Singapore vs Lisbon
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Lisbon is ~43% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Singapore
Singapore
COL+Rent
77.4
Rent Index
73.1
Groceries
75.3
Restaurant
50.4
Lisbon
Portugal
COL+Rent
43.8
Rent Index
30
Groceries
49.1
Restaurant
47.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Singapore | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $3,120 | $1,337 | +$1,783 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,280 | $1,040 | +$1,240 |
| Groceries | $410 | $277 | +$133 |
| Restaurant Meal | $11 | $15 | $4 |
| Transit Pass | $86 | $45 | +$41 |
| Utilities | $166 | $130 | +$36 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Singapore | Lisbon |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,863/mo | $1,469/mo |
| Typical | $3,947/mo | $2,014/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,662/mo | $2,495/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Singapore | ≈ in Lisbon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $849/mo | -$651 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,132/mo | -$868 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,698/mo | -$1,302 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Singapore vs Lisbon for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Lisbon is approximately 43% more affordable than Singapore when combining rent and daily living costs. Singapore's COL+Rent Index of 77.4 vs Lisbon's 43.8 (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 Singapore costs $3,120/month versus $1,337/month in Lisbon — 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 Singapore ($410/mo) vs Lisbon ($277/mo) reflect Lisbon's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $11 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.