City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Madrid vs Lisbon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Madrid
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Madrid.
Lisbon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lisbon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Madrid | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $856 | $892 | $36 |
| Groceries | $226 | $208 | +$18 |
| Dining Out | $155 | $135 | +$20 |
| Transportation | $28 | $34 | $6 |
| Utilities | $107 | $98 | +$9 |
| Other / Misc | $128 | $133 | $5 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Madrid
$1,500
per month
Lisbon equivalent
$1,546
per month
You'd need $1,546/mo in Lisbon to match $1,500/mo in Madrid.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Madrid on $1,500/month?
Living in Madrid on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$856 to rent, $226 to groceries, $155 to dining.
Can I live in Lisbon on $1,500/month?
In Lisbon, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $892 rent, $208 groceries, $135 dining.
Is Madrid or Lisbon cheaper?
Madrid is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Madrid 42.5 vs Lisbon 43.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Madrid worth in Lisbon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Madrid equals ~$1,546/mo in Lisbon using COL adjustment.