Akureyri vs Lisbon: cost of living for digital nomads
Akureyri, Iceland and Lisbon, Portugal, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Lisbon is about 8% cheaper than Akureyri for a month of nomad living ($2,500 vs $2,705).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $1,250 in Akureyri against $1,400 in Lisbon.
- Both score 9/10 on safety.
- Internet is faster in Akureyri: 200 Mbps typical against 120 Mbps.
- Akureyri is continental; Lisbon is mediterranean.
Akureyri wins 2 of the measured lines; Lisbon wins 5.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Akureyri or Lisbon?
Lisbon is cheaper: about $2,500/month against $2,705/month in Akureyri, roughly 8% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Akureyri or Lisbon?
Akureyri and Lisbon score the same on safety, 9/10 each.
Which has faster internet, Akureyri or Lisbon?
Akureyri has faster typical internet: 200 Mbps against 120 Mbps in Lisbon.
| Line | Akureyri | Lisbon |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $2,705 | $2,500 |
| Rent | $1,250 | $1,400 |
| Food | $680 | $500 |
| Transport | $65 | $45 |
| Coworking | $170 | $150 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 200 | 120 |
| Climate | continental | mediterranean |
| City size | small | metro |
| Setting | coast | coast |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 5/10 | 10/10 |
Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Akureyri September 11, 2026, Lisbon November 1, 2026.