City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Seoul — 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.
Seoul
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 49.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Seoul.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Seoul | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $673 | +$219 |
| Groceries | $208 | $452 | $244 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $111 | +$24 |
| Transportation | $34 | $42 | $8 |
| Utilities | $98 | $120 | $22 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $102 | +$31 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Seoul equivalent
$1,695
per month
You'd need $1,695/mo in Seoul 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 Seoul on $1,500/month?
In Seoul, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $673 rent, $452 groceries, $111 dining.
Is Lisbon or Seoul cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Seoul 49.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Seoul?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$1,695/mo in Seoul using COL adjustment.