The Hague vs Lisbon: Cost, Visas & Safety
Living in The Hague vs Lisbon: The Hague runs about $2,340/mo all-in vs $1,650/mo in Lisbon — Lisbon is cheaper. See visas, safety, internet, and climate…
Lisbon is the cheaper base — roughly $690/mo less all-in, both feel similarly safe, and The Hague 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 $690/mo cheaper — $1,650/mo all-in vs $2,340/mo in The Hague (one person).
- Rent: lower in Lisbon ($950/mo vs $1,400/mo for a typical place).
- Safety: closely matched (84/100 vs 82/100).
- Internet: The Hague scores better for remote work (90/100 vs 75/100).
- Climate: Lisbon edges ahead (62/100 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; The Hague has no comparable retirement visa.
- Families: The Hague rates safer for family life (90/100 vs 80/100 family safety).
- Local salaries: higher in The Hague (~$4,100/mo vs ~$1,400/mo average) — relevant if you'd work locally rather than remotely.
- Work-life balance: better rated in The Hague (82/100 vs 76/100).
- Sunshine: Lisbon logs about 290 sunny days a year vs 165 in The Hague.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Hague or Lisbon cheaper to live in?
The Hague costs about $2,340/month all-in for one person; Lisbon costs about $1,650/month. That makes Lisbon roughly $690/mo cheaper, though rent, food, and lifestyle choices shift the total.
How much cheaper is Lisbon than The Hague?
About $690/month for a single person — $1,650/mo in Lisbon vs $2,340/mo in The Hague, covering rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities, and everyday extras.
Which is safer, The Hague or Lisbon?
They're closely matched — 84/100 for The Hague and 82/100 for Lisbon. Neighbourhood choice matters more than the city here.
Which is better for remote work and digital nomads, The Hague or Lisbon?
For connectivity, The Hague rates higher (90/100 vs 75/100). On climate, Lisbon edges ahead (62/100 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, The Hague or Lisbon?
The Hague's visa process is rated Moderate (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 The Hague 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.