🇬🇧 Glasgow vs 🇵🇹 Lisbon
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇬🇧
Glasgow
United Kingdom
$2,092–$3,313/mo
£1,647 – £2,609 / month (local)
🇵🇹
Lisbon
Portugal
$1,785–$2,826/mo
€1,653 – €2,617 / month (local)
Glasgow is 17% more expensive
Lisbon wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Glasgow (USD) | Lisbon (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,569–$2,441 | $1,338–$2,082 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $828–$1,308 | $706–$1,115 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Utilities | $65–$126 | $56–$108 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Groceries | $331–$497 | $283–$424 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $44–$78 | $37–$67 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Public transport (monthly) | $83–$100 | $71–$86 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Internet & Mobile | $26–$44 | $22–$37 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Gym membership | $31–$57 | $26–$48 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Cinema ticket | $12–$16 | $10–$13 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,092–$3,313 | $1,785–$2,826 | 🟢 Lisbon |
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
Housing4.8 / 10 · 6.6 / 10
Glasgow
Lisbon▲ better
Safety8.1 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Glasgow
Lisbon▲ better
Healthcare8.1 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Glasgow
Lisbon▲ better
Education7.7 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Glasgow
Lisbon▲ better
Environment8.5 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Glasgow▲ better
Lisbon
Economy6.8 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Glasgow
Lisbon▲ better
Culture7.4 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Glasgow
Lisbon▲ better
Internet7.8 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Glasgow
Lisbon▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Glasgow if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Glasgow offers vs Lisbon
- ✓Music
- ✓Affordable vs London
- ✓Art schools
- ✓Creative industries
Choose Lisbon if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Glasgow
- ✓Value
- ✓Weather
- ✓Digital nomads
- ✓Remote work
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📊
Full Glasgow guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Glasgow →📊
Full Lisbon guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Lisbon →