Dublin vs Lisbon
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Lisbon is ~43% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Dublin
Ireland
COL+Rent
77.5
Rent Index
74.2
Groceries
74.1
Restaurant
78.9
Lisbon
Portugal
COL+Rent
43.8
Rent Index
30
Groceries
49.1
Restaurant
47.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Dublin | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $3,142 | $1,337 | +$1,805 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,455 | $1,040 | +$1,415 |
| Groceries | $420 | $277 | +$143 |
| Restaurant Meal | $24 | $15 | +$9 |
| Transit Pass | $114 | $45 | +$69 |
| Utilities | $225 | $130 | +$95 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Dublin | Lisbon |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $3,184/mo | $1,469/mo |
| Typical | $4,261/mo | $2,014/mo |
| Comfortable | $5,176/mo | $2,495/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Dublin | ≈ in Lisbon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $848/mo | -$652 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,130/mo | -$870 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,695/mo | -$1,305 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Dublin vs Lisbon for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Lisbon is approximately 43% more affordable than Dublin when combining rent and daily living costs. Dublin's COL+Rent Index of 77.5 vs Lisbon's 43.8 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Dublin costs $3,142/month versus $1,337/month in Lisbon — giving Lisbon a $1,805/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $21,660 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Dublin ($420/mo) vs Lisbon ($277/mo) reflect Lisbon's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $24 vs $15 show Lisbon offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Lisbon offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,014 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.