City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rome vs Lisbon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Rome
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 48.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rome.
Lisbon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lisbon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $832 | $892 | $60 |
| Groceries | $226 | $208 | +$18 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $135 | +$13 |
| Transportation | $25 | $34 | $9 |
| Utilities | $145 | $98 | +$47 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $133 | $9 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$1,500
per month
Lisbon equivalent
$1,352
per month
Only $1,352/mo in Lisbon matches $1,500/mo in Rome — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Rome on $1,500/month?
Living in Rome on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$832 to rent, $226 to groceries, $148 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 Rome or Lisbon cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs Lisbon 43.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rome worth in Lisbon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$1,352/mo in Lisbon using COL adjustment.