San Diego vs Lisbon

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Lisbon is roughly 58% more affordable than San Diego (index 36 vs 87, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Lisbon
More affordable overall
58% cheaper than San Diego · Cost index: 36 vs 87

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

87Cost Index36
4,700Median Income /mo1,460
70Safety Index78
24Income Tax %25
95Internet (Mbps)176
250Coworking /mo220

Price Breakdown

San DiegoCategoryLisbon
$2,195/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
37% ← cheaper
$1,380/month
$1.3/liter
Meal for One
35% ← cheaper
$0.85/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
33% ← cheaper
$12/meal
$72/month
Monthly Transit Pass
44% ← cheaper
$40/month
$250/month
Utilities (Monthly)
42% ← cheaper
$145/month
$150/visit
Doctor Visit
60% ← cheaper
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

San Diego

Internet95 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability53/100

Lisbon

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Diego cheaper than Lisbon?

Lisbon is cheaper than San Diego. Lisbon has a cost of living index of 36/100 compared to 87/100 for San Diego (New York = 100), making it roughly 58% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Lisbon than San Diego?

Lisbon is approximately 58% cheaper than San Diego based on cost index scores (36 vs 87, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in San Diego could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,258/month in Lisbon.

What is the rent comparison between San Diego and Lisbon?

In San Diego, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,195/month. In Lisbon, the equivalent is around $1,380/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — San Diego or Lisbon?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. San Diego offers 95 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$250/month. Lisbon offers 176 Mbps and coworking at ~$220/month. Lisbon has a cost advantage of 58%.

What is the average income in San Diego vs Lisbon?

The median net monthly salary in San Diego is approximately $4,700 USD, compared to $1,460 USD in Lisbon.

Compare San Diego with…

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

Cities that cost about the same as San Diego

Same spending tier, different part of the world — the head-to-heads people actually weigh when relocating.

Or explore:San Francisco

Explore this comparison interactively

See radar charts, detailed category breakdowns, and compare any two cities in real time.

Free to start · No credit card needed