Cost of Living Guide Cost of Living in Lisbon vs Barcelona: Which City Offers Better Value? Lisbon and Barcelona are two of Europe’s most popular cities for remote workers, digital nomads, and long-term travelers. A few years ago, Lisbon was clearly the cheaper choice. Today, the difference is much smaller. Quick Answer Barcelona is usually slightly more expensive overall, but Lisbon is no longer the low-cost alternative it used to be. The biggest pressure point in both cities is rent. For many people, Barcelona may now offer better value when apartment quality, public transport, and big-city infrastructure are considered together.