Sliema vs Lisbon: Cost, Visas & Safety
Living in Sliema vs Lisbon: Sliema runs about $2,290/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 $640/mo less all-in, Sliema scores higher for safety, and Sliema 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 $640/mo cheaper — $1,650/mo all-in vs $2,290/mo in Sliema (one person).
- Rent: lower in Lisbon ($950/mo vs $1,300/mo for a typical place).
- Safety: Sliema rates higher (88/100 for Sliema vs 82/100 for Lisbon).
- Internet: Sliema scores better for remote work (92/100 vs 75/100).
- Climate: comparable year-round (88/100 vs 85/100).
- Visa: easier to move to Sliema — Sliema's process is rated Easy, Lisbon's Moderate.
- Retirement/long-stay: both have options — Sliema via the Malta Global Residence Programme, Lisbon via the Portugal D7 Visa.
- Families: Sliema rates safer for family life (88/100 vs 80/100 family safety).
- Local salaries: higher in Sliema (~$1,600/mo vs ~$1,400/mo average) — relevant if you'd work locally rather than remotely.
- Sunshine: Sliema logs about 320 sunny days a year vs 290 in Lisbon.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sliema or Lisbon cheaper to live in?
Sliema costs about $2,290/month all-in for one person; Lisbon costs about $1,650/month. That makes Lisbon roughly $640/mo cheaper, though rent, food, and lifestyle choices shift the total.
How much cheaper is Lisbon than Sliema?
About $640/month for a single person — $1,650/mo in Lisbon vs $2,290/mo in Sliema, covering rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities, and everyday extras.
Which is safer, Sliema or Lisbon?
Sliema scores higher on Jonzy's safety index (88/100 for Sliema 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, Sliema or Lisbon?
For connectivity, Sliema rates higher (92/100 vs 75/100). On climate, they're comparable (88/100 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, Sliema or Lisbon?
Sliema'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 Sliema 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.