City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Madrid — 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.
Madrid
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Madrid.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Madrid | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $856 | +$36 |
| Groceries | $208 | $226 | $18 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $155 | $20 |
| Transportation | $34 | $28 | +$6 |
| Utilities | $98 | $107 | $9 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $128 | +$5 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Madrid equivalent
$1,455
per month
Only $1,455/mo in Madrid 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 Madrid on $1,500/month?
In Madrid, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $856 rent, $226 groceries, $155 dining.
Is Lisbon or Madrid cheaper?
Madrid is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Madrid 42.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Madrid?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$1,455/mo in Madrid using COL adjustment.