City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Tokyo — 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.
Tokyo
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Tokyo.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Tokyo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $725 | +$167 |
| Groceries | $208 | $316 | $108 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $107 | +$28 |
| Transportation | $34 | $63 | $29 |
| Utilities | $98 | $180 | $82 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $109 | +$24 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Tokyo equivalent
$1,421
per month
Only $1,421/mo in Tokyo 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 Tokyo on $1,500/month?
In Tokyo, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $725 rent, $316 groceries, $107 dining.
Is Lisbon or Tokyo cheaper?
Tokyo is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Tokyo 41.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Tokyo?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$1,421/mo in Tokyo using COL adjustment.