City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Portugal
COL index 71.2
Italy
COL index 60.8
Lisbon vs Rome — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Rome is 14.6% cheaper than Lisbon for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Lisbon | Metric | Rome | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 71.2 | Cost of living index | 60.8 | -14.6% |
| €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 | €1,480 | +2.1% |
| €2,014 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,103 | +4.4% |
| €45,641 | PPP — net / COL | €54,068 | +18.5% |
| 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 Rome, you would need roughly €41,319 gross in Italy (≈ €2,312 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Lower rent (€1,450 vs €1,480)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (62.5%)
- +14-month salary structure
- −High rent-to-income ratio (54.0%)
The verdict
Across the data, Rome delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Rome carries a lower cost-of-living index; Rome has the lighter effective tax burden; Rome wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Rome edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Lisbon cheaper than Rome?+
Rome is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Lisbon 71.2, Rome 60.8 — a 14.6% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Lisbon and Rome?+
Lisbon sits at 71.2 on our COL index, Rome at 60.8. That works out to roughly 14.6% — Rome being the cheaper of the two.
Is Lisbon a good place to live compared to Rome?+
It depends on priorities. Lisbon delivers €32,496 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 35.0% effective tax rate. Rome delivers €32,873 at 34.3%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,450 vs €1,480.
How do salaries compare in Lisbon vs Rome?+
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 Rome.
Which city has lower taxes, Lisbon or Rome?+
Italy has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Portugal 35.0%, Italy 34.3%.