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Madrid vs Lisbon

Madrid and Lisbon cost within a few percent of each other for this household — decide on everything except money.

Vistas de Madrid desde la azotea del Edificio España (Sky Bar 360º, del Hotel Riu Plaza España). Imagen tomada el 7 de junio de 2021
Madrid
$2,369/month · Spain
Zarateman · CC0
Aerial view of Augusta Street, Lisbon
Lisbon
$2,416/month · Portugal
Hugo Schneider · CC BY 2.0
Madrid monthly
$2,369
Index 37 (NYC = 100)
Lisbon monthly
$2,416
Index 38 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+2%
Lisbon relative to Madrid
Rent gap
$50
Lisbon costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

MadridLisbon
  • Housing
    Housing: Madrid $1,400, Lisbon $1,450. Cheaper in Madrid.
  • Food
    Food: Madrid $512, Lisbon $523. Cheaper in Madrid.
  • Transport
    Transport: Madrid $93, Lisbon $82. Cheaper in Lisbon.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Madrid $139, Lisbon $138. Cheaper in Lisbon.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Madrid $35, Lisbon $31. Cheaper in Lisbon.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Madrid $119, Lisbon $120. Cheaper in Madrid.
  • Other
    Other: Madrid $72, Lisbon $72. Cheaper in Lisbon.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricMadridLisbon
Cost
Total monthly cost2,369 USD✓2,416 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)37✓38
Housing1,400 USD✓1,450 USD
Utilities139 USD138 USD✓
Food512 USD✓523 USD
Transport93 USD82 USD✓
Healthcare35 USD31 USD✓
Lifestyle119 USD✓120 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,316 USD✓4,561 USD
Effective tax + social rate36.2%✓45.3%
Left over each month2,947 USD✓2,145 USD
Average local net salary1,900 USD✓1,500 USD
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre1,400 USD✓1,450 USD
3-bed rent, city centre2,500 USD✓2,600 USD
Buy price per m², centre6,500 USD6,000 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety76/10078/100✓
Healthcare84/100✓72/100
Air quality64/10080/100✓
Public transport92/100✓80/100
Walkability90/100✓86/100
English proficiency58/10082/100✓
Nightlife94/100✓88/100
Family friendliness80/100✓76/100
Median broadband220 Mbps✓180 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature15°C✓17°C
Summer high32°C28°C✓
Winter low3°C8°C✓
Sunshine hours per year2,770 h2,800 h✓
Annual rainfall440 mm✓760 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaYesYes
Beach access330 min20 min✓
CurrencyEUREUR
Time zoneEurope/MadridEurope/Lisbon

Madrid and Lisbon cost within a few percent of each other for this household — decide on everything except money.

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Cost of living in MadridCost of living in LisbonConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Madrid or Lisbon cheaper?

Madrid and Lisbon cost within a few percent of each other for this household — decide on everything except money.

What salary do you need in Lisbon compared with Madrid?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,316 a month in Madrid and $4,561 in Lisbon, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Madrid or Lisbon?

Madrid scores 76/100 on safety and 84/100 on healthcare; Lisbon scores 78 and 72. Madrid averages 15°C against 17°C in Lisbon.