City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Mexico City — 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.
Mexico City
Moderate
COL+Rent: 34.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Mexico City.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Mexico City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $841 | +$51 |
| Groceries | $208 | $279 | $71 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $159 | $24 |
| Transportation | $34 | $29 | +$5 |
| Utilities | $98 | $65 | +$33 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $127 | +$6 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Mexico City equivalent
$1,192
per month
Only $1,192/mo in Mexico City 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 Mexico City on $1,500/month?
In Mexico City, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $841 rent, $279 groceries, $159 dining.
Is Lisbon or Mexico City cheaper?
Mexico City is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Mexico City 34.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Mexico City?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$1,192/mo in Mexico City using COL adjustment.