Lisbon vs Barcelona

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Lisbon is roughly 14% more affordable than Barcelona (index 36 vs 42, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Lisbon
More affordable overall
14% cheaper than Barcelona · Cost index: 36 vs 42

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

36Cost Index42
1,460Median Income /mo2,500
78Safety Index73
25Income Tax %20
176Internet (Mbps)95
220Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

LisbonCategoryBarcelona
$1,380/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
9% ← cheaper
$1,260/month
$0.85/liter
Meal for One
32% cheaper →
$1.25/liter
$12/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
23% cheaper →
$15.5/meal
$40/month
Monthly Transit Pass
26% cheaper →
$54/month
$145/month
Utilities (Monthly)
3% ← cheaper
$140/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
33% cheaper →
$90/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Lisbon

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

Barcelona

Internet95 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lisbon cheaper than Barcelona?

Lisbon is cheaper than Barcelona. Lisbon has a cost of living index of 36/100 compared to 42/100 for Barcelona (New York = 100), making it roughly 14% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Lisbon than Barcelona?

Lisbon is approximately 14% cheaper than Barcelona based on cost index scores (36 vs 42, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Barcelona could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,566/month in Lisbon.

What is the rent comparison between Lisbon and Barcelona?

In Lisbon, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,380/month. In Barcelona, the equivalent is around $1,260/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Lisbon offers 176 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$220/month. Barcelona offers 95 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Lisbon has a cost advantage of 14%.

What is the average income in Lisbon vs Barcelona?

The median net monthly salary in Lisbon is approximately $1,460 USD, compared to $2,500 USD in Barcelona.

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