City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Portugal
COL index 71.2
Austria
COL index 66.8
Lisbon vs Vienna — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Vienna is 6.2% cheaper than Lisbon for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Lisbon | Metric | Vienna | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 71.2 | Cost of living index | 66.8 | -6.2% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €32,496 | Net at €50,000 gross | €32,660 | +0.5% |
| €1,450 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,480 | +2.1% |
| €2,014 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,165 | +7.5% |
| €45,641 | PPP — net / COL | €48,893 | +7.1% |
| 35.0% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 34.7% | -0.9% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Portugal = €2,321 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Vienna, you would need roughly €45,579 gross in Austria (≈ €2,541 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
- +Lower rent (€1,450 vs €1,480)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (62.5%)
- +14-month salary structure
- −High rent-to-income ratio (54.4%)
The verdict
Across the data, Vienna delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Vienna carries a lower cost-of-living index; Vienna has the lighter effective tax burden; Vienna wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Vienna edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Lisbon cheaper than Vienna?+
Vienna is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Lisbon 71.2, Vienna 66.8 — a 6.2% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Lisbon and Vienna?+
Lisbon sits at 71.2 on our COL index, Vienna at 66.8. That works out to roughly 6.2% — Vienna being the cheaper of the two.
Is Lisbon a good place to live compared to Vienna?+
It depends on priorities. Lisbon delivers €32,496 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 35.0% effective tax rate. Vienna delivers €32,660 at 34.7%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,450 vs €1,480.
How do salaries compare in Lisbon vs Vienna?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €32,496/year (€2,321/month) in Lisbon and €32,660/year (€2,722/month) in Vienna.
Which city has lower taxes, Lisbon or Vienna?+
Austria has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Portugal 35.0%, Austria 34.7%.