City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Portugal
COL index 71.2
Italy
COL index 70.4
Lisbon vs Milan — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Milan is 1.1% cheaper than Lisbon for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Lisbon | Metric | Milan | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 71.2 | Cost of living index | 70.4 | -1.1% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €32,496 | Net at €50,000 gross | €32,873 | +1.2% |
| €1,450 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,920 | +32.4% |
| €2,014 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,640 | +31.1% |
| €45,641 | PPP — net / COL | €46,695 | +2.3% |
| 35.0% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 34.3% | -2.2% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Portugal = €2,321 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Milan, you would need roughly €48,742 gross in Italy (≈ €2,678 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
Affiliate disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. WorthOf may earn a commission if you sign up. This does not affect our data, our methodology, or our editorial independence.
Pros & cons
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€1,450)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (62.5%)
- +14-month salary structure
- −High rent-to-income ratio (70.1%)
The verdict
Across the data, Milan delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Milan carries a lower cost-of-living index; Milan has the lighter effective tax burden; Milan wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Milan edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Lisbon cheaper than Milan?+
Milan is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Lisbon 71.2, Milan 70.4 — a 1.1% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Lisbon and Milan?+
Lisbon sits at 71.2 on our COL index, Milan at 70.4. That works out to roughly 1.1% — Milan being the cheaper of the two.
Is Lisbon a good place to live compared to Milan?+
It depends on priorities. Lisbon delivers €32,496 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 35.0% effective tax rate. Milan delivers €32,873 at 34.3%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,450 vs €1,920.
How do salaries compare in Lisbon vs Milan?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €32,496/year (€2,321/month) in Lisbon and €32,873/year (€2,739/month) in Milan.
Which city has lower taxes, Lisbon or Milan?+
Italy has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Portugal 35.0%, Italy 34.3%.