City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Seattle — 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.
Seattle
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 67.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Seattle.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Seattle | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $932 | $40 |
| Groceries | $208 | $193 | +$15 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $123 | +$12 |
| Transportation | $34 | $34 | $0 |
| Utilities | $98 | $78 | +$20 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $140 | $7 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Seattle equivalent
$2,318
per month
You'd need $2,318/mo in Seattle 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 Seattle on $1,500/month?
In Seattle, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $932 rent, $193 groceries, $123 dining.
Is Lisbon or Seattle cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Seattle 67.7 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Seattle?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$2,318/mo in Seattle using COL adjustment.