Cost of Living: Berlin vs Lisbon
Living in Berlin costs about $2,150 a month for a single person, compared with $1,860 in Lisbon. That makes Lisbon roughly 13% cheaper overall. The biggest driver is rent: a one-bed flat in the city centre runs about $1,400 in Berlin against $1,200 in Lisbon. These are monthly estimates for one person, before flights, visa fees or one-off setup costs.
Monthly cost breakdown
| Category | Berlin | Lisbon |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city centre) | $1,400 | $1,200 |
| Groceries (monthly household) | $320 | $300 |
| Transport (monthly public transit pass) | $90 | $50 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, internet) | $130 | $130 |
| Dining Out (~8 meals / month) | $210 | $180 |
| Monthly total | $2,150 | $1,860 |
Annual estimate
| City | Monthly total | Annual estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | $2,150 | $25,800 |
| Lisbon | $1,860 | $22,320 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Berlin more expensive than Lisbon?
Berlin is the more expensive of the two. A single person spends about $2,150 a month there, against $1,860 in Lisbon, a difference of roughly 13%. Rent is the largest part of that gap.
How much is rent in Berlin?
A one-bed flat in or near the Berlin city centre is estimated at about $1,400 a month. That sits inside a total monthly cost of living of around $2,150 for a single person.
What does this cost of living estimate include?
The monthly figure covers five essentials: rent for a one-bed flat, groceries, public transport, utilities such as electricity, water and internet, and dining out around eight times a month. It excludes flights, visa fees and one-off setup costs.
Are these numbers in US dollars?
Yes. Every figure on this page is a monthly estimate in US dollars. Use the free cost of living calculator to convert the totals into pounds, euros, naira or your own currency.
How current is this data?
The estimates were last verified on 2026-05-21 using Numbeo cost of living indices and spot exchange rates. Cost of living figures are reviewed roughly every quarter, so treat them as a planning guide rather than an exact quote.
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