The Verdict
Living in Birmingham is 8% more expensive than Lisbon.
If you move from Birmingham to Lisbon, you will pay more for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Birmingham, you would need to earn about £35,429 in Lisbon.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Birmingham:
Why people love Lisbon:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Birmingham | Lisbon | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,000 | £1,100 | +£100 |
| Monthly groceries | £329 | £228 | £-101 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £195 | £138 | £-57 |
| Public transport pass | £131 | £112 | £-19 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £158 | £140 | £-18 |
| Total Monthly | £1,814 | £1,717 | £-97 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential (£2,400/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (8% cheaper)
- Prioritize safety (score: 81/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Lisbon to match a Birmingham salary
| Salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in Lisbon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £26,571 | £3,429 less |
| £40,000 | £35,429 | £4,571 less |
| £50,000 | £44,286 | £5,714 less |
| £60,000 | £53,143 | £6,857 less |
| £80,000 | £70,857 | £9,143 less |
| £100,000 | £88,571 | £11,429 less |
Birmingham vs Lisbon: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 8%. Lisbon is the more affordable option.
Rent: Birmingham has a rent index of 50, while Lisbon has 55.
Average Salaries: Birmingham: £2,400/month vs Lisbon: £1,376/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Birmingham wins 1, while Lisbon wins 5.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.