City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Ireland
COL index 78.4
Portugal
COL index 71.2
Dublin vs Lisbon — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Lisbon is 9.2% cheaper than Dublin for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Dublin | Metric | Lisbon | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78.4 | Cost of living index | 71.2 | -9.2% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €37,200 | Net at €50,000 gross | €32,496 | -12.6% |
| €2,280 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,450 | -36.4% |
| €3,107 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,014 | -35.2% |
| €47,449 | PPP — net / COL | €45,641 | -3.8% |
| 25.6% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 35.0% | +36.7% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Ireland = €3,100 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Lisbon, you would need roughly €52,614 gross in Portugal (≈ €2,815 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 (73.5%)
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€1,450)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (62.5%)
- +14-month salary structure
The verdict
Across the data, Dublin delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Lisbon carries a lower cost-of-living index; Dublin has the lighter effective tax burden; Dublin wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Dublin edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Dublin cheaper than Lisbon?+
Lisbon is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Dublin 78.4, Lisbon 71.2 — a 9.2% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Dublin and Lisbon?+
Dublin 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 Dublin a good place to live compared to Lisbon?+
It depends on priorities. Dublin delivers €37,200 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 25.6% effective tax rate. Lisbon delivers €32,496 at 35.0%. Centre 1-bed rent: €2,280 vs €1,450.
How do salaries compare in Dublin vs Lisbon?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €37,200/year (€3,100/month) in Dublin and €32,496/year (€2,321/month) in Lisbon.
Which city has lower taxes, Dublin or Lisbon?+
Ireland has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Ireland 25.6%, Portugal 35.0%.