🇬🇷 Athens vs 🇵🇹 Lisbon
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇬🇷
Athens
Greece
$1,692–$2,679/mo
€1,567 – €2,481 / month (local)
🇵🇹
Lisbon
Portugal
$1,785–$2,826/mo
€1,653 – €2,617 / month (local)
Lisbon is 5% more expensive
Athens wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Athens (USD) | Lisbon (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,269–$1,974 | $1,338–$2,082 | 🟢 Athens |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $670–$1,058 | $706–$1,115 | 🟢 Athens |
| Utilities | $53–$102 | $56–$108 | 🟢 Athens |
| Groceries | $268–$402 | $283–$424 | 🟢 Athens |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $35–$63 | $37–$67 | 🟢 Athens |
| Public transport (monthly) | $67–$81 | $71–$86 | 🟢 Athens |
| Internet & Mobile | $21–$35 | $22–$37 | 🟢 Athens |
| Gym membership | $25–$46 | $26–$48 | 🟢 Athens |
| Cinema ticket | $10–$13 | $10–$13 | Tie |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,692–$2,679 | $1,785–$2,826 | 🟢 Athens |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing6.9 / 10 · 6.6 / 10
Athens▲ better
Lisbon
Safety9.4 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Athens▲ better
Lisbon
Healthcare7.7 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Athens
Lisbon▲ better
Education9.0 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Athens▲ better
Lisbon
Environment8.1 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Athens▲ better
Lisbon
Economy8.1 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Athens▲ better
Lisbon
Culture8.7 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Athens▲ better
Lisbon
Internet9.1 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Athens▲ better
Lisbon
Who should choose which city?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Lisbon
- ✓History
- ✓Islands access
- ✓Food
- ✓Tourism
Choose Lisbon if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Lisbon offers vs Athens
- ✓Value
- ✓Weather
- ✓Digital nomads
- ✓Remote work
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📊
Full Athens guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Athens →📊
Full Lisbon guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Lisbon →