🇵🇹 Lisbon vs 🇮🇹 Rome

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇵🇹

Lisbon

Portugal

$1,785–$2,826/mo

€1,653 – €2,617 / month (local)

🇮🇹

Rome

Italy

$2,277–$3,605/mo

€2,108 – €3,338 / month (local)

Rome is 28% more expensive

Lisbon wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryLisbon (USD)Rome (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,338–$2,082$1,708–$2,656🟢 Lisbon
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$706–$1,115$901–$1,423🟢 Lisbon
Utilities$56–$108$71–$138🟢 Lisbon
Groceries$283–$424$361–$541🟢 Lisbon
Eating out (mid-range meal)$37–$67$47–$85🟢 Lisbon
Public transport (monthly)$71–$86$90–$109🟢 Lisbon
Internet & Mobile$22–$37$28–$47🟢 Lisbon
Gym membership$26–$48$33–$62🟢 Lisbon
Cinema ticket$10–$13$13–$17🟢 Lisbon
Monthly total (single)$1,785–$2,826$2,277–$3,605🟢 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 · 5.6 / 10
Lisbon▲ better
Rome
Safety9.3 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Lisbon
Rome
Healthcare9.3 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Lisbon
Rome
Education8.9 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Lisbon
Rome
Environment8.0 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Lisbon
Rome
Economy8.0 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Lisbon
Rome
Culture8.6 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Lisbon
Rome
Internet9.0 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Lisbon
Rome

Who should choose which city?

Choose Lisbon if…

  • You want lower typical monthly costs than Rome
  • Value
  • Weather
  • Digital nomads
  • Remote work

Choose Rome if…

  • You're happy to pay more for what Rome offers vs Lisbon
  • History
  • Food
  • Climate
  • Tourism

You might also like…

📊

Full Lisbon guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Lisbon

📊

Full Rome guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Rome