The Pros & Cons of Living in Lisbon

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Written by / Last updated on January 15, 2025

Thinking about making Portugal’s capital your new home? From stunning views to startup culture, ancient trams to artisanal coffee shops, Lisbon has a lot to offer. But is it right for you?

I’ve spent years helping people relocate to Portugal, and Lisbon remains one of the most popular choices – especially for young professionals and digital nomads. But like any city, it’s got its quirks, charms, and challenges.

Let’s dive into what makes Lisbon tick – and whether it might be your perfect match.

The Pros of Living in Lisbon

From stunning architecture and endless sunny days to a thriving tech scene and laid-back lifestyle, Lisbon offers an enticing blend of old-world charm and modern convenience that’s hard to resist. Let’s explore what makes Portugal’s capital such a magnet for expats from around the world.

That Picture-Perfect Beauty

A vibrant blue building with ornate balconies, typical of Portugal's charming architecture, stands in the background. In front, there are bare trees and a few wooden benches on a cobblestone square. Several parked cars and a few pedestrians occupy the street. The sky is partly cloudy.

If you’re the kind of person who gets inspired by your surroundings, Lisbon’s going to blow you away. We’re talking about a city that looks like it was designed for Instagram before Instagram was even a thing.

Think pastel-colored buildings with intricate tiles, streets that wind up hills like ribbons, and viewpoints (miradouros) that’ll make you stop in your tracks. Every neighborhood tells its own story – from the medieval charm of Alfama to the trendy vibes of Príncipe Real.

And those famous yellow trams? They’re not just for tourists – they’re still a legitimate way to get around (though you might want to avoid the packed 28 line during peak tourist season).

A Climate You’ll Love

Let’s talk weather – because it’s probably better than what you’re used to. With around 290 days of sunshine per year, Lisbon gives you that Mediterranean lifestyle and in a capital city too.

Winters are mild (think 15°C/59°F) and summers are warm but manageable (around 28°C/82°F).

Yes, July and August can get toasty, and the lack of AC in older buildings can be challenging. But here’s a local secret: the ocean breeze usually kicks in during the evening, making those summer afternoons much more pleasant than inland cities.

You’ll need to get into a habit of opening your windows in the morning and late at night to cool the place down. It takes a little getting used to, but you’ll get there.

Beach Life Meets City Life

A sandy beach in costa da caparica, Portugal stretches out beside a calm ocean, with gentle waves nearing the shore. There are a few people scattered across the beach and in the water. In the background, several buildings and apartments line the beachfront under a clear sky.

How many European capitals let you wrap up a work meeting and hit the beach less than an hour later? Lisbon’s got you covered with options for every mood:

  • Carcavelos: 20 minutes by train for that quick beach fix
  • Costa da Caparica: Endless stretches of sand and surf
  • Cascais: Resort town with a small beach and plenty of restaurant options
  • Praia do Guincho: Wild and windy for the surfers or lovers of natural beauty

Sure, the Atlantic water is pretty chilly (expect 16-20°C/61-68°F), but those refreshing dips are perfect after a hot summer day.

A Food Scene That Punches Above Its Weight

A stone slab serves as a platter, displaying three copper pots of various foods reminiscent of Portugal. One pot contains fresh greens and a lemon wedge, the middle pot has a creamy mixture with seasoning, and the third has two breaded, fried items on a fork.
Vegan versions of Portuguese dishes at AO26

Lisbon’s food scene is having a moment. While it’s not as dirt-cheap as it was five years ago, you’re still looking at:

  • €10-15 for a solid lunch menu
  • €2-3 for a craft beer
  • €1 for an espresso

But it’s not just about the prices. The food scene here is exploding:

  • Traditional tascas serving hearty grandma-style cooking (unfortunately there are fewer of these as there once were)
  • Incredible fresh and affordable seafood (try the percebes if you’re brave)
  • Restaurants serving modern takes on traditional tasca-style cooking
  • A surprisingly good vegan and vegetarian scene
  • International options from Brazilian to Nepalese

That Sweet Spot Between Local and Global

A modern coworking space in Portugal with long tables and several people working on laptops. The room has bright lighting, minimalist decor, and some potted plants on shelves. Jackets are draped over chair backs, and there are coffee mugs and desk lamps on the tables.
Coworking at Heden in Graça

Here’s something special about Lisbon: it’s not NYC, but it’s international enough to feel connected but Portuguese enough to feel authentic. You’ll find:

  • Startup hubs and coworking spaces full of digital nomads
  • Traditional markets where old ladies still haggle over fish
  • Hipster coffee shops next to 100-year-old pastelarias

And while English is widely spoken (especially in tech and tourism) along with French, Spanish, and other languages, you’ll still hear plenty of Portuguese on the streets. It’s that perfect balance of old and new that makes Lisbon feel both exciting and authentic.

A Social Scene That Never Sleeps (Unless You Want To)

A sunlit plaza in Portugal with bare trees casts intricate shadows on the cobblestone ground. A statue of a figure atop a pedestal is the central focus, surrounded by benches and trimmed shrubberies. Colorful facades of buildings line the background under a clear blue sky.

Evenings often start at a miradouro (viewpoint), where locals and expats alike gather to watch the sunset with a €5 glass of wine. From there, you might wander down to Cais so Sodré or the Bairro Alto, where tiny bars spill onto the cobblestone streets, creating an open-air party atmosphere that feels more like a neighborhood gathering than a nightclub scene.

