Lisbon is a charming city with great weather and plenty of activities for the average tourist. But beyond heading over to the capital of Portugal for a quick break, Lisbon is also attracting an increasing number of digital nomads in recent years.
Digital nomads are a steadily growing group of professionals who forego slogging through the traditional 9 to 5. Instead, they spend their lives searching for employment opportunities that afford them more flexibility and adventure.
Digital nomads tend to prefer serviced homes for their stay. If you are a nomad in Portugal, furnished rentals of Lisbon could provide a great solution. Now let’s have a quick look at the pros and cons of settling down in this city.
Here’s a fun fact about Lisbon: even though it is not located in the Mediterranean, it enjoys the same warm and sunny climate for most of the year. You will not have to worry about snow during the winters, but it still gets cool and wet during those months.
Since the weather is ideal for spending time outdoors, this means that the city has plenty of natural spaces to offer for digital nomads. If you are the kind of person who enjoys working in open areas, you can look forward to the wide variety of beaches and parks around Lisbon.
Nothing sparks creatively more than living in a place with plenty of history. Digital nomads often work in creative jobs and industries. You will find plenty of inspiration from the city’s museums, historical sites, and cultural landmarks.
Lisbon also has a vibrant music and arts scene, with plenty of festivals and events scheduled throughout the year.
Portuguese people, in general, are known for being warm and hospitable. If you are just starting out your career as a digital nomad, this is the ideal place to start because the locals are used to interacting with tourists and other foreigners. They will be more than happy to help you settle in and get you up to speed with their culture.
Lisbon has an extensive and efficient network of transportation systems that you can use to get from one place to another. Beyond the area, it is also part of a system of buses, trams, and trains that connect the city to other parts of Europe.
The city also has a thriving community of freelancers who have already established themselves in the area. As a result, there are many coworking spaces and cafes with strong internet connection for digital nomads who plan on finishing a little work around the city.
Finally, digital nomads live and die by the strength of their internet connection. The government of Portugal has invested heavily in a strong internet infrastructure, with consistently high speeds and reliable coverage across Lisbon. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere between €30 and €40 per month, depending on your chosen service provider and whether wifi is a part of your rental bills. This is roughly the same amount you would spend for internet in other capitals around Europe.
The cost of living is widely considered to be lower in Lisbon than in other major European cities. It is estimated that for a single digital nomad, €1,200 per month should be enough to cover the following expenses:
As a major European city, capital of Portugal, and tourist destination, some places are overcrowded—especially during peak travel seasons. This is not the best area to consider for digital nomads who want a more relaxed pace of life.
Along that train of thought, noise levels may also be an issue for those who are sensitive to sound. After all, Lisbon is a bustling city. Some places can get a little rowdy, especially during the evenings and weekends. Your best option would be to live away from the city center or in the more rural neighborhoods, so that you can still balance the need for quiet working time with the active city life.
Lisbon is the second most expensive city to buy a home in Southern Europe. It has overtaken other cities like Milan, Madrid, and Barcelona. If you are just starting out in your career as a digital nomad, we strongly recommend looking for people who you can share an apartment with or other coliving spaces. This way, you can split the cost of rent and utilities with other like-minded individuals. It is also a great way to make new friends in the city.