Moving from Raleigh to Lisbon (2026)

Lisbon has a COL index of 63 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). You'd pay about 38% less for the same lifestyle.

Save ~$669/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
101 โ†’ 63
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,700 โ†’ $1,400
per month
State tax
4.5% โ†’ 20%
income tax
COL difference
101 โ†’ 63
38% cheaper

Salary needed in Lisbon to match your Raleigh lifestyle

Based on the 38% cost of living decrease between the two cities.

Your salary in RaleighEquivalent in Lisbon
$40K$24,752
$50K$30,941
$60K$37,129
$75K$46,411
$80K$49,505
$100K$61,881
$120K$74,257
$150K$92,822

Adjust your salary

Save ~$290/moon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Raleigh vs Lisbon

ExpenseRaleighLisbon
Monthly take-home$4,459$3,491
1BR rent$1,700$1,400
Groceries$365$380
Transport$70$150
Utilities$150$90
Internet$60$35
Left after essentials$2,114$1,436

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $290 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$353,792

over 30 years compared to staying in Raleigh โ€” that's the real price of a city.

$290/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Lisbon cheaper than Raleigh?

Yes. Lisbon has a cost of living index of 63 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). That's about 38% cheaper.

How much will I save moving from Raleigh to Lisbon?

On a $75K salary, core expenses in Lisbon run about $669/month more than Raleigh. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.

What salary do I need in Lisbon to match my Raleigh lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Raleigh, you'd need roughly $46,411/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 ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only