City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Singapore vs Lisbon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Singapore
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 77.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Singapore.
Lisbon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lisbon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Singapore | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,039 | $892 | +$147 |
| Groceries | $158 | $208 | $50 |
| Dining Out | $51 | $135 | $84 |
| Transportation | $33 | $34 | $1 |
| Utilities | $64 | $98 | $34 |
| Other / Misc | $155 | $133 | +$22 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Singapore
$1,500
per month
Lisbon equivalent
$849
per month
Only $849/mo in Lisbon matches $1,500/mo in Singapore — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Singapore on $1,500/month?
Living in Singapore on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$1,039 to rent, $158 to groceries, $51 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 Singapore or Lisbon cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Singapore 77.4 vs Lisbon 43.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Singapore worth in Lisbon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Singapore equals ~$849/mo in Lisbon using COL adjustment.