Lisbon vs Milan: cost of living for digital nomads
Lisbon, Portugal and Milan, Italy, 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 5% cheaper than Milan for a month of nomad living ($2,500 vs $2,625).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $1,300 in Milan against $1,400 in Lisbon.
- Lisbon scores higher on safety (9/10 vs 7/10).
- Internet is faster in Milan: 150 Mbps typical against 120 Mbps.
- Lisbon is mediterranean; Milan is temperate.
Lisbon wins 5 of the measured lines; Milan wins 2.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Lisbon or Milan?
Lisbon is cheaper: about $2,500/month against $2,625/month in Milan, roughly 5% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Lisbon or Milan?
Lisbon scores higher on safety: 9/10 against 7/10 for Milan.
Which has faster internet, Lisbon or Milan?
Milan has faster typical internet: 150 Mbps against 120 Mbps in Lisbon.
| Line | Lisbon | Milan |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $2,500 | $2,625 |
| Rent | $1,400 | $1,300 |
| Food | $500 | $580 |
| Transport | $45 | $45 |
| Coworking | $150 | $200 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 120 | 150 |
| Climate | mediterranean | temperate |
| City size | metro | metro |
| Setting | coast | inland |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 10/10 | 7/10 |
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): Lisbon November 1, 2026, Milan September 10, 2026.