City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Phuket — 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.
Phuket
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Phuket.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Phuket | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $633 | +$259 |
| Groceries | $208 | $479 | $271 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $100 | +$35 |
| Transportation | $34 | $52 | $18 |
| Utilities | $98 | $140 | $42 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $96 | +$37 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Phuket equivalent
$757
per month
Only $757/mo in Phuket 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 Phuket on $1,500/month?
In Phuket, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $633 rent, $479 groceries, $100 dining.
Is Lisbon or Phuket cheaper?
Phuket is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Phuket 22.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Phuket?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$757/mo in Phuket using COL adjustment.