City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Medellín — 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.
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Medellín | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $617 | +$275 |
| Groceries | $208 | $445 | $237 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $189 | $54 |
| Transportation | $34 | $61 | $27 |
| Utilities | $98 | $97 | +$1 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $91 | +$42 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Medellín equivalent
$654
per month
Only $654/mo in Medellín 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 Medellín on $1,500/month?
In Medellín, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $617 rent, $445 groceries, $189 dining.
Is Lisbon or Medellín cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Medellín 19.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Medellín?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$654/mo in Medellín using COL adjustment.