Lisbon vs Amsterdam
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Lisbon is ~33% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Lisbon
Portugal
COL+Rent
43.8
Rent Index
30
Groceries
49.1
Restaurant
47.4
Amsterdam
Netherlands
COL+Rent
65.5
Rent Index
52.2
Groceries
65.4
Restaurant
73.1
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Lisbon | Amsterdam | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,337 | $2,318 | $981 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,040 | $1,822 | $782 |
| Groceries | $277 | $374 | $97 |
| Restaurant Meal | $15 | $22 | $7 |
| Transit Pass | $45 | $109 | $64 |
| Utilities | $130 | $210 | $80 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Lisbon | Amsterdam |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,469/mo | $2,491/mo |
| Typical | $2,014/mo | $3,341/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,495/mo | $4,094/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Lisbon | ≈ in Amsterdam | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,243/mo | +$743 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,991/mo | +$991 |
| $3,000/mo | $4,486/mo | +$1,486 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Lisbon vs Amsterdam for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Lisbon is approximately 33% more affordable than Amsterdam when combining rent and daily living costs. Lisbon's COL+Rent Index of 43.8 vs Amsterdam's 65.5 (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 Lisbon costs $1,337/month versus $2,318/month in Amsterdam — giving Lisbon a $981/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $11,772 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Lisbon ($277/mo) vs Amsterdam ($374/mo) reflect Lisbon's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $15 vs $22 show Lisbon is the better value for dining out. 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.