City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Lisbon vs Wellington — 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.
Wellington
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Wellington.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Lisbon | Wellington | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $892 | $830 | +$62 |
| Groceries | $208 | $253 | $45 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $135 | $0 |
| Transportation | $34 | $69 | $35 |
| Utilities | $98 | $88 | +$10 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $125 | +$8 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Lisbon
$1,500
per month
Wellington equivalent
$1,743
per month
You'd need $1,743/mo in Wellington 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 Wellington on $1,500/month?
In Wellington, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $830 rent, $253 groceries, $135 dining.
Is Lisbon or Wellington cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Lisbon 43.8 vs Wellington 50.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Lisbon worth in Wellington?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Lisbon equals ~$1,743/mo in Wellington using COL adjustment.