Lisbon vs Ankara
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Ankara is ~52% 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
Ankara
Turkey
COL+Rent
21.2
Rent Index
9
Groceries
33.2
Restaurant
29.6
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Lisbon | Ankara | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,337 | $377 | +$960 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,040 | $248 | +$792 |
| Groceries | $277 | $213 | +$64 |
| Restaurant Meal | $15 | $9 | +$6 |
| Transit Pass | $45 | $21 | +$24 |
| Utilities | $130 | $51 | +$79 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Lisbon | Ankara |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,469/mo | $505/mo |
| Typical | $2,014/mo | $797/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,495/mo | $1,031/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Lisbon | ≈ in Ankara | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $726/mo | -$774 |
| $2,000/mo | $968/mo | -$1,032 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,452/mo | -$1,548 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Lisbon vs Ankara for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Ankara is approximately 52% more affordable than Lisbon when combining rent and daily living costs. Lisbon's COL+Rent Index of 43.8 vs Ankara's 21.2 (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 $377/month in Ankara — giving Ankara a $960/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $11,520 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Lisbon ($277/mo) vs Ankara ($213/mo) reflect Ankara's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $15 vs $9 show Ankara 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, Ankara offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $797 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.