City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Lisbon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Tokyo
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Tokyo.
Lisbon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lisbon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $892 | $167 |
| Groceries | $316 | $208 | +$108 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $135 | $28 |
| Transportation | $63 | $34 | +$29 |
| Utilities | $180 | $98 | +$82 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $133 | $24 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Lisbon equivalent
$1,583
per month
You'd need $1,583/mo in Lisbon to match $1,500/mo in Tokyo.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Tokyo on $1,500/month?
Living in Tokyo on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$725 to rent, $316 to groceries, $107 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 Tokyo or Lisbon cheaper?
Tokyo is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Lisbon 43.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Lisbon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$1,583/mo in Lisbon using COL adjustment.