City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Milan — 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.
Milan
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Milan.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Milan | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $861 | +$31 |
| Groceries | $208 | $209 | $1 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $142 | $7 |
| Transportation | $34 | $24 | +$10 |
| Utilities | $98 | $135 | $37 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $129 | +$4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Milan equivalent
$1,952
per month
You'd need $1,952/mo in Milan 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 Milan on $1,500/month?
In Milan, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $861 rent, $209 groceries, $142 dining.
Is Lisbon or Milan cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Milan 57 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Milan?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$1,952/mo in Milan using COL adjustment.