City comparison

Madrid vs Lisbon Cost of Living

medium confidence Updated 2026-05-26 same-currency calculator

Based on current benchmark indexes, Lisbon is estimated to be 9.7% less expensive than Madrid overall. Rent differs by +6.6%.

Overall cost shift -9.7% Madrid to Lisbon
Rent shift +6.6% Index comparison
Equivalent income 4,517 5,000 in Madrid
Rent pressure Lisbon Lisbon has the higher rent pressure signal.

Move planning summary

If your monthly income is 5,000 in Madrid, the comparable income signal for Lisbon is about 4,517 before exchange-rate and tax differences.

Transport changes by +14.3% and utilities change by -10.7% based on the current benchmarks. Treat these as planning signals, then verify neighborhood-level rent and local transit passes.

Run your own numbers
Madrid 1BR rent €1,280 Numbeo Madrid city benchmark
Lisbon 1BR rent €1,250 Numbeo Lisbon city benchmark
Madrid transport €35 Madrid monthly transport pass benchmark
Lisbon transport €40 Lisbon monthly public transport pass

Cost comparison table

CategoryMadridLisbon
Cost index6054.2
Rent index36.238.6
Groceries index56.150.1
Restaurant index63.453.1
1BR rent€1,280€1,250
Monthly transport€35€40
Monthly utilities€168€150

Data quality

Both cities are currently marked medium confidence. The index data is suitable for early comparison, while absolute rent and utility values should be treated as planning benchmarks.

FAQ

Is Lisbon more expensive than Madrid?

In this sample, Lisbon is 9.7% less expensive than Madrid by overall cost index.

How much income would I need in Lisbon?

As a simple index-based example, 5,000 in Madrid maps to about 4,517 in Lisbon, before exchange rates and taxes.

Does this comparison convert currencies?

No. The calculator keeps your own inputs in one currency and applies relative cost indexes. Currency conversion is a future feature.

Explore each city

Related guides