Cost Comparison 2025

LisbonvsSingapore

Portugal
Singapore

Overall

💰

+63.8%

Lisbon is 63.8%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+80.0%

Housing is 80.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+60.0%

Restaurants 60.0% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+70.0%

Food shopping 70.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Lisbon, Portugal and Singapore, Singapore reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Lisbon is more expensive than Singapore by approximately 63.8%. 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 lower than in Singapore by 44%. A one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon's city center costs around €1,300, while the same in Singapore is approximately SGD 3,500.

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

Public transportation in Lisbon is more affordable, with monthly passes at €40 compared to SGD 120 in Singapore.

Purchasing power in Singapore 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 41%. 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 Singapore, the same lifestyle would cost around SGD 777. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €1,233 monthly in Lisbon versus SGD 2,720 in Singapore. 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
Singapore, Singapore

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,300
SGD 3,500
1BR Outside Center
€900
SGD 2,500
3BR City Center
€2,500
SGD 7,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€10
SGD 15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€50
SGD 100
Cappuccino
€2
SGD 6
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€3
SGD 10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
SGD 3
Bread (500g)
€1
SGD 3
Eggs (12)
€2
SGD 4
Cheese (1kg)
€9
SGD 20

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€2
SGD 2
Monthly Pass
€40
SGD 120
Taxi Start
€4
SGD 4
Gasoline (1L)
€2
SGD 3

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€100
SGD 200
Internet (60 Mbps)
€35
SGD 50
Mobile Minute
€0
SGD 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lisbon to Singapore, 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 Singapore 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

Singapore

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index90
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lisbon more expensive than Singapore?

Yes, Lisbon is approximately 63.8% more expensive than Singapore overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.6x of your Singapore salary when living in Lisbon. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Singapore, you'd need about $81,897 in Lisbon for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Lisbon and Singapore?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 44%, 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?

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

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

In Lisbon, a single person needs approximately €1,252 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €2,933. In Singapore, these figures are SGD 3,277 for singles and SGD 7,220 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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