City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Thessaloniki — 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.
Thessaloniki
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 27.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Thessaloniki.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Thessaloniki | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $475 | +$417 |
| Groceries | $208 | $403 | $195 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $306 | $171 |
| Transportation | $34 | $39 | $5 |
| Utilities | $98 | $206 | $108 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $71 | +$62 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Thessaloniki equivalent
$945
per month
Only $945/mo in Thessaloniki matches $1,500/mo in Lisbon — better value.
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 Thessaloniki on $1,500/month?
In Thessaloniki, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $475 rent, $403 groceries, $306 dining.
Is Lisbon or Thessaloniki cheaper?
Thessaloniki is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Thessaloniki 27.6 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Thessaloniki?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$945/mo in Thessaloniki using COL adjustment.