Is Cape Town cheaper than Lisbon?

Cape Town shows lower typical monthly costs ($1,292–$2,046) than Lisbon ($1,785–$2,826) in our 2026 estimates.

What is the cost difference between Cape Town and Lisbon?

Using upper single-person estimates, Lisbon is about 38% more expensive than Cape Town. Actual spend varies by lifestyle.

Which city has better quality of life, Cape Town or Lisbon?

Cape Town scores 7.8/10 overall vs Lisbon at 8.1/10. Compare housing, safety, healthcare, and culture in the breakdown below.

What salary do you need to live in Cape Town vs Lisbon?

For a single person we estimate roughly $1,292–$2,046 per month in Cape Town and $1,785–$2,826 in Lisbon. Use the salary checker on this page to test your income against both.

🇿🇦 Cape Town vs 🇵🇹 Lisbon

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇿🇦

Cape Town

South Africa

$1,292–$2,046/mo

R23,491 – R37,200 / month (local)

🇵🇹

Lisbon

Portugal

$1,785–$2,826/mo

€1,653 – €2,617 / month (local)

Lisbon is 38% more expensive

Cape Town wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

Category	Cape Town (USD)	Lisbon (USD)	Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)	$969–$1,508	$1,338–$2,082	🟢 Cape Town
Rent (1-bed, outside center)	$512–$808	$706–$1,115	🟢 Cape Town
Utilities	$40–$78	$56–$108	🟢 Cape Town
Groceries	$205–$307	$283–$424	🟢 Cape Town
Eating out (mid-range meal)	$27–$48	$37–$67	🟢 Cape Town
Public transport (monthly)	$51–$62	$71–$86	🟢 Cape Town
Internet & Mobile	$16–$27	$22–$37	🟢 Cape Town
Gym membership	$19–$35	$26–$48	🟢 Cape Town
Cinema ticket	$8–$10	$10–$13	🟢 Cape Town
Monthly total (single)	$1,292–$2,046	$1,785–$2,826	🟢 Cape Town

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).

Monthly salary (USD)

Household

Quality of life comparison

Housing7.1 / 10 · 6.6 / 10

Cape Town▲ better

Lisbon

Safety8.7 / 10 · 9.3 / 10

Cape Town

Lisbon▲ better

Healthcare8.7 / 10 · 9.3 / 10

Cape Town

Lisbon▲ better

Education8.3 / 10 · 8.9 / 10

Cape Town

Lisbon▲ better

Environment9.1 / 10 · 8.0 / 10

Cape Town▲ better

Lisbon

Economy7.4 / 10 · 8.0 / 10

Cape Town

Lisbon▲ better

Culture8.0 / 10 · 8.6 / 10

Cape Town

Lisbon▲ better

Internet8.4 / 10 · 9.0 / 10

Cape Town

Lisbon▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Cape Town if…

✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Lisbon
✓Nature
✓Wine
✓Value USD
✓Tourism

Choose Lisbon if…

✓You're happy to pay more for what Lisbon offers vs Cape Town
✓Value
✓Weather
✓Digital nomads
✓Remote work

🇿🇦 Cape Town vs 🇵🇹 Lisbon

Cost breakdown

See how your salary compares in both cities

Quality of life comparison

Who should choose which city?

Choose Cape Town if…

Choose Lisbon if…

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Full Cape Town guide

Full Lisbon guide