City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Netherlands
COL index 78.4
Portugal
COL index 71.2
Amsterdam vs Lisbon — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Lisbon is 9.2% cheaper than Amsterdam for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Amsterdam | Metric | Lisbon | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78.4 | Cost of living index | 71.2 | -9.2% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €31,898 | Net at €50,000 gross | €32,496 | +1.9% |
| €2,100 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,450 | -31.0% |
| €2,836 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,014 | -29.0% |
| €40,686 | PPP — net / COL | €45,641 | +12.2% |
| 36.2% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 35.0% | -3.3% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Netherlands = €2,658 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Lisbon, you would need roughly €43,457 gross in Portugal (≈ €2,414 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- −High cost of living (index 78)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (79.0%)
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€1,450)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (62.5%)
- +14-month salary structure
The verdict
Across the data, Lisbon delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Lisbon carries a lower cost-of-living index; Lisbon has the lighter effective tax burden; Lisbon wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Lisbon edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Amsterdam cheaper than Lisbon?+
Lisbon is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Amsterdam 78.4, Lisbon 71.2 — a 9.2% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Amsterdam and Lisbon?+
Amsterdam sits at 78.4 on our COL index, Lisbon at 71.2. That works out to roughly 9.2% — Lisbon being the cheaper of the two.
Is Amsterdam a good place to live compared to Lisbon?+
It depends on priorities. Amsterdam delivers €31,898 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 36.2% effective tax rate. Lisbon delivers €32,496 at 35.0%. Centre 1-bed rent: €2,100 vs €1,450.
How do salaries compare in Amsterdam vs Lisbon?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €31,898/year (€2,658/month) in Amsterdam and €32,496/year (€2,321/month) in Lisbon.
Which city has lower taxes, Amsterdam or Lisbon?+
Portugal has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Netherlands 36.2%, Portugal 35.0%.