Warsaw vs Lisbon: Cost of Living, Rent & Purchasing Power Comparison

Comparing Warsaw (Poland) and Lisbon (Portugal) reveals a cost-of-living index of 45 in Warsaw versus 52.3 in Lisbon (NYC baseline = 100.0). Overall, Warsaw is 14.0% more affordable than Lisbon.

Metrological Indicator Warsaw (Poland) Lisbon (Portugal)
Cost of Living Index (NYC = 100) 45 52.3
Rent Index 24 39.4
Groceries Index 36.9 42.1
Restaurant Price Index 39.9 46.1
Local Purchasing Power Index 72.1 61.2
1-Bed Apartment in City Center zł 3,289 €1,144
Inexpensive Restaurant Meal zł 42.80 €12.48
Monthly Public Transit Pass zł 116 €41.60
Basic Monthly Utilities (85m²) zł 945 €140.40
Safety & Healthcare Score Safety 75.2/100 · Health 68.4/100 Safety 70.4/100 · Health 78.4/100

Is Warsaw more expensive than Lisbon?

Lisbon has a higher overall cost-of-living index (52.3) compared to Warsaw (45), representing an index differential of 7.3 points (14.0% difference).

How do apartment rents compare between Warsaw and Lisbon?

In Warsaw, a 1-bedroom city-center apartment averages zł 3,289/month (Rent Index: 24), whereas in Lisbon it averages €1,144/month (Rent Index: 39.4).

→ Warsaw Full Cost Report → Lisbon Full Cost Report → Global City Index Directory

Cost of Living & Real Estate Market in Warsaw

The cost of living in Warsaw, Poland is indexed at 45 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 Warsaw are defined by a Rent Index of 24. A typical one-bedroom apartment in the city center generally commands about zł 3,289 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 Warsaw, a basic meal at an inexpensive local restaurant averages zł 42.80, while a standard cup of coffee is priced around zł 15.30. Public transit is accessible, with a monthly commuter pass costing approximately zł 116, and basic residential utility bills (electricity, heating, water) averaging zł 945 monthly.

Looking at quality of life metrics, Warsaw secures a safety index rating of 75.2/100, which is considered highly secure. The local climate efficiency is rated at 78.4/100, healthcare standard scores 68.4/100, and digital connectivity is supported by average internet download speeds of 91.4 Mbps.

METROLOGY ID: WARSAW-EN-2026 | DYNAMIC DATA FEED

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.

METROLOGY ID: LISBON-EN-2026 | DYNAMIC DATA FEED