Bologna vs Lisbon: cost of living for digital nomads
Bologna, Italy 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
- Bologna is about 21% cheaper than Lisbon for a month of nomad living ($1,970 vs $2,500).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $900 in Bologna against $1,400 in Lisbon.
- Lisbon scores higher on safety (9/10 vs 8/10).
- Bologna is temperate; Lisbon is mediterranean.
Bologna wins 4 of the measured lines; Lisbon wins 2.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Bologna or Lisbon?
Bologna is cheaper: about $1,970/month against $2,500/month in Lisbon, roughly 21% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Bologna or Lisbon?
Lisbon scores higher on safety: 9/10 against 8/10 for Bologna.
Which has faster internet, Bologna or Lisbon?
Bologna and Lisbon have about the same typical internet speed, 120 Mbps.
| Line | Bologna | Lisbon |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,970 | $2,500 |
| Rent | $900 | $1,400 |
| Food | $480 | $500 |
| Transport | $40 | $45 |
| Coworking | $150 | $150 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 120 | 120 |
| Climate | temperate | mediterranean |
| City size | mid | 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): Bologna September 10, 2026, Lisbon November 1, 2026.