Rent to Income Ratio Lisbon 2024 | Affordability Data

The rent to income ratio in Lisbon has become one of the most closely watched affordability metrics in Southern Europe. Using 2024 data from INE Portugal and the Confidencial Imobiliário rental index, this page breaks down what renters at different income levels are actually spending on housing.

What the Typical Renter Pays in Lisbon

Monthly rents in Lisbon span a wide range depending on property type and location. The lowest 10% of the market sits at around 950 per month, the median rent is 1,650, and the top 10% reaches 2,900 per month. These figures are expressed in local currency and are drawn from the INE Portugal and Confidencial Imobiliário rental index for 2024. The spread between the 10th and 90th percentile is significant — renters at the upper end of the market pay more than three times those at the lower end, reflecting sharp variation across Lisbon's neighbourhoods.

Rent to Income Ratio: Where Do Lisbon Renters Stand?

The rent to income ratio Lisbon data reveals a city where housing costs consume a substantial share of household budgets. At the 25th percentile of the income distribution, renters spend around 32% of their income on rent — already above the widely cited 30% affordability threshold. The median renter allocates 46% of income to housing, and those at the 75th percentile of the rent burden spend as much as 62%. These figures indicate that for a large portion of Lisbon residents, rent is not just a major expense but a dominant one. Note that income data for Lisbon carries some limitations, so these ratios should be treated as indicative rather than precise.

How to Interpret These Ratios

The 30% rule — spending no more than 30% of gross income on rent — is a common benchmark used by financial planners and landlords alike. By that standard, only renters in the lower portion of Lisbon's market are close to affordable territory, with the 25th percentile ratio sitting at 32%. The median ratio of 46% means the typical Lisbon renter is spending nearly half their income on housing, leaving limited room for savings, transport, and other essentials. The 62% figure at the 75th percentile points to a segment of the population under severe housing cost pressure. For a broader look at average costs, see Average Rent in Lisbon 2026.

Lisbon vs. Other European Cities

Lisbon's rent-to-income ratios are notably high compared to some other European markets. Cities with stronger wage growth or more regulated rental sectors tend to show lower burden ratios. For comparison, you can explore affordability data for Average Rent in Berlin 2026 and Average Rent in Frankfurt 2026 to see how Lisbon's housing costs stack up against major German cities, where rental regulation has historically kept burden ratios lower.

Data Notes and Confidence

The rent benchmarks on this page are sourced from INE Portugal and the Confidencial Imobiliário rental index, covering 2024. Income data for Lisbon is limited in granularity, and the overall confidence rating for these figures is low. The rent-to-income ratios presented here should be used as directional indicators rather than precise measurements. Users assessing their own affordability should input their actual income and rent figures into a calculator for a personalised result.

Use the SpendVerdict rent affordability calculator to see exactly what share of your income your Lisbon rent represents.