$80K in Lisbon = $124,160 in Charleston
Your $80K salary in Lisbon (COL 63) has the same purchasing power as $124,160 in Charleston (COL 97). Charleston is more expensive — you'd need 55% more to maintain the same lifestyle.
Budget breakdown — $80K in both cities
What $80K actually buys you in each city after taxes and core expenses.
| Expense | Lisbon $80K | Charleston $80K (same salary) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $3,723 | $4,643 |
| 1BR rent | $1,400 | $1,900 |
| Groceries | $380 | $376 |
| Transport | $150 | $55 |
| Utilities | $90 | $162 |
| Internet | $35 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $1,668/month | $2,087/month |
Frequently asked questions
What is $80K in Lisbon equivalent to in Charleston?
$80K in Lisbon (COL index 63) has the same purchasing power as $124,160 in Charleston (COL index 97). That's 55% more than your current salary.
If I move from Lisbon to Charleston keeping my $80K salary, will I be better off?
Not necessarily. Core expenses in Charleston are higher, so on the same $80K salary you'd have $419 less per month. You'd need to earn $124,160 to maintain the same standard of living.
How is the salary equivalent calculated?
The equivalent salary is calculated by multiplying your current salary by the ratio of the two cities' overall cost of living indices: $80K × (97 ÷ 63) = $124,160. This adjusts for differences in housing, food, transport, and general cost of living.
Other salary amounts — Lisbon to Charleston
Equivalency uses overall COL index ratio. Take-home uses simplified federal/state brackets. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only