Lisbon vs Penang: cost of living for digital nomads
Lisbon, Portugal and Penang, Malaysia, 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
- Penang is about 55% cheaper than Lisbon for a month of nomad living ($1,125 vs $2,500).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $450 in Penang against $1,400 in Lisbon.
- Lisbon scores higher on safety (9/10 vs 8/10).
- Internet is faster in Penang: 180 Mbps typical against 120 Mbps.
- Lisbon is mediterranean; Penang is tropical.
Lisbon wins 2 of the measured lines; Penang wins 6.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Lisbon or Penang?
Penang is cheaper: about $1,125/month against $2,500/month in Lisbon, roughly 55% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Lisbon or Penang?
Lisbon scores higher on safety: 9/10 against 8/10 for Penang.
Which has faster internet, Lisbon or Penang?
Penang has faster typical internet: 180 Mbps against 120 Mbps in Lisbon.
| Line | Lisbon | Penang |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $2,500 | $1,125 |
| Rent | $1,400 | $450 |
| Food | $500 | $300 |
| Transport | $45 | $35 |
| Coworking | $150 | $90 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 120 | 180 |
| Climate | mediterranean | tropical |
| City size | metro | metro |
| Setting | coast | island |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 10/10 | 8/10 |
Compare Penang with
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, Penang September 11, 2026.