Boston vs Lisbon

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Lisbon is roughly 55% more affordable than Boston (index 36 vs 82, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Lisbon
More affordable overall
55% cheaper than Boston · Cost index: 36 vs 82

Head-to-Head Stats

82Cost Index36
5,333Median Income /mo1,460
68Safety Index78
21.3Income Tax %25
150Internet (Mbps)176
350Coworking /mo220

Price Breakdown

BostonCategoryLisbon
$3,400/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
59% ← cheaper
$1,380/month
$1.28/liter
Meal for One
34% ← cheaper
$0.85/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
33% ← cheaper
$12/meal
$90/month
Monthly Transit Pass
56% ← cheaper
$40/month
$330/month
Utilities (Monthly)
56% ← cheaper
$145/month
$206/visit
Doctor Visit
71% ← cheaper
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Boston

Internet150 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Lisbon

Internet176 Mbps
Coworking$220/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boston cheaper than Lisbon?

Lisbon is cheaper than Boston. Lisbon has a cost of living index of 36/100 compared to 82/100 for Boston (New York = 100), making it roughly 55% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Lisbon than Boston?

Lisbon is approximately 55% cheaper than Boston based on cost index scores (36 vs 82, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Boston could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,336/month in Lisbon.

What is the rent comparison between Boston and Lisbon?

In Boston, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $3,400/month. In Lisbon, the equivalent is around $1,380/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Boston or Lisbon?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Boston offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Lisbon offers 176 Mbps and coworking at ~$220/month. Lisbon has a cost advantage of 55%.

What is the average income in Boston vs Lisbon?

The median net monthly salary in Boston is approximately $5,333 USD, compared to $1,460 USD in Lisbon.

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