🇫🇮 Helsinki vs 🇵🇹 Lisbon
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇫🇮
Helsinki
Finland
$2,523–$3,995/mo
€2,336 – €3,699 / month (local)
🇵🇹
Lisbon
Portugal
$1,785–$2,826/mo
€1,653 – €2,617 / month (local)
Helsinki is 41% more expensive
Lisbon wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Helsinki (USD) | Lisbon (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,892–$2,944 | $1,338–$2,082 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $999–$1,577 | $706–$1,115 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Utilities | $79–$152 | $56–$108 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Groceries | $399–$599 | $283–$424 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $53–$95 | $37–$67 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Public transport (monthly) | $100–$121 | $71–$86 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Internet & Mobile | $32–$53 | $22–$37 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Gym membership | $37–$68 | $26–$48 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Cinema ticket | $15–$19 | $10–$13 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,523–$3,995 | $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
Housing5.2 / 10 · 6.6 / 10
Helsinki
Lisbon▲ better
Safety9.5 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Helsinki▲ better
Lisbon
Healthcare7.8 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Helsinki
Lisbon▲ better
Education7.4 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Helsinki
Lisbon▲ better
Environment8.2 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Helsinki▲ better
Lisbon
Economy8.2 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Helsinki▲ better
Lisbon
Culture8.8 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Helsinki▲ better
Lisbon
Internet9.2 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Helsinki▲ better
Lisbon
Who should choose which city?
Choose Helsinki if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Helsinki offers vs Lisbon
- ✓Education
- ✓Tech
- ✓Saunas
- ✓Gaming
Choose Lisbon if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Helsinki
- ✓Value
- ✓Weather
- ✓Digital nomads
- ✓Remote work
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📊
Full Helsinki guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Helsinki →📊
Full Lisbon guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Lisbon →