Rio de Janeiro vs Lisbon

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Rio de Janeiro is roughly 52% more affordable than Lisbon (index 17 vs 36, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Rio de Janeiro
More affordable overall
52% cheaper than Lisbon · Cost index: 17 vs 36

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

17Cost Index36
762Median Income /mo1,460
45Safety Index78
27.5Income Tax %25
65Internet (Mbps)176
350Coworking /mo220

Price Breakdown

Rio de JaneiroCategoryLisbon
$680/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
51% cheaper →
$1,380/month
$1.13/liter
Meal for One
25% ← cheaper
$0.85/liter
$7.2/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
40% cheaper →
$12/meal
$39/month
Monthly Transit Pass
3% cheaper →
$40/month
$72/month
Utilities (Monthly)
50% cheaper →
$145/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Rio de Janeiro

Internet65 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishlow
Communitygrowing
Walkability70/100

Lisbon

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rio de Janeiro cheaper than Lisbon?

Rio de Janeiro is cheaper than Lisbon. Rio de Janeiro has a cost of living index of 17/100 compared to 36/100 for Lisbon (New York = 100), making it roughly 52% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Rio de Janeiro than Lisbon?

Rio de Janeiro is approximately 52% cheaper than Lisbon based on cost index scores (17 vs 36, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Lisbon could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,431/month in Rio de Janeiro.

What is the rent comparison between Rio de Janeiro and Lisbon?

In Rio de Janeiro, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $680/month. In Lisbon, the equivalent is around $1,380/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Rio de Janeiro or Lisbon?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Rio de Janeiro offers 65 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Lisbon offers 176 Mbps and coworking at ~$220/month. Rio de Janeiro has a cost advantage of 52%.

What is the average income in Rio de Janeiro vs Lisbon?

The median net monthly salary in Rio de Janeiro is approximately $762 USD, compared to $1,460 USD in Lisbon.

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