San Jose vs Lisbon

Cost of living comparison for 2026. San Jose is roughly 14% more affordable than Lisbon (index 31 vs 36, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

San Jose
More affordable overall
14% cheaper than Lisbon · Cost index: 31 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

31Cost Index36
1,250Median Income /mo1,460
55Safety Index78
0Income Tax %25
35Internet (Mbps)176
175Coworking /mo220

Price Breakdown

San JoseCategoryLisbon
$998/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
28% cheaper →
$1,380/month
$1.5/liter
Meal for One
43% ← cheaper
$0.85/liter
$11/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
8% cheaper →
$12/meal
$42/month
Monthly Transit Pass
5% ← cheaper
$40/month
$103/month
Utilities (Monthly)
29% cheaper →
$145/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

San Jose

Internet35 Mbps
Coworking$175/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability62/100

Lisbon

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Jose cheaper than Lisbon?

San Jose is cheaper than Lisbon. San Jose has a cost of living index of 31/100 compared to 36/100 for Lisbon (New York = 100), making it roughly 14% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is San Jose than Lisbon?

San Jose is approximately 14% cheaper than Lisbon based on cost index scores (31 vs 36, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Lisbon could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,585/month in San Jose.

What is the rent comparison between San Jose and Lisbon?

In San Jose, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $998/month. In Lisbon, the equivalent is around $1,380/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. San Jose offers 35 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$175/month. Lisbon offers 176 Mbps and coworking at ~$220/month. San Jose has a cost advantage of 14%.

What is the average income in San Jose vs Lisbon?

The median net monthly salary in San Jose is approximately $1,250 USD, compared to $1,460 USD in Lisbon.

Compare San Jose with…

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

Cities that cost about the same as San Jose

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

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