Vienna vs Lisbon: Cost, Visas & Safety
Living in Vienna vs Lisbon: Vienna runs about $1,990/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 $340/mo less all-in, Vienna scores higher for safety, and Vienna 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 $340/mo cheaper — $1,650/mo all-in vs $1,990/mo in Vienna (one person).
- Rent: lower in Lisbon ($950/mo vs $1,100/mo for a typical place).
- Safety: Vienna rates higher (94/100 for Vienna vs 82/100 for Lisbon).
- Internet: Vienna scores better for remote work (82/100 vs 75/100).
- Climate: Lisbon edges ahead (68/100 vs 85/100).
- Visa: both rated Moderate to enter — check long-stay and residency options for your passport.
- Retirement/long-stay: both have options — Vienna via the Austria Private Residence Permit, Lisbon via the Portugal D7 Visa.
- Expat community: larger and more established in Lisbon (80/100 vs 92/100).
- Families: Vienna rates safer for family life (100/100 vs 80/100 family safety).
- Local salaries: higher in Vienna (~$2,700/mo vs ~$1,400/mo average) — relevant if you'd work locally rather than remotely.
- Work-life balance: better rated in Vienna (88/100 vs 76/100).
- Sunshine: Lisbon logs about 290 sunny days a year vs 200 in Vienna.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vienna or Lisbon cheaper to live in?
Vienna costs about $1,990/month all-in for one person; Lisbon costs about $1,650/month. That makes Lisbon roughly $340/mo cheaper, though rent, food, and lifestyle choices shift the total.
How much cheaper is Lisbon than Vienna?
About $340/month for a single person — $1,650/mo in Lisbon vs $1,990/mo in Vienna, covering rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities, and everyday extras.
Which is safer, Vienna or Lisbon?
Vienna scores higher on Jonzy's safety index (94/100 for Vienna 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, Vienna or Lisbon?
For connectivity, Vienna rates higher (82/100 vs 75/100). On climate, Lisbon edges ahead (68/100 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, Vienna or Lisbon?
Vienna'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 Vienna 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.