Lisbon vs Barcelona

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Lisbon is roughly 32% more affordable than Barcelona (index 28 vs 41, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Lisbon
More affordable overall
32% cheaper than Barcelona · Cost index: 28 vs 41

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

28Cost Index41
1,750Median Income /mo2,385
71Safety Index76
23Income Tax %25
175Internet (Mbps)171
200Coworking /mo150

Price Breakdown

LisbonCategoryBarcelona
$1,360/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
19% cheaper →
$1,680/month
$1.1/liter
Meal for One
28% cheaper →
$1.53/liter
$12/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
$12/meal
$38/month
Monthly Transit Pass
34% ← cheaper
$25/month
$145/month
Utilities (Monthly)
31% cheaper →
$209/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Lisbon

Internet175 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability72/100

Barcelona

Internet171 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability74/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lisbon cheaper than Barcelona?

Lisbon is cheaper than Barcelona. Lisbon has a cost of living index of 28/100 compared to 41/100 for Barcelona (New York = 100), making it roughly 32% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Lisbon than Barcelona?

Lisbon is approximately 32% cheaper than Barcelona based on cost index scores (28 vs 41, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Barcelona could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,055/month in Lisbon.

What is the rent comparison between Lisbon and Barcelona?

In Lisbon, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,360/month. In Barcelona, the equivalent is around $1,680/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Lisbon offers 175 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$200/month. Barcelona offers 171 Mbps and coworking at ~$150/month. Lisbon has a cost advantage of 32%.

What is the average income in Lisbon vs Barcelona?

The median net monthly salary in Lisbon is approximately $1,750 USD, compared to $2,385 USD in Barcelona.

Compare Lisbon with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Lisbon wins or loses.

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