The Verdict
Living in Edinburgh is 16% more expensive than Lisbon.
If you move from Edinburgh to Lisbon, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Edinburgh, you would need to earn about £31,795 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 Edinburgh:
Why people love Lisbon:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Edinburgh | Lisbon | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,300 | £1,100 | £-200 |
| Monthly groceries | £336 | £228 | £-108 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £213 | £138 | £-75 |
| Public transport pass | £141 | £112 | £-29 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £166 | £140 | £-26 |
| Total Monthly | £2,155 | £1,717 | £-438 |
* 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
- Prioritize safety (score: 85/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,800/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (16% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- 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 Edinburgh salary
| Salary in Edinburgh | Equivalent in Lisbon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £23,846 | £6,154 less |
| £40,000 | £31,795 | £8,205 less |
| £50,000 | £39,744 | £10,256 less |
| £60,000 | £47,692 | £12,308 less |
| £80,000 | £63,590 | £16,410 less |
| £100,000 | £79,487 | £20,513 less |
Edinburgh vs Lisbon: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 16%. Lisbon is the more affordable option.
Rent: Edinburgh has a rent index of 65, while Lisbon has 55.
Average Salaries: Edinburgh: £2,800/month vs Lisbon: £1,376/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Edinburgh wins 0, while Lisbon wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.