City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Melbourne — 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.
Melbourne
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 61.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Melbourne.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Melbourne | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $888 | +$4 |
| Groceries | $208 | $216 | $8 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $135 | $0 |
| Transportation | $34 | $51 | $17 |
| Utilities | $98 | $77 | +$21 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $133 | $0 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Melbourne equivalent
$2,120
per month
You'd need $2,120/mo in Melbourne 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 Melbourne on $1,500/month?
In Melbourne, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $888 rent, $216 groceries, $135 dining.
Is Lisbon or Melbourne cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Melbourne 61.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Melbourne?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$2,120/mo in Melbourne using COL adjustment.