Lisbon vs Barcelona: Cost of Living, Rent & Purchasing Power Comparison
Comparing Lisbon (Portugal) and Barcelona (Spain) reveals a cost-of-living index of 52.3 in Lisbon versus 62.6 in Barcelona (NYC baseline = 100.0). Overall, Lisbon is 16.5% more affordable than Barcelona.
| Metrological Indicator | Lisbon (Portugal) | Barcelona (Spain) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index (NYC = 100) | 52.3 | 62.6 |
| Rent Index | 39.4 | 45.2 |
| Groceries Index | 42.1 | 52 |
| Restaurant Price Index | 46.1 | 57.5 |
| Local Purchasing Power Index | 61.2 | 80.5 |
| 1-Bed Apartment in City Center | €1,144 | €1,248 |
| Inexpensive Restaurant Meal | €12.48 | €15.60 |
| Monthly Public Transit Pass | €41.60 | €41.60 |
| Basic Monthly Utilities (85m²) | €140.40 | €164.32 |
| Safety & Healthcare Score | Safety 70.4/100 · Health 78.4/100 | Safety 49.5/100 · Health 80.1/100 |
Is Lisbon more expensive than Barcelona?
Barcelona has a higher overall cost-of-living index (62.6) compared to Lisbon (52.3), representing an index differential of 10.3 points (16.5% difference).
How do apartment rents compare between Lisbon and Barcelona?
In Lisbon, a 1-bedroom city-center apartment averages €1,144/month (Rent Index: 39.4), whereas in Barcelona it averages €1,248/month (Rent Index: 45.2).
Cost of Living & Real Estate Market in Lisbon
The cost of living in Lisbon, Portugal is indexed at 52.3 points relative to New York City (which acts as the baseline at 100). This rating indicates a moderate expense profile for residents, digital nomads, and expats alike. When factoring in general consumer spending, local taxes, and retail prices, {city} offers a unique economic landscape.
Housing and accommodation in Lisbon are defined by a Rent Index of 39.4. A typical one-bedroom apartment in the city center generally commands about €1,144 per month. For long-term stays, housing expenses represent a mid-range portion of an average expat budget, meaning finding affordable housing requires careful planning.
Daily sustenance and lifestyle expenses are key. In Lisbon, a basic meal at an inexpensive local restaurant averages €12.48, while a standard cup of coffee is priced around €1.66. Public transit is accessible, with a monthly commuter pass costing approximately €41.60, and basic residential utility bills (electricity, heating, water) averaging €140.40 monthly.
Looking at quality of life metrics, Lisbon secures a safety index rating of 70.4/100, which is considered highly secure. The local climate efficiency is rated at 94.1/100, healthcare standard scores 78.4/100, and digital connectivity is supported by average internet download speeds of 92.5 Mbps.
Cost of Living & Real Estate Market in Barcelona
The cost of living in Barcelona, Spain is indexed at 62.6 points relative to New York City (which acts as the baseline at 100). This rating indicates a moderate expense profile for residents, digital nomads, and expats alike. When factoring in general consumer spending, local taxes, and retail prices, {city} offers a unique economic landscape.
Housing and accommodation in Barcelona are defined by a Rent Index of 45.2. A typical one-bedroom apartment in the city center generally commands about €1,248 per month. For long-term stays, housing expenses represent a very expensive portion of an average expat budget, meaning finding affordable housing requires careful planning.
Daily sustenance and lifestyle expenses are key. In Barcelona, a basic meal at an inexpensive local restaurant averages €15.60, while a standard cup of coffee is priced around €2.60. Public transit is accessible, with a monthly commuter pass costing approximately €41.60, and basic residential utility bills (electricity, heating, water) averaging €164.32 monthly.
Looking at quality of life metrics, Barcelona secures a safety index rating of 49.5/100, which is considered highly secure. The local climate efficiency is rated at 90.1/100, healthcare standard scores 80.1/100, and digital connectivity is supported by average internet download speeds of 92.8 Mbps.