🇵🇹 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
| Category | Lisbon (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
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📊
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 →