Amsterdam vs Lisbon: cost of living for digital nomads
Amsterdam, Netherlands 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 24% cheaper than Amsterdam for a month of nomad living ($2,500 vs $3,290).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $1,400 in Lisbon against $1,800 in Amsterdam.
- Lisbon scores higher on safety (9/10 vs 8/10).
- Internet is faster in Amsterdam: 200 Mbps typical against 120 Mbps.
- Amsterdam is temperate; Lisbon is mediterranean.
Amsterdam wins 1 of the measured lines; Lisbon wins 7.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Amsterdam or Lisbon?
Lisbon is cheaper: about $2,500/month against $3,290/month in Amsterdam, roughly 24% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Amsterdam or Lisbon?
Lisbon scores higher on safety: 9/10 against 8/10 for Amsterdam.
Which has faster internet, Amsterdam or Lisbon?
Amsterdam has faster typical internet: 200 Mbps against 120 Mbps in Lisbon.
| Line | Amsterdam | Lisbon |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $3,290 | $2,500 |
| Rent | $1,800 | $1,400 |
| Food | $620 | $500 |
| Transport | $80 | $45 |
| Coworking | $230 | $150 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 200 | 120 |
| Climate | temperate | mediterranean |
| City size | metro | metro |
| Setting | inland | coast |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 7/10 | 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): Amsterdam September 10, 2026, Lisbon November 1, 2026.