Cost Comparison 2025

LisbonvsDallas

Portugal
United States

Overall

💰

+24.1%

Lisbon is 24.1%more expensive

Rent

🏠

0.0%

Housing is 0.0% same

Dining

🍽️

+44.0%

Restaurants 44.0% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+56.0%

Food shopping 56.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Lisbon, Portugal and Dallas, United States reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Lisbon is more expensive than Dallas by approximately 24.1%. 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 similar than in Dallas. A one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon's city center costs around €1,300, while the same in Dallas is approximately $1,600.

Dining out in Lisbon offers significant savings compared to Dallas. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €10 in Lisbon versus $15 in Dallas.

Public transportation in Lisbon is more affordable, with monthly passes at €40 compared to $96 in Dallas.

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

Grocery shopping in Lisbon is more affordable by approximately 36%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

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 Dallas, the same lifestyle would cost around $563. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €1,233 monthly in Lisbon versus $1,971 in Dallas. 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
Dallas, United States

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,300
$1,600
1BR Outside Center
€900
$1,200
3BR City Center
€2,500
$2,800

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€10
$15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€50
$75
Cappuccino
€2
$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€3
$5

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
$1
Bread (500g)
€1
$3
Eggs (12)
€2
$3
Cheese (1kg)
€9
$11

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€2
$3
Monthly Pass
€40
$96
Taxi Start
€4
$3
Gasoline (1L)
€2
$1

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€100
$135
Internet (60 Mbps)
€35
$60
Mobile Minute
€0
$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lisbon to Dallas, 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 Dallas to Lisbon 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

Dallas

Cost of Living Index72
Rent Index50
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lisbon more expensive than Dallas?

Yes, Lisbon is approximately 24.1% more expensive than Dallas overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.2x of your Dallas salary when living in Lisbon. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Dallas, you'd need about $62,069 in Lisbon for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Lisbon and Dallas?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 36%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

In Lisbon, a single person needs approximately €1,252 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €2,933. In Dallas, these figures are $1,763 for singles and $4,071 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Lisbon and Dallas in 2025 shows significant 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 Dallas to maintain your lifestyle from Lisbon

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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