Lisbon vs Osaka
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Osaka is ~34% 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
Osaka
Japan
COL+Rent
28.9
Rent Index
12.1
Groceries
46.3
Restaurant
32.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Lisbon | Osaka | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,337 | $533 | +$804 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,040 | $344 | +$696 |
| Groceries | $277 | $267 | +$10 |
| Restaurant Meal | $15 | $7 | +$8 |
| Transit Pass | $45 | $54 | $9 |
| Utilities | $130 | $152 | $22 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Lisbon | Osaka |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,469/mo | $765/mo |
| Typical | $2,014/mo | $1,111/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,495/mo | $1,349/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Lisbon | ≈ in Osaka | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $990/mo | -$510 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,320/mo | -$680 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,979/mo | -$1,021 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Lisbon vs Osaka for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Osaka is approximately 34% more affordable than Lisbon when combining rent and daily living costs. Lisbon's COL+Rent Index of 43.8 vs Osaka's 28.9 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a meaningful difference that adds up over months of living expenses.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Lisbon costs $1,337/month versus $533/month in Osaka — giving Osaka a $804/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $9,648 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Lisbon ($277/mo) vs Osaka ($267/mo) reflect Osaka's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $15 vs $7 show Osaka 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, Osaka offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,111 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.