Madrid vs Lisbon

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Lisbon is roughly 29% more affordable than Madrid (index 28 vs 39, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Lisbon
More affordable overall
29% cheaper than Madrid · Cost index: 28 vs 39

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

39Cost Index28✓
2,200✓Median Income /mo1,750
71Safety Index71
25Income Tax %23✓
200✓Internet (Mbps)175
200Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

MadridCategoryLisbon
$1,370/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
1% ← cheaper
$1,360/month
$1.2/liter
Meal for One
8% ← cheaper
$1.1/liter
$17/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
29% ← cheaper
$12/meal
$76/month
Monthly Transit Pass
50% ← cheaper
$38/month
$224/month
Utilities (Monthly)
35% ← cheaper
$145/month
$87/visit
Doctor Visit
31% ← cheaper
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Madrid

Internet200 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability74/100

Lisbon

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Madrid cheaper than Lisbon?

Lisbon is cheaper than Madrid. Lisbon has a cost of living index of 28/100 compared to 39/100 for Madrid (New York = 100), making it roughly 29% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Lisbon than Madrid?

Lisbon is approximately 29% cheaper than Madrid based on cost index scores (28 vs 39, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Madrid could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,143/month in Lisbon.

What is the rent comparison between Madrid and Lisbon?

In Madrid, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,370/month. In Lisbon, the equivalent is around $1,360/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Madrid offers 200 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$200/month. Lisbon offers 175 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Lisbon has a cost advantage of 29%.

What is the average income in Madrid vs Lisbon?

The median net monthly salary in Madrid is approximately $2,200 USD, compared to $1,750 USD in Lisbon.

Compare Madrid with…

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