City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Milan vs Lisbon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Milan
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Milan.
Lisbon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lisbon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Milan | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $861 | $892 | $31 |
| Groceries | $209 | $208 | +$1 |
| Dining Out | $142 | $135 | +$7 |
| Transportation | $24 | $34 | $10 |
| Utilities | $135 | $98 | +$37 |
| Other / Misc | $129 | $133 | $4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Milan
$1,500
per month
Lisbon equivalent
$1,153
per month
Only $1,153/mo in Lisbon matches $1,500/mo in Milan — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Milan on $1,500/month?
Living in Milan on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$861 to rent, $209 to groceries, $142 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 Milan or Lisbon cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Milan 57 vs Lisbon 43.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Milan worth in Lisbon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Milan equals ~$1,153/mo in Lisbon using COL adjustment.