98 | $105 | $7 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $136 | $3 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
London equivalent
$2,497
per month
You'd need $2,497/mo in London to match $1,500/mo in Lisbon.
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 London on $1,500/month?
In London, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $906 rent, $171 groceries, $136 dining.
Is Lisbon or London cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs London 72.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in London?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$2,497/mo in London using COL adjustment.