Lisbon vs Singapore
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Lisbon is ~43% 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
Singapore
Singapore
COL+Rent
77.4
Rent Index
73.1
Groceries
75.3
Restaurant
50.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Lisbon | Singapore | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,337 | $3,120 | $1,783 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,040 | $2,280 | $1,240 |
| Groceries | $277 | $410 | $133 |
| Restaurant Meal | $15 | $11 | +$4 |
| Transit Pass | $45 | $86 | $41 |
| Utilities | $130 | $166 | $36 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Lisbon | Singapore |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,469/mo | $2,863/mo |
| Typical | $2,014/mo | $3,947/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,495/mo | $4,662/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Lisbon | ≈ in Singapore | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,651/mo | +$1,151 |
| $2,000/mo | $3,534/mo | +$1,534 |
| $3,000/mo | $5,301/mo | +$2,301 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Lisbon vs Singapore for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Lisbon is approximately 43% more affordable than Singapore when combining rent and daily living costs. Lisbon's COL+Rent Index of 43.8 vs Singapore's 77.4 (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 $3,120/month in Singapore — giving Lisbon a $1,783/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $21,396 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Lisbon ($277/mo) vs Singapore ($410/mo) reflect Lisbon's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $15 vs $11 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.