Cost of Living in Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal · Europe
$2,100
Monthly Cost
avg/person
62
Cost Index
NYC=100
65
Rent Index
NYC=100
84
Quality of Life
Excellent
75
Safety Index
Good
0.5M
Population
EUR
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $10 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $40 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $8 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3 |
| Cappuccino | $1.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $2 |
| Water (0.33L) | $1.2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.8 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.2 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.3 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $7 |
| Beef (1kg) | $10 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.9 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.7 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $2 |
| Monthly Pass | $40 |
| Taxi 1km | $1.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.8 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $26000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $21000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $140 |
| Mobile Plan | $15 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $30 |
| Fitness Club/month | $35 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,400/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $950/mo |
| 3BR Center | $2,800/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $1,700/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $5,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $3,500/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $1400 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 4% |
View Cost of Living in Portugal
Cost of Living in Lisbon — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Lisbon, Portugal is approximately $2,100 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Lisbon has a cost index of 62, making it around 38% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Lisbon costs around $950/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $1,400/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $2,800/month. The rent index is 65 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Lisbon scores 84/100 on the quality of life index and 75/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 82/100. The climate index is 86/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Lisbon is approximately $1,400/month. With a purchasing power index of 68/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is EUR, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Lisbon
The average monthly salary in Lisbon is approximately $1,400. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $2,100, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 68/100.
Healthcare Costs in Lisbon
Healthcare quality in Lisbon is rated 82/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Lisbon
Lisbon has a quality of life score of 84/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Lisbon
Students living in Lisbon should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Lisbon
Expats moving to Lisbon often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Lisbon, Portugal is approximately $2,100 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 62 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Lisbon
Living in Lisbon offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 62 and a quality of life score of 84/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $1,400 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Lisbon provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Portugal and around the world.
Key Facts About Lisbon
- Average Monthly Cost: $2,100
- Cost Index: 62
- Rent Index: 65
- Average Salary: $1,400
- Quality of Life: 84/100
- Safety Score: 75/100
- Country: Portugal
- Currency: EUR
Is Lisbon Expensive?
Lisbon has a cost index of 62 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Lisbon compare to other cities?
Lisbon is located in Europe with a population of approximately 0.5M. At a cost index of 62 (NYC = 100), it is a moderately affordable city, offering good value compared to most Western cities. Use the free comparison tool to see how Lisbon stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lisbon?
The average cost of living in Lisbon, Portugal is approximately $2,100 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 62 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Lisbon?
Rent in Lisbon varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 65 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Lisbon alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Lisbon expensive to live in?
Lisbon has a cost index of 62 compared to New York City (100). At 62, Lisbon is moderately priced and more affordable than most Western cities. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $2,100.
What is the quality of life in Lisbon?
Lisbon has a quality of life index of 84/100 and a safety index of 75/100. The city is located in Europe and offers a excellent quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Lisbon compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Lisbon with any city worldwide. Lisbon's cost index is 62 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Lisbon?
Many residents live comfortably in Lisbon with a monthly budget of around $2,100 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Lisbon good for expats?
Lisbon is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Lisbon?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $2,100 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Lisbon.
Is Lisbon cheaper than New York?
Yes, Lisbon has a cost index of 62 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Lisbon?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Lisbon.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Lisbon
Cheapest Ways to Live in Lisbon
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Lisbon typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $950/month compared to $1,400/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Lisbon, Portugal.
Is Lisbon Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 68/100 and a quality of life score of 84/100, Lisbon is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 62 relative to New York City, Lisbon remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Portugal has to offer against other destinations in Europe.
Lisbon Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Lisbon", "Lisbon monthly expenses 2026", and "is Lisbon affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $2,100, a safety score of 75/100, and healthcare rated 82/100, Lisbon offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Portugal.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026