City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Wellington vs Lisbon — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Wellington
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Wellington.
Lisbon
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 43.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Lisbon.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Wellington | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $830 | $892 | $62 |
| Groceries | $253 | $208 | +$45 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $135 | $0 |
| Transportation | $69 | $34 | +$35 |
| Utilities | $88 | $98 | $10 |
| Other / Misc | $125 | $133 | $8 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Wellington
$1,500
per month
Lisbon equivalent
$1,291
per month
Only $1,291/mo in Lisbon matches $1,500/mo in Wellington — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Wellington on $1,500/month?
Living in Wellington on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$830 to rent, $253 to groceries, $135 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 Wellington or Lisbon cheaper?
Lisbon is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Wellington 50.9 vs Lisbon 43.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Wellington worth in Lisbon?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Wellington equals ~$1,291/mo in Lisbon using COL adjustment.