City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Singapore — 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.
Singapore
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 77.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Singapore.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Singapore | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $1,039 | $147 |
| Groceries | $208 | $158 | +$50 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $51 | +$84 |
| Transportation | $34 | $33 | +$1 |
| Utilities | $98 | $64 | +$34 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $155 | $22 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Singapore equivalent
$2,651
per month
You'd need $2,651/mo in Singapore 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 Singapore on $1,500/month?
In Singapore, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $1,039 rent, $158 groceries, $51 dining.
Is Lisbon or Singapore cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Singapore 77.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Singapore?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$2,651/mo in Singapore using COL adjustment.