Ljubljana vs Lisbon: Cost, Visas & Safety
Living in Ljubljana vs Lisbon: Ljubljana runs about $1,390/mo all-in vs $1,650/mo in Lisbon — Ljubljana is cheaper. See visas, safety, internet, and…
Ljubljana is the cheaper base — roughly $260/mo less all-in, Ljubljana scores higher for safety, and Ljubljana has the better-rated internet. Which one wins depends on your income, passport, and what you value most.
How they compare
- Cost of living: Ljubljana is about $260/mo cheaper — $1,390/mo all-in vs $1,650/mo in Lisbon (one person).
- Rent: lower in Ljubljana ($750/mo vs $950/mo for a typical place).
- Safety: Ljubljana rates higher (90/100 for Ljubljana vs 82/100 for Lisbon).
- Internet: Ljubljana scores better for remote work (80/100 vs 75/100).
- Climate: Lisbon edges ahead (65/100 vs 85/100).
- Visa: easier to move to Ljubljana — Ljubljana's process is rated Easy, Lisbon's Moderate.
- Retirement/long-stay: both have options — Ljubljana via the Slovenia Temporary Residence Permit, Lisbon via the Portugal D7 Visa.
- Expat community: larger and more established in Lisbon (65/100 vs 92/100).
- Families: Ljubljana rates safer for family life (90/100 vs 80/100 family safety).
- Local salaries: higher in Ljubljana (~$1,600/mo vs ~$1,400/mo average) — relevant if you'd work locally rather than remotely.
- Work-life balance: better rated in Ljubljana (82/100 vs 76/100).
- Sunshine: Lisbon logs about 290 sunny days a year vs 200 in Ljubljana.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ljubljana or Lisbon cheaper to live in?
Ljubljana costs about $1,390/month all-in for one person; Lisbon costs about $1,650/month. That makes Ljubljana roughly $260/mo cheaper, though rent, food, and lifestyle choices shift the total.
How much cheaper is Ljubljana than Lisbon?
About $260/month for a single person — $1,390/mo in Ljubljana vs $1,650/mo in Lisbon, covering rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities, and everyday extras.
Which is safer, Ljubljana or Lisbon?
Ljubljana scores higher on Jonzy's safety index (90/100 for Ljubljana vs 82/100 for Lisbon). Both are catalog averages — feelings of safety also vary by neighbourhood and time of day.
Which is better for remote work and digital nomads, Ljubljana or Lisbon?
For connectivity, Ljubljana rates higher (80/100 vs 75/100). On climate, Lisbon edges ahead (65/100 vs 85/100). Jonzy scores both against your income, passport, and priorities so you see which fits your setup.
Which is easier to get a visa for, Ljubljana or Lisbon?
Ljubljana's visa process is rated Easy (about 6 weeks); Lisbon's is rated Moderate (about 9 weeks). Your passport changes the answer — run a visa check for both in Jonzy.
Can I compare Ljubljana and Lisbon for my situation?
Yes, open Jonzy, enter your income and passport, and get personalised Life Upgrade Scores for both cities. You can also share a side-by-side comparison link with a partner.