City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Sydney — 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.
Sydney
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 69.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Sydney.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Sydney | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $909 | $17 |
| Groceries | $208 | $206 | +$2 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $128 | +$7 |
| Transportation | $34 | $49 | $15 |
| Utilities | $98 | $73 | +$25 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $135 | $2 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Sydney equivalent
$2,387
per month
You'd need $2,387/mo in Sydney 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 Sydney on $1,500/month?
In Sydney, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $909 rent, $206 groceries, $128 dining.
Is Lisbon or Sydney cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Sydney 69.7 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Sydney?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$2,387/mo in Sydney using COL adjustment.