City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Medellín vs Lisbon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Lisbon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lisbon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $617 | $892 | $275 |
| Groceries | $445 | $208 | +$237 |
| Dining Out | $189 | $135 | +$54 |
| Transportation | $61 | $34 | +$27 |
| Utilities | $97 | $98 | $1 |
| Other / Misc | $91 | $133 | $42 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$1,500
per month
Lisbon equivalent
$3,440
per month
You'd need $3,440/mo in Lisbon to match $1,500/mo in Medellín.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Medellín on $1,500/month?
Living in Medellín on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$617 to rent, $445 to groceries, $189 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 Medellín or Lisbon cheaper?
Medellín is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs Lisbon 43.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Medellín worth in Lisbon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$3,440/mo in Lisbon using COL adjustment.