City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Rome — 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.
Rome
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 48.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rome.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Rome | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $832 | +$60 |
| Groceries | $208 | $226 | $18 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $148 | $13 |
| Transportation | $34 | $25 | +$9 |
| Utilities | $98 | $145 | $47 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $124 | +$9 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Rome equivalent
$1,664
per month
You'd need $1,664/mo in Rome 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 Rome on $1,500/month?
In Rome, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $832 rent, $226 groceries, $148 dining.
Is Lisbon or Rome cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Rome 48.6 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Rome?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$1,664/mo in Rome using COL adjustment.