City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Malmö — 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.
Malmö
Moderate
COL+Rent: 35.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Malmö.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Malmö | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $754 | +$138 |
| Groceries | $208 | $291 | $83 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $174 | $39 |
| Transportation | $34 | $79 | $45 |
| Utilities | $98 | $88 | +$10 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $114 | +$19 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Malmö equivalent
$1,202
per month
Only $1,202/mo in Malmö 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 Malmö on $1,500/month?
In Malmö, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $754 rent, $291 groceries, $174 dining.
Is Lisbon or Malmö cheaper?
Malmö is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Malmö 35.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Malmö?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$1,202/mo in Malmö using COL adjustment.