Lisbon vs. Cologne: Detailed 2026 Comparison

# Lisbon vs. Cologne: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Quality of Life

Climate Index

98.6 / 84.9

Cost of Living Index

53.7 / 71.6

Lisbon   Cologne

Cologne scores significantly higher across most quality metrics, particularly safety and climate. With a Quality of Life Index of 183.89 compared to Lisbon's 149.33, Cologne offers a more favorable living environment perception. The city demonstrates superior safety metrics and a more temperate climate. Lisbon lags notably in safety and climate indices, though it still registers above average in these areas. Healthcare quality is comparable between the two cities, with Cologne scoring slightly higher (72.27 vs. 72.27). Environmental quality shows Lisbon has a slight edge with a lower Pollution Index (37.09 vs. 37.09).

Cost of Living

Health Care Index

72.4 / 72.3

Pollution Index

37.7 / 37.1

Lisbon   Cologne

Cologne presents a higher cost of living overall, particularly for groceries, dining, and transportation. Basic groceries cost approximately 2.3 times more in Cologne than Lisbon. Dining expenses are also significantly higher, with a mid-range meal for two costing nearly 3 times more in Cologne. While daily transportation costs are slightly higher in Cologne, utilities and childcare costs show more modest differences. The purchasing power index confirms Cologne has a substantially higher cost of living, indicating that salaries in Cologne need to be significantly higher to maintain a comparable standard of living.

Transportation

Property Price to Income Ratio

19.1 / 8.6

Purchasing Power Index

71.6 / 145

Lisbon   Cologne

Cologne demonstrates slightly longer commute times (36.71 vs. 36.71 minutes) but significantly higher public transportation costs. A monthly pass for public transport in Cologne costs nearly double that of Lisbon. While car ownership might be more prevalent in Lisbon due to its geography, the public transport system in Cologne is more expensive. Both cities show similar taxi fares and gasoline costs when adjusted for purchasing power.

Salaries & Finances

Quality of Life Index

157.1 / 183.9

Safety Index

67 / 55.1

Lisbon   Cologne

Cologne offers substantially higher compensation for workers. The average monthly net salary in Cologne is approximately 55% higher than in Lisbon. This significant salary differential helps offset the higher cost of living in Cologne. Both cities feature similar mortgage interest rates (3.75% vs. 3.75%), though property prices in Cologne are considerably higher. The GDP per capita is significantly higher in Cologne (€63

Traffic Commute Time Index

34.6 / 36.7

Lisbon   Cologne