Cost Comparison 2025

LisbonvsTel Aviv

Portugal
Israel

Overall

💰

+55.2%

Lisbon is 55.2%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+40.0%

Housing is 40.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+90.0%

Restaurants 90.0% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+70.0%

Food shopping 70.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Lisbon, Portugal and Tel Aviv, Israel reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Lisbon is more expensive than Tel Aviv by approximately 55.2%. 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 lower than in Tel Aviv by 29%. A one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon's city center costs around €1,300, while the same in Tel Aviv is approximately ₪6,000.

Dining out in Lisbon offers significant savings compared to Tel Aviv. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €10 in Lisbon versus ₪60 in Tel Aviv.

Public transportation in Lisbon is more affordable, with monthly passes at €40 compared to ₪213 in Tel Aviv.

Purchasing power in Tel Aviv 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 Tel Aviv, the same lifestyle would cost around ₪2,001. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €1,233 monthly in Lisbon versus ₪7,004 in Tel Aviv. 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
Tel Aviv, Israel

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,300
₪6,000
1BR Outside Center
€900
₪4,500
3BR City Center
€2,500
₪10,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€10
₪60
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€50
₪300
Cappuccino
€2
₪15
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€3
₪30

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
₪6
Bread (500g)
€1
₪8
Eggs (12)
€2
₪15
Cheese (1kg)
€9
₪50

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€2
₪6
Monthly Pass
€40
₪213
Taxi Start
€4
₪12
Gasoline (1L)
€2
₪8

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€100
₪550
Internet (60 Mbps)
€35
₪100
Mobile Minute
€0
₪0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lisbon to Tel Aviv, 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 Tel Aviv 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

Tel Aviv

Cost of Living Index90
Rent Index70
Purchasing Power Index85

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lisbon more expensive than Tel Aviv?

Yes, Lisbon is approximately 55.2% more expensive than Tel Aviv overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Lisbon compared to Tel Aviv?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.6x of your Tel Aviv salary when living in Lisbon. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Tel Aviv, you'd need about $77,586 in Lisbon for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Lisbon and Tel Aviv?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 47%, 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?

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

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Lisbon vs Tel Aviv?

In Lisbon, a single person needs approximately €1,252 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €2,933. In Tel Aviv, these figures are ₪6,501 for singles and ₪14,504 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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