Rome vs Lisbon
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Lisbon is ~10% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Rome
Italy
COL+Rent
48.6
Rent Index
32.2
Groceries
58
Restaurant
55.1
Lisbon
Portugal
COL+Rent
43.8
Rent Index
30
Groceries
49.1
Restaurant
47.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Rome | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,426 | $1,337 | +$89 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,000 | $1,040 | $40 |
| Groceries | $329 | $277 | +$52 |
| Restaurant Meal | $18 | $15 | +$3 |
| Transit Pass | $37 | $45 | $8 |
| Utilities | $211 | $130 | +$81 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Rome | Lisbon |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,550/mo | $1,469/mo |
| Typical | $2,273/mo | $2,014/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,823/mo | $2,495/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Rome | ≈ in Lisbon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,352/mo | -$148 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,802/mo | -$198 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,704/mo | -$296 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Rome vs Lisbon for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Lisbon is approximately 10% more affordable than Rome when combining rent and daily living costs. Rome's COL+Rent Index of 48.6 vs Lisbon's 43.8 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Rome costs $1,426/month versus $1,337/month in Lisbon — giving Lisbon a $89/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Rome ($329/mo) vs Lisbon ($277/mo) reflect Lisbon's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $18 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.