London vs Lisbon: Cost, Visas & Safety
Living in London vs Lisbon: London runs about $3,400/mo all-in vs $1,650/mo in Lisbon — Lisbon is cheaper. See visas, safety, internet, and climate side…
Lisbon is the cheaper base — roughly $1,750/mo less all-in, both feel similarly safe, and London has the better-rated internet. Which one wins depends on your income, passport, and what you value most.
How they compare
- Cost of living: Lisbon is about $1,750/mo cheaper — $1,650/mo all-in vs $3,400/mo in London (one person).
- Rent: lower in Lisbon ($950/mo vs $2,200/mo for a typical place).
- Safety: closely matched (78/100 vs 82/100).
- Internet: London scores better for remote work (88/100 vs 75/100).
- Climate: Lisbon edges ahead (55/100 vs 85/100).
- Visa: both rated Moderate to enter — check long-stay and residency options for your passport.
- Retirement/long-stay: Lisbon offers the Portugal D7 Visa; London has no comparable retirement visa.
- Families: Lisbon rates safer for family life (70/100 vs 80/100 family safety).
- Local salaries: higher in London (~$3,300/mo vs ~$1,400/mo average) — relevant if you'd work locally rather than remotely.
- Work-life balance: better rated in Lisbon (62/100 vs 76/100).
- Sunshine: Lisbon logs about 290 sunny days a year vs 150 in London.
Frequently asked questions
Is London or Lisbon cheaper to live in?
London costs about $3,400/month all-in for one person; Lisbon costs about $1,650/month. That makes Lisbon roughly $1,750/mo cheaper, though rent, food, and lifestyle choices shift the total.
How much cheaper is Lisbon than London?
About $1,750/month for a single person — $1,650/mo in Lisbon vs $3,400/mo in London, covering rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities, and everyday extras.
Which is safer, London or Lisbon?
They're closely matched — 78/100 for London and 82/100 for Lisbon. Neighbourhood choice matters more than the city here.
Which is better for remote work and digital nomads, London or Lisbon?
For connectivity, London rates higher (88/100 vs 75/100). On climate, Lisbon edges ahead (55/100 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, London or Lisbon?
London's visa process is rated Moderate (about 8 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 London 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.