City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Montreal vs Lisbon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Montreal
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 44.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Montreal.
Lisbon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lisbon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Montreal | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $856 | $892 | $36 |
| Groceries | $231 | $208 | +$23 |
| Dining Out | $142 | $135 | +$7 |
| Transportation | $52 | $34 | +$18 |
| Utilities | $90 | $98 | $8 |
| Other / Misc | $129 | $133 | $4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Montreal
$1,500
per month
Lisbon equivalent
$1,476
per month
Only $1,476/mo in Lisbon matches $1,500/mo in Montreal — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Montreal on $1,500/month?
Living in Montreal on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$856 to rent, $231 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 Montreal or Lisbon cheaper?
Both cities are similarly priced. COL+Rent: Montreal 44.5 vs Lisbon 43.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Montreal worth in Lisbon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Montreal equals ~$1,476/mo in Lisbon using COL adjustment.