City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Rio de Janeiro — 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.
Rio de Janeiro
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Rio de Janeiro.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Rio de Janeiro | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $637 | +$255 |
| Groceries | $208 | $392 | $184 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $194 | $59 |
| Transportation | $34 | $79 | $45 |
| Utilities | $98 | $103 | $5 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $95 | +$38 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Rio de Janeiro equivalent
$757
per month
Only $757/mo in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro on $1,500/month?
In Rio de Janeiro, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $637 rent, $392 groceries, $194 dining.
Is Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro cheaper?
Rio de Janeiro is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Rio de Janeiro 22.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Rio de Janeiro?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$757/mo in Rio de Janeiro using COL adjustment.