Where Does Your Money Go Furthest in Europe?
Updated 4 June 2026
Not all European cities are equal when it comes to your wallet. Find out which city gives you the best quality of life for your salary level.
The answer might surprise you
If you asked most professionals which European city offers the best financial quality of life, many would guess London or Dublin — after all, both cities are famous for high salaries in tech and finance. But once you factor in taxes and rent, the picture changes dramatically.
For the majority of salary ranges from €40,000 to €100,000, Lisbon and Berlin consistently rank as the cities where your money goes furthest. Lower rent, lower taxes (in Lisbon's case), and broadly similar living costs to the other cities make them surprisingly strong choices for professionals who have location flexibility.
Lisbon: Europe's best-value capital?
Lisbon has attracted enormous international attention over the past five years, driven by the digital nomad boom, Portugal's NHR tax regime (now reformed), and genuine quality of life. While rents have risen sharply in the city centre, they remain well below Dublin or London. Combined with Portugal's relatively low income tax rates, Lisbon typically leaves workers with more disposable income than any other city in this comparison.
The tradeoff is salary level. Locally-sourced salaries in Lisbon are often lower than in Northern European cities. For remote workers or those with a salary pegged to a higher-cost city, Lisbon can be exceptionally good value. For those relying on local employment, the salary difference may erode some of the cost-of-living advantage.
Berlin: affordable for a major European capital
Berlin punches well above its weight for a city of its size and global profile. Rents, while rising, remain lower than most comparable European capitals. Germany's social infrastructure — healthcare, transport, childcare — reduces the need for large out-of-pocket expenses that can eat into disposable income elsewhere.
Germany's tech and startup ecosystem also means competitive salaries are available locally, which isn't always the case in Lisbon. For those working in Berlin-based roles, the combination of decent salaries and moderate living costs makes it a genuinely attractive option.
Dublin and London: high salaries, high costs
Dublin and London attract the highest gross salaries in this comparison, but they also have the highest rents and, in Dublin's case, the highest effective tax rate. For many salary levels, the monthly surplus in Dublin and London is lower than in Berlin or Lisbon, despite the nominally higher pay.
This doesn't mean they're bad choices — career opportunities, language, and professional networks in these cities can be unparalleled. But if maximising your monthly surplus or savings rate is a priority, the numbers rarely favour Dublin or London over the more affordable alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Which European city has the most disposable income for professionals?
For most salary ranges from €40,000 to €100,000, Lisbon ranks first and Berlin second for monthly disposable income among the five cities covered here. Lisbon's combination of low income tax (around 28% effective) and moderate rents means more of your salary survives to the end of the month. Berlin benefits primarily from low rents relative to a major European capital.
Is Lisbon actually affordable for expats in 2025?
It depends on how you measure it. Lisbon rents have risen sharply since 2019 and can be a significant burden at local salaries. However, for those earning salaries from remote work or international roles, Lisbon still offers excellent value — rents remain well below Dublin or London, and Portugal's income tax rates are among the lowest in Western Europe at roughly 28% effective for middle earners.
What salary do you need to save money comfortably in Europe?
In Lisbon or Berlin, you can typically save meaningfully on gross salaries from €40,000 upwards, assuming city-centre renting. In Amsterdam or London, €55,000–€65,000 is a more common starting point before you have genuine savings capacity. In Dublin, due to high tax and rent, many professionals need €65,000–€70,000 before feeling financially comfortable with room to save.
Is it worth moving from London to Berlin purely for financial reasons?
For many remote workers, the numbers do support it. A €70,000 remote worker could find themselves with €400–€600 more per month in Berlin than in London, primarily due to lower rent. However, this excludes career factors, social ties, and the salary premium that London roles often carry. Use the comparison tool above to see the specific figures for your salary before making any decision.