City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
New York vs Lisbon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
New York
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 82.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in New York.
Lisbon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lisbon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | New York | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $942 | $892 | +$50 |
| Groceries | $188 | $208 | $20 |
| Dining Out | $120 | $135 | $15 |
| Transportation | $33 | $34 | $1 |
| Utilities | $76 | $98 | $22 |
| Other / Misc | $141 | $133 | +$8 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
New York
$1,500
per month
Lisbon equivalent
$796
per month
Only $796/mo in Lisbon matches $1,500/mo in New York — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in New York on $1,500/month?
Living in New York on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$942 to rent, $188 to groceries, $120 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 New York or Lisbon cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: New York 82.5 vs Lisbon 43.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in New York worth in Lisbon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in New York equals ~$796/mo in Lisbon using COL adjustment.