Lisbon vs Madrid

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Lisbon is roughly 4% more affordable than Madrid (index 36 vs 38, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Lisbon
More affordable overall
4% cheaper than Madrid · Cost index: 36 vs 38

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 Index38
1,460Median Income /mo3,150
78Safety Index65
25Income Tax %25
176Internet (Mbps)95
220Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

LisbonCategoryMadrid
$1,380/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
12% ← cheaper
$1,210/month
$0.85/liter
Meal for One
15% cheaper →
$1/liter
$12/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
20% cheaper →
$15/meal
$40/month
Monthly Transit Pass
33% cheaper →
$60/month
$145/month
Utilities (Monthly)
12% cheaper →
$165/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
14% cheaper →
$70/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Lisbon

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

Madrid

Internet95 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability82/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lisbon cheaper than Madrid?

Lisbon is cheaper than Madrid. Lisbon has a cost of living index of 36/100 compared to 38/100 for Madrid (New York = 100), making it roughly 4% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Lisbon than Madrid?

Lisbon is approximately 4% cheaper than Madrid based on cost index scores (36 vs 38, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Madrid could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,868/month in Lisbon.

What is the rent comparison between Lisbon and Madrid?

In Lisbon, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,380/month. In Madrid, the equivalent is around $1,210/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Lisbon offers 176 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$220/month. Madrid offers 95 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Lisbon has a cost advantage of 4%.

What is the average income in Lisbon vs Madrid?

The median net monthly salary in Lisbon is approximately $1,460 USD, compared to $3,150 USD in Madrid.

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