Lisbon vs London on €70,000: take-home pay, rent and cost of living in 2026
On a gross salary of €70,000 a year, a single employee takes home €3,600 a month in Lisbon (62% of gross) and £3,732 a month in London on the equivalent £59,000 (76%), after income tax and social security contributions.
London is 79% more expensive than Lisbon overall (cost-of-living index 81.6 vs 45.6, New York = 100). A one-bedroom flat in the city centre rents for about £2,145 a month in London and €1,415 in Lisbon, which leaves £1,587 and €2,185 of take-home pay after rent. Keeping the same standard of living and saving 15% of your pay would cost about £4,621 a month in London: £889 a month more than this salary pays.
By category, groceries cost 40% more in London than in Lisbon, eating out 57% more and rent 85% more.
| Lisbon | London | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary per year | €70,000 | £59,000 |
| Take-home pay per month | €3,600 | £3,732 |
| One-bedroom rent, city centre | €1,415 | £2,145 |
| Left after rent | €2,185 | £1,587 |
| Cost-of-living index (New York = 100) | 45.6 | 81.6 |
How each figure is taxed: Portugal tax calculator and United Kingdom tax calculator; prices: cost of living in Lisbon and in London. Single employee without children; rent and price data from Numbeo, refreshed monthly.
Questions about Lisbon vs London
Is London, United Kingdom more expensive than Lisbon, Portugal?
London, United Kingdom is 79% more expensive than Lisbon, Portugal overall. On a gross salary of €70,000 a year, you take home €3,600 a month in Lisbon, Portugal and £3,732 a month in London, United Kingdom after income tax and social contributions.
How much can I save living in London, United Kingdom vs Lisbon, Portugal?
Keeping the same standard of living as in Lisbon, Portugal and saving 15% of your pay would cost about £889 a month more than this salary leaves in London, United Kingdom, because of its 79% higher cost of living.
What taxes will I pay in United Kingdom vs Portugal?
On €70,000 gross a year you take home €3,600 a month in Portugal and £3,732 a month in United Kingdom. The calculation applies each country's 2026 income tax and social security rules for a single employee.