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

Lisbon's cost of living dwarfs that of Tehran, with an index difference of 77.2 points. Lisbon's index stands at 100, while Tehran's is a significantly lower 22.8, indicating a stark difference in purchasing power. While Tehran offers substantially lower prices for essentials like groceries and public transport, Lisbon remains more expensive across the board for most day-to-day expenses, including dining out and general household goods.

The quality of life gap between the two cities is equally pronounced. Lisbon provides a superior environment, boasting a much more comfortable climate (index 70.0 vs. 71.0), significantly cleaner air (pollution index 31.0 vs. 80.4), and vastly shorter commute times (12.0 vs. 52.9). Critically, Lisbon is far safer, with a property crime index of just 10.0 compared to Tehran's alarming 80.0. This translates to much better air quality, climate comfort, and safety in Lisbon.

Economically, Lisbon is in a vastly different league. Its GDP per capita is over seven times higher ($54,000 vs. $7,000), and the average monthly net salary is nearly double ($2,500 vs. $850). Furthermore, Lisbon benefits from a significantly lower mortgage interest rate (2.9% vs. 24.5%), making property ownership considerably more accessible despite its higher overall cost structure.

The housing disparity is particularly stark. Lisbon's property price-to-income ratio is a manageable 10.0, whereas Tehran's is a much higher 27.6. This means housing costs in Lisbon, while high, are proportionally less burdensome than they are in Tehran, contributing to the city's overall higher cost-of-living index.

Ultimately, the choice between Lisbon and Tehran hinges on priorities. Tehran presents a dramatically more affordable option for basic living expenses, but this comes at the cost of significant drawbacks in environmental quality, safety, and commute times. Lisbon offers a higher standard of living with demonstrably better environmental conditions, safety, and climate, albeit at a substantially higher financial cost.