Can I Afford to Live in Boston vs Lisbon on $150K?

Here's how a $150K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Boston, MA
$8,319/mo take-home
Rent: $3,000/mo (36% of take-home)
Tight
Lisbon, PT
$6,444/mo take-home
Rent: $1,400/mo (22% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Boston
MA
Lisbon
PT
Monthly take-home (est.)
$8,319Best ✓
$6,444
1BR rent
$3,000
$1,400Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$418
$380Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$90Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$185
$90Best ✓
Internet
$70
$35Best ✓
Left after essentials
$4,556/month
$4,389/month

Frequently asked questions

Is $150K a good salary in Boston?

At $150K/year in Boston, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,319. With 1BR rent around $3,000/month, rent takes up 36% of your take-home. That's considered tight.

Is $150K a good salary in Lisbon?

At $150K/year in Lisbon, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,444. With 1BR rent around $1,400/month, rent takes up 22% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $150K salary?

Boston leaves you with more money after core expenses — $4,556/month vs $4,389/month in Lisbon.

Can I afford to live alone in Boston on $150K?

It's tight. Rent in Boston would take 36% of your $150K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Boston vs Lisbon

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$120K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only