Lisbon vs Budapest

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Lisbon is roughly 9% more affordable than Budapest (index 28 vs 31, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Lisbon
More affordable overall
9% cheaper than Budapest · Cost index: 28 vs 31

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 Index31
1,750Median Income /mo1,629
71Safety Index77
23Income Tax %15
175Internet (Mbps)128
200Coworking /mo190

Price Breakdown

LisbonCategoryBudapest
$1,360/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
42% ← cheaper
$790/month
$1.1/liter
Meal for One
$1.1/liter
$12/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
17% ← cheaper
$10/meal
$38/month
Monthly Transit Pass
16% cheaper →
$45/month
$145/month
Utilities (Monthly)
17% ← cheaper
$120/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
8% ← cheaper
$55/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Lisbon

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

Budapest

Internet128 Mbps
Coworking$190/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lisbon cheaper than Budapest?

Lisbon is cheaper than Budapest. Lisbon has a cost of living index of 28/100 compared to 31/100 for Budapest (New York = 100), making it roughly 9% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Lisbon than Budapest?

Lisbon is approximately 9% cheaper than Budapest based on cost index scores (28 vs 31, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Budapest could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,727/month in Lisbon.

What is the rent comparison between Lisbon and Budapest?

In Lisbon, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,360/month. In Budapest, the equivalent is around $790/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Lisbon offers 175 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$200/month. Budapest offers 128 Mbps and coworking at ~$190/month. Lisbon has a cost advantage of 9%.

What is the average income in Lisbon vs Budapest?

The median net monthly salary in Lisbon is approximately $1,750 USD, compared to $1,629 USD in Budapest.

Compare Lisbon with…

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

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