Kuala Lumpur vs Lisbon

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Kuala Lumpur is roughly 46% more affordable than Lisbon (index 20 vs 36, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Kuala Lumpur
More affordable overall
46% cheaper than Lisbon · Cost index: 20 vs 36

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

20Cost Index36
1,500Median Income /mo1,460
40Safety Index78
15Income Tax %25
95Internet (Mbps)176
250Coworking /mo220

Price Breakdown

Kuala LumpurCategoryLisbon
$245/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
82% cheaper →
$1,380/month
$0.95/liter
Meal for One
11% ← cheaper
$0.85/liter
$3.5/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
71% cheaper →
$12/meal
$25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
38% cheaper →
$40/month
$35/month
Utilities (Monthly)
76% cheaper →
$145/month
$35/visit
Doctor Visit
42% cheaper →
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Kuala Lumpur

Internet95 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability62/100

Lisbon

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kuala Lumpur cheaper than Lisbon?

Kuala Lumpur is cheaper than Lisbon. Kuala Lumpur has a cost of living index of 20/100 compared to 36/100 for Lisbon (New York = 100), making it roughly 46% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Kuala Lumpur than Lisbon?

Kuala Lumpur is approximately 46% cheaper than Lisbon based on cost index scores (20 vs 36, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Lisbon could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,615/month in Kuala Lumpur.

What is the rent comparison between Kuala Lumpur and Lisbon?

In Kuala Lumpur, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $245/month. In Lisbon, the equivalent is around $1,380/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Kuala Lumpur or Lisbon?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Kuala Lumpur offers 95 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$250/month. Lisbon offers 176 Mbps and coworking at ~$220/month. Kuala Lumpur has a cost advantage of 46%.

What is the average income in Kuala Lumpur vs Lisbon?

The median net monthly salary in Kuala Lumpur is approximately $1,500 USD, compared to $1,460 USD in Lisbon.

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