Cost Comparison 2025

LisbonvsManila

Portugal
Philippines

Overall

💰

-17.2%

Lisbon is 17.2%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-44.0%

Housing is 44.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-24.0%

Restaurants 24.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

+4.0%

Food shopping 4.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Lisbon, Portugal and Manila, Philippines reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Lisbon is more affordable than Manila by approximately 17.2%. 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 Manila by 79%. A one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon's city center costs around €1,300, while the same in Manila is approximately ₱35,000.

Dining out in Lisbon is notably more expensive compared to Manila. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €10 in Lisbon versus ₱200 in Manila.

Public transportation in Lisbon is more affordable, with monthly passes at €40 compared to ₱1,000 in Manila.

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

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 Manila, the same lifestyle would cost around ₱14,510. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €1,233 monthly in Lisbon versus ₱50,785 in Manila. 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
Manila, Philippines

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,300
₱35,000
1BR Outside Center
€900
₱20,000
3BR City Center
€2,500
₱80,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€10
₱200
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€50
₱1,200
Cappuccino
€2
₱150
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€3
₱75

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
₱95
Bread (500g)
€1
₱60
Eggs (12)
€2
₱100
Cheese (1kg)
€9
₱450

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€2
₱15
Monthly Pass
€40
₱1,000
Taxi Start
€4
₱40
Gasoline (1L)
€2
₱65

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€100
₱5,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
€35
₱1,800
Mobile Minute
€0
₱5

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Manila 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 Manila 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

Manila

Cost of Living Index48
Rent Index28
Purchasing Power Index35

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lisbon more expensive than Manila?

No, Lisbon is approximately 17.2% cheaper than Manila. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 85% of your Manila salary when living in Lisbon. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Manila, you'd need about $42,647 in Lisbon for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Lisbon and Manila?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 79%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. 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 Manila for affordability.

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

In Lisbon, a single person needs approximately €1,252 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €2,933. In Manila, these figures are ₱34,510 for singles and ₱95,785 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Lisbon and Manila 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 Manila to maintain your lifestyle from Lisbon

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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