City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Manila vs Lisbon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Manila
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 21.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Manila.
Lisbon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lisbon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Manila | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $609 | $892 | $283 |
| Groceries | $461 | $208 | +$253 |
| Dining Out | $144 | $135 | +$9 |
| Transportation | $22 | $34 | $12 |
| Utilities | $172 | $98 | +$74 |
| Other / Misc | $92 | $133 | $41 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Manila
$1,500
per month
Lisbon equivalent
$3,014
per month
You'd need $3,014/mo in Lisbon to match $1,500/mo in Manila.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Manila on $1,500/month?
Living in Manila on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$609 to rent, $461 to groceries, $144 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 Manila or Lisbon cheaper?
Manila is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Manila 21.8 vs Lisbon 43.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Manila worth in Lisbon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Manila equals ~$3,014/mo in Lisbon using COL adjustment.