City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Monterrey — 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.
Monterrey
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 25.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Monterrey.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Monterrey | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $779 | +$113 |
| Groceries | $208 | $323 | $115 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $173 | $38 |
| Transportation | $34 | $34 | $0 |
| Utilities | $98 | $75 | +$23 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $116 | +$17 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Monterrey equivalent
$887
per month
Only $887/mo in Monterrey 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 Monterrey on $1,500/month?
In Monterrey, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $779 rent, $323 groceries, $173 dining.
Is Lisbon or Monterrey cheaper?
Monterrey is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Monterrey 25.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Monterrey?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$887/mo in Monterrey using COL adjustment.