Moving from Madison to Lisbon (2026)
Lisbon has a COL index of 63 vs 97 for Madison (100 = US average). You'd pay about 36% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Lisbon to match your Madison lifestyle
Based on the 36% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Madison | Equivalent in Lisbon |
|---|---|
| $40K | $25,773 |
| $50K | $32,216 |
| $60K | $38,660 |
| $75K | $48,325 |
| $80K | $51,546 |
| $100K | $64,433 |
| $120K | $77,320 |
| $150K | $96,649 |
Adjust your salary
Monthly budget at $75K — Madison vs Lisbon
| Expense | Madison | Lisbon |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,259 | $3,491 |
| 1BR rent | $1,650 | $1,400 |
| Groceries | $384 | $380 |
| Transport | $62 | $150 |
| Utilities | $162 | $90 |
| Internet | $63 | $35 |
| Left after essentials | $1,938 | $1,436 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $266 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Madison — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lisbon cheaper than Madison?
Yes. Lisbon has a cost of living index of 63 vs 97 for Madison (100 = US average). That's about 36% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Madison to Lisbon?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in Lisbon run about $519/month more than Madison. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in Lisbon to match my Madison lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Madison, you'd need roughly $48,325/year in Lisbon. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only