City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Portugal
COL index 71.2
Sweden
COL index 84.2
Lisbon vs Stockholm — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Lisbon is 15.4% cheaper than Stockholm for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Lisbon | Metric | Stockholm | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 71.2 | Cost of living index | 84.2 | +18.3% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €32,496 | Net at €50,000 gross | €31,620 | -2.7% |
| €1,450 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,920 | +32.4% |
| €2,014 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,736 | +35.8% |
| €45,641 | PPP — net / COL | €37,553 | -17.7% |
| 35.0% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 36.8% | +5.0% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Portugal = €2,321 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Stockholm, you would need roughly €60,768 gross in Sweden (≈ €3,202 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€1,450)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (62.5%)
- +14-month salary structure
- −High cost of living (index 84)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (72.9%)
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 Lisbon cheaper than Stockholm?+
Lisbon is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Lisbon 71.2, Stockholm 84.2 — a 15.4% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Lisbon and Stockholm?+
Lisbon sits at 71.2 on our COL index, Stockholm at 84.2. That works out to roughly 15.4% — Lisbon being the cheaper of the two.
Is Lisbon a good place to live compared to Stockholm?+
It depends on priorities. Lisbon delivers €32,496 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 35.0% effective tax rate. Stockholm delivers €31,620 at 36.8%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,450 vs €1,920.
How do salaries compare in Lisbon vs Stockholm?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €32,496/year (€2,321/month) in Lisbon and €31,620/year (€2,635/month) in Stockholm.
Which city has lower taxes, Lisbon or Stockholm?+
Portugal has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Portugal 35.0%, Sweden 36.8%.