City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs New York — 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.
New York
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 82.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in New York.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | New York | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $942 | $50 |
| Groceries | $208 | $188 | +$20 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $120 | +$15 |
| Transportation | $34 | $33 | +$1 |
| Utilities | $98 | $76 | +$22 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $141 | $8 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
New York equivalent
$2,825
per month
You'd need $2,825/mo in New York 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 New York on $1,500/month?
In New York, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $942 rent, $188 groceries, $120 dining.
Is Lisbon or New York cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs New York 82.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in New York?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$2,825/mo in New York using COL adjustment.