🇵🇹 Lisbon vs 🇺🇸 New York
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇵🇹
Lisbon
Portugal
$1,785–$2,826/mo
€1,653 – €2,617 / month (local)
🇺🇸
New York
United States
$3,077–$4,872/mo
$3,077 – $4,872 / month (local)
New York is 72% more expensive
Lisbon wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Lisbon (USD) | New York (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,338–$2,082 | $2,308–$3,590 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $706–$1,115 | $1,218–$1,923 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Utilities | $56–$108 | $96–$186 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Groceries | $283–$424 | $487–$731 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $37–$67 | $64–$115 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Public transport (monthly) | $71–$86 | $122–$147 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Internet & Mobile | $22–$37 | $38–$64 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Gym membership | $26–$48 | $45–$83 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Cinema ticket | $10–$13 | $18–$23 | 🟢 Lisbon |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,785–$2,826 | $3,077–$4,872 | 🟢 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
Housing6.6 / 10 · 2.7 / 10
Lisbon▲ better
New York
Safety9.3 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Lisbon▲ better
New York
Healthcare9.3 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Lisbon▲ better
New York
Education8.9 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Lisbon▲ better
New York
Environment8.0 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Lisbon
New York▲ better
Economy8.0 / 10 · 6.9 / 10
Lisbon▲ better
New York
Culture8.6 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Lisbon▲ better
New York
Internet9.0 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Lisbon▲ better
New York
Who should choose which city?
Choose Lisbon if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than New York
- ✓Value
- ✓Weather
- ✓Digital nomads
- ✓Remote work
Choose New York if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what New York offers vs Lisbon
- ✓Career opportunities
- ✓Culture
- ✓Transit
- ✓Finance
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Full Lisbon guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
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Full New York guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore New York →