The Verdict
Living in Lisbon is 38% cheaper than London.
If you move from Lisbon to London, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Lisbon, you would need to earn about £64,516 in London.
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 Lisbon:
Why people love London:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Lisbon | London | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,100 | £2,000 | +£900 |
| Monthly groceries | £228 | £350 | +£122 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £138 | £250 | +£112 |
| Public transport pass | £112 | £160 | +£48 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £140 | £180 | +£40 |
| Total Monthly | £1,717 | £2,940 | +£1,223 |
* 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
- Want lower overall living costs (38% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Prioritize safety (score: 82/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£3,800/mo avg)
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 London to match a Lisbon salary
| Salary in Lisbon | Equivalent in London | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £48,387 | £18,387 more |
| £40,000 | £64,516 | £24,516 more |
| £50,000 | £80,645 | £30,645 more |
| £60,000 | £96,774 | £36,774 more |
| £80,000 | £129,032 | £49,032 more |
| £100,000 | £161,290 | £61,290 more |
Lisbon vs London: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 38%. Lisbon is the more affordable option.
Rent: Lisbon has a rent index of 55, while London has 100.
Average Salaries: Lisbon: £1,376/month vs London: £3,800/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Lisbon wins 6, while London wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.