Data Engineer salary: Lisbon vs Stockholm (2026)

Stockholm pays Data Engineers 1671% more than Lisbon at the mid-level band — a median of kr 673k vs €38k.

Estimates based on public benchmarks and modelled data. How we calculate →

Median salary gap
1671%
Stockholm wins by kr 635k/yr at mid-level
2026 · Gross annual base

Lisbon

Median (mid-level)
€38k
Typical range (p25–p75)
€28k€53k
Senior median
€65k
Junior median
€20k

Stockholm

Higher pay
Median (mid-level)
kr 673k
Typical range (p25–p75)
kr 551kkr 836k
Senior median
kr 1.0M
Junior median
kr 397k

Lisbon vs Stockholm — the verdict

Stockholm pays Data Engineers a median of kr 673k per year, around 1671% more than Lisbon's €38k. That's roughly kr 635k of additional gross base pay every year for the same role at the mid-level band.

The premium narrows once you factor in cost of living, tax, and housing. Lisbon often delivers stronger real purchasing power, especially for early-career professionals — and the local market is typically less competitive.

Use the CompVerdict offer checker below to test a specific offer against either city's market. A strong offer sits above the p75; a fair offer lands near the median; below p25 there's a clear case to negotiate.

Data Engineer salary by experience band

BandLisbonStockholmGap
Junior€20kkr 397k1885%
Mid-level€38kkr 673k1671%
Senior€65kkr 1.0M1481%

Medians shown. Gap is computed against the lower-paying city at each band.

Got an offer in either city?

Knowing the gap is step one. The real question is where your specific offer sits within Lisbon's or Stockholm's range. If your offer is in the bottom 30% for the role and city, there's a strong case to push back.

Use the CompVerdict tool to get your verdict instantly. No signup. You'll also get a ready-to-send negotiation script based on the local market.

Check an offer →

Frequently asked questions

Which city pays more for Data Engineers — Lisbon or Stockholm?

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Stockholm pays more. The median Data Engineer salary in Stockholm is kr 673k vs €38k in Lisbon — a 1671% gap at the mid-level band. Lisbon median is €38k; Stockholm median is kr 673k.

What's the salary gap between Lisbon and Stockholm for Data Engineers?

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At the mid-level (3–5 years experience) band, Stockholm pays 1671% more than Lisbon for Data Engineers. The absolute difference is roughly kr 635k per year on the median. Junior and senior bands shift the gap slightly, but the direction is consistent.

Which is better for senior Data Engineers — Lisbon or Stockholm?

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Senior Data Engineers earn kr 1.0M median in Stockholm vs €65k in Lisbon. Stockholm maintains its lead at the senior band, often widening as total comp (equity, bonus) compounds with seniority. Lisbon can still close the gap when you adjust for cost of living.

Are Lisbon and Stockholm salaries cost-of-living adjusted?

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No — these are gross annual base salary figures. Stockholm typically has higher living costs alongside its higher pay. To see how either salary translates into rent affordability, use SpendVerdict; for savings potential, use PathVerdict. The headline gap of 1671% narrows significantly once you adjust for housing, tax, and lifestyle costs.

Salary estimates are based on public benchmarks and modelled data. They represent gross annual base salary and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits. Read our methodology →