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Lisbon vs San Jose — Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Portugal
Cost of Living (US=100)
56
mid-priced
Costa Rica
Cost of Living (US=100)
64
mid-priced
NoodlePants Verdict — generated from live data

Lisbon edges out San Jose on affordability with a Cost of Living index of 56.4 vs 63.7 (US=100; mid-priced 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
Lisbon
San Jose
Avg Rent 1BR (city centre)
US$1,450
US$700
Avg Rent 1BR (outside centre)
US$1,050
US$500
Cost of Living (US=100)
56
64
Safety Score
75/100
55/100
Internet Speed
230 Mbps
55 Mbps
Nomad Score
82/100
7/100
Healthcare Score
79/100
68/100
Digital Nomad Visa
✓ Available
Not available

Who is each city for?

Lisbon is better for…
Remote workerEU baseFoodiesMild climate
See the Portugal country profile
San Jose is better for…
Remote workers
See the Costa Rica country profile

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