City comparison

Lisbon vs Madrid

Madrid scores higher on salary; Lisbon has a lower cost of living. Compare Lisbon and Madrid on earnings, rent pressure, career opportunity, and 3-year financial impact.

Overall verdict

Madrid scores higher overall

You gain savings and career upside in Madrid

How they compare

If you want to save more

LisbonOverall fitMadrid
28 / 44+16 Madrid
LisbonSavingsMadrid
30 / 42+12 Madrid
LisbonCareerMadrid
42 / 52+10 Madrid
LisbonLow pressureMadrid
10 / 43+33 Madrid

If you want career growth

LisbonOverall fitMadrid
33 / 48+15 Madrid
LisbonSavingsMadrid
30 / 42+12 Madrid
LisbonCareerMadrid
42 / 52+10 Madrid
LisbonLow pressureMadrid
10 / 43+33 Madrid

If you want better balance

LisbonOverall fitMadrid
44 / 57+13 Madrid
LisbonSavingsMadrid
30 / 42+12 Madrid
LisbonCareerMadrid
42 / 52+10 Madrid
LisbonLow pressureMadrid
10 / 43+33 Madrid

Financial impact: moving from Lisbon to Madrid

Based on a representative $80,000 USD salary. Not tax-adjusted.

+$2,667
Monthly
+$32,004
1 year
+$96,012
3 years

Moving from Lisbon to Madrid: trade-offs

You gain

+Stronger savings potential — Madrid scores 12 points higher on savings capacity
++$2,667/mo estimated net gain — $32,004 over the first year
+Higher career ceiling — Madrid has stronger job market depth and salary upside
+Less financial pressure — lower rent-to-income ratio means more breathing room

Lisbon

PT
Salary index
30
Cost index
50
Rent pressure
90
Opportunity
48

Madrid

ES
Salary index
42
Cost index
50
Rent pressure
57
Opportunity
58

Get a personalised verdict for your salary

The comparison above uses a representative salary. Enter yours for an accurate picture.

Compare with my salary →