Shenzhen vs Lisbon

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Shenzhen is roughly 20% more affordable than Lisbon (index 29 vs 36, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Shenzhen
More affordable overall
20% cheaper than Lisbon · Cost index: 29 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

29Cost Index36
2,265Median Income /mo1,460
75Safety Index78
10Income Tax %25
120Internet (Mbps)176
300Coworking /mo220

Price Breakdown

ShenzhenCategoryLisbon
$732/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
47% cheaper →
$1,380/month
$2.2/liter
Meal for One
61% ← cheaper
$0.85/liter
$3.8/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
68% cheaper →
$12/meal
$28.16/month
Monthly Transit Pass
30% cheaper →
$40/month
$56.64/month
Utilities (Monthly)
61% cheaper →
$145/month
$28.16/visit
Doctor Visit
53% cheaper →
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Shenzhen

Internet120 Mbps
Coworking$300/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Lisbon

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shenzhen cheaper than Lisbon?

Shenzhen is cheaper than Lisbon. Shenzhen has a cost of living index of 29/100 compared to 36/100 for Lisbon (New York = 100), making it roughly 20% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Shenzhen than Lisbon?

Shenzhen is approximately 20% cheaper than Lisbon based on cost index scores (29 vs 36, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Lisbon could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,400/month in Shenzhen.

What is the rent comparison between Shenzhen and Lisbon?

In Shenzhen, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $732/month. In Lisbon, the equivalent is around $1,380/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Shenzhen offers 120 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$300/month. Lisbon offers 176 Mbps and coworking at ~$220/month. Shenzhen has a cost advantage of 20%.

What is the average income in Shenzhen vs Lisbon?

The median net monthly salary in Shenzhen is approximately $2,265 USD, compared to $1,460 USD in Lisbon.

Compare Shenzhen with…

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