Machine Learning Engineer salary: Lisbon vs Singapore (2026)

Singapore pays Machine Learning Engineers 200% more than Lisbon at the mid-level band — a median of S$128k vs €43k.

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

Median salary gap
200%
Singapore wins by S$85k/yr at mid-level
2026 · Gross annual base

Lisbon

Median (mid-level)
€43k
Typical range (p25–p75)
€31k€59k
Senior median
€72k
Junior median
€22k

Singapore

Higher pay
Median (mid-level)
S$128k
Typical range (p25–p75)
S$100kS$164k
Senior median
S$199k
Junior median
S$72k

Lisbon vs Singapore — the verdict

Singapore pays Machine Learning Engineers a median of S$128k per year, around 200% more than Lisbon's €43k. That's roughly S$85k 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.

Machine Learning Engineer salary by experience band

BandLisbonSingaporeGap
Junior€22kS$72k223%
Mid-level€43kS$128k200%
Senior€72kS$199k176%

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 Singapore'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 Machine Learning Engineers — Lisbon or Singapore?

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Singapore pays more. The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in Singapore is S$128k vs €43k in Lisbon — a 200% gap at the mid-level band. Lisbon median is €43k; Singapore median is S$128k.

What's the salary gap between Lisbon and Singapore for Machine Learning Engineers?

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At the mid-level (3–5 years experience) band, Singapore pays 200% more than Lisbon for Machine Learning Engineers. The absolute difference is roughly S$85k per year on the median. Junior and senior bands shift the gap slightly, but the direction is consistent.

Which is better for senior Machine Learning Engineers — Lisbon or Singapore?

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Senior Machine Learning Engineers earn S$199k median in Singapore vs €72k in Lisbon. Singapore 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 Singapore salaries cost-of-living adjusted?

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No — these are gross annual base salary figures. Singapore 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 200% 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 →