City Guide 2026
Portugal
Living in Lisbon
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in Lisbon, Portugal.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$1,895
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
70/100
Low crime
Avg Temperature
17°C
63°F average
Tourist Visa
90 days
DN visa available
Internet Speed
115 Mbps
Fast
Cost of Living in Lisbon
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1,200 | $780 |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,100 | $1,365 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$350/month
Healthcare
$180/month
Utilities
$120/month
Transport
$45/month
Climate in Lisbon
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
11°
Feb
12°
Mar
14°
Apr
15°
May
18°
Jun
21°
Jul
24°
Aug
24°
Sep
22°
Oct
18°
Nov
14°
Dec
12°
Air Quality (AQI)
28
Excellent
Avg Rain Days/mo
7
days per month
Beach Distance
15 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
30 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in Lisbon
Walkability
82/100
Internet Speed
115 Mbps
Cultural Score
85/100
Nightlife
75/100
Outdoor Activities
80/100
English Proficiency
72/100
Expat Community
large
Transit Quality
good
Coworking Spaces
85+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
good
Visa & Immigration in Portugal
| Visa Type | Status | Duration | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Available | 90 days | Standard passport |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Available | 12 months | Min $3,510/month income |
| Investment Visa | Available | Available | Min $500,000 investment |
Residency Pathway
D7 visa -> 5yr permanent residency -> citizenship
Tax Overview in Portugal
Tax System
Worldwide (taxes global income)
Tax residency threshold: 183 days/year · Treaty network: excellent
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 28% |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 28% |
| Dividend Tax | 28% |
| Interest Income | 28% |
| Wealth Tax | None |
| Crypto Gains | 28% |
| Exit Tax | No |
| Estate Tax | No |
Special Regime: NHR 2.0
Flat rate: 20% for 10 years
Requirements: New resident, not taxed in PT in prior 5 years
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in Lisbon costs approximately $1,895-3,032/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $1,200/month.
Is Lisbon safe for expats?
Lisbon has a safety index of 70/100 (higher is safer). Lisbon has moderate safety levels. Standard precautions are recommended, especially at night in less-trafficked areas. Healthcare quality is rated 78/100.
What is the weather like in Lisbon?
Lisbon has an average annual temperature of 17°C (63°F). The warmest months reach 24°C and the coolest drop to 11°C. Air quality is excellent with an average AQI of 28.
What is the internet speed in Lisbon?
Average internet speed in Lisbon is 115 Mbps, which is excellent for remote work and video calls. There are 85+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in Portugal?
Portugal uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 28% (long-term) and dividends at 28%. There is no wealth tax. Tax residency kicks in after 183 days/year. A special regime (NHR 2.0) may offer reduced rates.
Can I get a digital nomad visa in Lisbon?
Yes, Portugal offers a digital nomad visa valid for 12 months with a minimum income requirement of $3,510/month. The residency pathway is: D7 visa -> 5yr permanent residency -> citizenship.
Is Lisbon good for digital nomads?
Lisbon has fast internet at 115 Mbps, a large expat community, and 85+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is high at 72/100. The cost of living index is 48/100 (NYC = 100), making it moderately priced for remote workers.
Compare Lisbon with other cities
See what your money actually buys across housing, food, healthcare, and more with our lifestyle purchasing power tool.