Washington DC vs Lisbon

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Lisbon is roughly 19% more affordable than Washington DC (index 36 vs 45, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Lisbon
More affordable overall
19% cheaper than Washington DC · Cost index: 36 vs 45

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

45Cost Index36
5,200Median Income /mo1,460
62Safety Index78
7Income Tax %25
150Internet (Mbps)176
350Coworking /mo220

Price Breakdown

Washington DCCategoryLisbon
$2,577/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
46% ← cheaper
$1,380/month
$1.2/liter
Meal for One
29% ← cheaper
$0.85/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
33% ← cheaper
$12/meal
$216/month
Monthly Transit Pass
81% ← cheaper
$40/month
$215/month
Utilities (Monthly)
33% ← cheaper
$145/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
50% ← cheaper
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Washington DC

Internet150 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability77/100

Lisbon

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Washington DC cheaper than Lisbon?

Lisbon is cheaper than Washington DC. Lisbon has a cost of living index of 36/100 compared to 45/100 for Washington DC (New York = 100), making it roughly 19% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Lisbon than Washington DC?

Lisbon is approximately 19% cheaper than Washington DC based on cost index scores (36 vs 45, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Washington DC could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,438/month in Lisbon.

What is the rent comparison between Washington DC and Lisbon?

In Washington DC, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,577/month. In Lisbon, the equivalent is around $1,380/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Washington DC or Lisbon?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Washington DC offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Lisbon offers 176 Mbps and coworking at ~$220/month. Lisbon has a cost advantage of 19%.

What is the average income in Washington DC vs Lisbon?

The median net monthly salary in Washington DC is approximately $5,200 USD, compared to $1,460 USD in Lisbon.

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