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Chengdu vs Lisbon — Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Which city is cheaper, safer, and better for remote workers? Here's the data.

China
Cost of Living (US=100)
42
affordable
Portugal
Cost of Living (US=100)
56
mid-priced
NoodlePants Verdict — generated from live data

Chengdu edges out Lisbon on affordability with a Cost of Living index of 42 vs 56.4 (US=100; affordable vs mid-priced). Lisbon scores higher on safety (75/100), and Lisbon wins on internet at ~230 Mbps. Overall, Lisbon takes the Nomad Score crown with 82/100 — best for remote worker and eu base.

Metric
Chengdu
Lisbon
Avg Rent 1BR (city centre)
US$500
US$1,450
Avg Rent 1BR (outside centre)
US$320
US$1,050
Cost of Living (US=100)
42
56
Safety Score
70/100
75/100
Internet Speed
90 Mbps
230 Mbps
Nomad Score
62/100
82/100
Healthcare Score
70/100
79/100
Digital Nomad Visa
Not available
✓ Available

Who is each city for?

Chengdu is better for…
Remote workers
See the China country profile
Lisbon is better for…
Remote workerEU baseFoodiesMild climate
See the Portugal country profile

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