City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Portugal
COL index 71.2
Poland
COL index 51.3
Lisbon vs Warsaw — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Warsaw is 27.9% cheaper than Lisbon for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Lisbon | Metric | Warsaw | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 71.2 | Cost of living index | 51.3 | -27.9% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €32,496 | Net at €50,000 gross | €41,568 | +27.9% |
| €1,450 | Rent — 1BR centre | €950 | -34.5% |
| €2,014 | Monthly COL (single) | €1,458 | -27.6% |
| €45,641 | PPP — net / COL | €81,028 | +77.5% |
| 35.0% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 16.9% | -51.8% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Portugal = €2,321 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Warsaw, you would need roughly €27,133 gross in Poland (≈ €1,951 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- −High rent-to-income ratio (62.5%)
- +14-month salary structure
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€950)
- +Favourable tax rate (16.9%)
The verdict
Across the data, Warsaw delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Warsaw carries a lower cost-of-living index; Warsaw has the lighter effective tax burden; Warsaw wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Warsaw edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Lisbon cheaper than Warsaw?+
Warsaw is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Lisbon 71.2, Warsaw 51.3 — a 27.9% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Lisbon and Warsaw?+
Lisbon sits at 71.2 on our COL index, Warsaw at 51.3. That works out to roughly 27.9% — Warsaw being the cheaper of the two.
Is Lisbon a good place to live compared to Warsaw?+
It depends on priorities. Lisbon delivers €32,496 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 35.0% effective tax rate. Warsaw delivers €41,568 at 16.9%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,450 vs €950.
How do salaries compare in Lisbon vs Warsaw?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €32,496/year (€2,321/month) in Lisbon and €41,568/year (€3,464/month) in Warsaw.
Which city has lower taxes, Lisbon or Warsaw?+
Poland has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Portugal 35.0%, Poland 16.9%.