Cost Comparison 2025

LisbonvsBangkok

Portugal
Thailand

Overall

💰

-13.8%

Lisbon is 13.8%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-30.0%

Housing is 30.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-30.0%

Restaurants 30.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

+10.0%

Food shopping 10.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Lisbon, Portugal and Bangkok, Thailand reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Lisbon is more affordable than Bangkok by approximately 13.8%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Lisbon are higher than in Bangkok by 43%. A one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon's city center costs around €1,300, while the same in Bangkok is approximately THB 20,000.

Dining out in Lisbon is notably more expensive compared to Bangkok. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €10 in Lisbon versus THB 80 in Bangkok.

Public transportation in Lisbon is more affordable, with monthly passes at €40 compared to THB 1,200 in Bangkok.

Purchasing power in Lisbon is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Bangkok.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Lisbon can expect to spend approximately €352 per month (excluding rent), while in Bangkok, the same lifestyle would cost around THB 8,710. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €1,233 monthly in Lisbon versus THB 30,485 in Bangkok. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Lisbon, Portugal
Bangkok, Thailand

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,300
THB 20,000
1BR Outside Center
€900
THB 10,000
3BR City Center
€2,500
THB 50,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€10
THB 80
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€50
THB 800
Cappuccino
€2
THB 80
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€3
THB 80

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
THB 50
Bread (500g)
€1
THB 40
Eggs (12)
€2
THB 50
Cheese (1kg)
€9
THB 350

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€2
THB 30
Monthly Pass
€40
THB 1,200
Taxi Start
€4
THB 35
Gasoline (1L)
€2
THB 40

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€100
THB 2,500
Internet (60 Mbps)
€35
THB 600
Mobile Minute
€0
THB 2

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Bangkok to Lisbon, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Lisbon to Bangkok requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Lisbon

Cost of Living Index58
Rent Index50
Purchasing Power Index65

Bangkok

Cost of Living Index50
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index40

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lisbon more expensive than Bangkok?

No, Lisbon is approximately 13.8% cheaper than Bangkok. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Lisbon compared to Bangkok?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 88% of your Bangkok salary when living in Lisbon. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Bangkok, you'd need about $43,939 in Lisbon for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Lisbon and Bangkok?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 43%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Lisbon offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Lisbon provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Lisbon if you prioritize earning potential, or Bangkok for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Lisbon vs Bangkok?

In Lisbon, a single person needs approximately €1,252 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €2,933. In Bangkok, these figures are THB 18,710 for singles and THB 55,485 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Lisbon and Bangkok in 2025 shows notable differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Bangkok to maintain your lifestyle from Lisbon

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers