What Is a Good Salary in Lisbon in 2026?
A good salary in Lisbon in 2026 is around 38 000 € gross per year — roughly 27 541 € after tax (2295 €/month). That puts you comfortably above the city's median salary of about 22 000 € and covers typical living costs of roughly 2000 €/month with room to save.
Portugal's median salary is among the lowest in Western Europe (~€22,000 gross), yet Lisbon rents have converged with much richer capitals — a €1,300 one-bedroom against a €1,350 median net month. This mismatch is why remote workers on foreign salaries and IFICI-qualified expats experience a completely different city than local earners.
Salary levels in Lisbon (2026)
Gross benchmarks from national statistics and salary surveys; net figures calculated with 2026 Portugal tax brackets and social contributions.
What a good salary actually buys in Lisbon
Typical monthly costs for a single professional in Lisbon — city-centre one-bedroom rent, groceries, eating out, transport, and utilities — add up to roughly 2000 €. On the comfortable benchmark of 38 000 € gross, your net month of 2295 € leaves about 295 € for savings, travel, and everything else. On the median salary of 22 000 €, the margin narrows to -562 € per month.
Tech professionals at international companies and IFICI/NHR expats commonly earn €45,000–€80,000+, two to four times the local median.
See the full cost of living breakdown for Lisbon →Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good salary in Lisbon in 2026?
A good salary in Lisbon in 2026 is around 38 000 € gross per year — roughly 27 541 € after tax (2295 €/month). That puts you comfortably above the city's median salary of about 22 000 € and covers typical living costs of roughly 2000 €/month with room to save.
What is the median salary in Lisbon?
The median gross salary in Lisbon is approximately 22 000 € per year in 2026, which works out to about 17 256 € after income tax and social security (1438 €/month net).
Is 35 000 € a good salary in Lisbon?
Yes — 35 000 € places you in the top 25% of earners in Lisbon. After tax it leaves approximately 25 747 € per year (2146 €/month), an effective tax rate of 26.4%.