City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Sydney vs Lisbon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Sydney
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 69.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Sydney.
Lisbon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lisbon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Sydney | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $909 | $892 | +$17 |
| Groceries | $206 | $208 | $2 |
| Dining Out | $128 | $135 | $7 |
| Transportation | $49 | $34 | +$15 |
| Utilities | $73 | $98 | $25 |
| Other / Misc | $135 | $133 | +$2 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Sydney
$1,500
per month
Lisbon equivalent
$943
per month
Only $943/mo in Lisbon matches $1,500/mo in Sydney — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Sydney on $1,500/month?
Living in Sydney on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$909 to rent, $206 to groceries, $128 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 Sydney or Lisbon cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Sydney 69.7 vs Lisbon 43.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Sydney worth in Lisbon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Sydney equals ~$943/mo in Lisbon using COL adjustment.