But what makes Lisbon’s social scene special isn’t just the nightlife – it’s the countless ways to connect. Digital nomads tap away at laptops in trendy co-working spaces, language exchange meetups fill neighborhood cafes, and cultural events at LX Factory bring together artists, entrepreneurs, and curious minds. It feels like there’s always something going on – if you know where to look.

An Expat-Friendly Haven (Maybe Too Friendly)

Moving to Lisbon feels like joining a particularly welcoming club. The expat community here is huge and diverse, from digital nomads staying for a few months to retirees making Portugal their forever home. Need to find an English-speaking dentist pronto? Post in any expat Facebook group, and you’ll have recommendations within minutes.

The city makes life easy for newcomers in practical ways too. Most banks have English-speaking staff and you’ll find international schools teaching everything from the American curriculum to the International Baccalaureate to the British A Levels.

But here’s the thing – it can almost be too easy to stay in the expat bubble. Some neighborhoods, particularly in central Lisbon, have become so international that you might need to make a conscious effort to experience authentic Portuguese life, meet locals, and actually learn Portuguese.

A Gateway to Adventure

Aerial view of a large, sandy beach curving along the coastline with clear blue waters in Portugal. A small town with red-roofed buildings lines the left side of the beach, and lush green hills form the backdrop. The sky is mostly clear with scattered clouds.
Nazaré

Living in Lisbon puts you in the perfect position for exploring. Want a weekend of port wine tasting? Porto’s just three hours away by train. Craving some serious beach time? The Algarve’s golden shores are a quick train ride south.

The real secret, though, is the variety of day trips possible from Lisbon. You can be exploring Sintra’s fairy-tale palaces in the morning, wine tasting in Colares by afternoon, and back in Lisbon for dinner. Or catch some waves in Ericeira or Nazaré. Or hike the stunning cliffs of Arrábida Natural Park.

And let’s not forget about international travel. Lisbon’s airport is right in the city (you can literally take the metro there), offering cheap flights throughout Europe. Breakfast in Lisbon, lunch in Paris? Totally doable.

A Family-Friendly Capital

A multi-generational family, composed of two grandparents, two parents, and two young children, poses outdoors in a forested area. They are all smiling and appear happy. The children are being carried by the adults. Trees and sunlight are visible in the background.

Despite being a bustling capital city, Lisbon retains a surprisingly family-friendly vibe that catches many expats off guard. This isn’t just about having good schools and playgrounds (though there are plenty of those). It’s about a culture that genuinely welcomes children and respects family life.

You’ll notice it in small ways: restaurants that actually welcome kids instead of merely tolerating them, strangers who stop to coo at babies, elderly people being treated with genuine respect. The city’s low crime rate means kids can often have the kind of independent childhood that’s becoming rare in many other capitals.

A Capital City That Forgot to Be Hectic

A plate holding a single pastel de nata, a beloved Portuguese custard tart, is sprinkled with powdered sugar. The tart is centered on a white plate with a blue rim and Portugal's name elegantly inscribed around the edge.

Despite being Portugal’s political and economic hub, Lisbon marches to its own relaxed beat. If you’re coming from London, New York, or even Paris, the change of pace might give you culture shock – the good kind.

This is a city where lunch breaks actually mean breaking for lunch, not inhaling a sandwich at your desk. Walk through any neighborhood around 3 PM, and you’ll see locals lingering over coffee and pastries at outdoor cafes, seemingly immune to the concept of rushing back to the office.

Getting Around: More Than Just Those Famous Trams

A classic yellow tram with wooden window frames and a sign reading "M. MONIT" on top is shown. The tram has "entrada" marked on it, indicating the entrance. The surrounding area includes trees and some buildings in the background.

While those iconic yellow trams get all the Instagram love, Lisbon’s modern transportation system quietly gets the job done. The metro might not be as extensive as London’s Underground, but it’s clean, reliable, and affordable. A monthly pass covering all public transport (including those famous trams) will set you back about €40.

The real MVP might be the integrated network. Need to cross the Tagus? Hop on a ferry. Heading to the beach? The train’s got you covered. And when public transport doesn’t quite cut it, Ubers and Bolt rides are surprisingly cheap – we’re talking €5-7 for most inner-city trips.

Healthcare That Won’t Give You a Heart Attack

Healthcare in Lisbon offers something increasingly rare: quality care without bankrupting you. As the capital, it hosts Portugal’s top medical facilities and most experienced specialists.

The public system (SNS) gives you access to solid healthcare once you’re a resident, while the private system offers quick access and English-speaking doctors at reasonable prices (especially if you have health insurance)

Private hospitals like Hospital da Luz and CUF rival what you’d find in northern Europe, but at a fraction of the cost. A specialist consultation? Usually €80-100. Private insurance? Often less than a nice dinner out in most other European cities. And here’s a local trick: many Portuguese doctors work in both public and private systems, so you can see the same specialist privately for faster access, then switch to the public system for ongoing treatment.

Internet That Actually Works

A group of four people sit around a table in an office setting, engaged in discussion. Laptops are open in front of them. One person has a bicycle next to them, and a clock can be seen on the wall in the background.

The city’s internet infrastructure would make many Silicon Valley residents jealous. Fiber-optic connections delivering 1 Gbps are standard in most areas, and if you’re really speed-hungry, you can crank it up to 10 Gbps.

What does this mean in real life? Your Zoom calls won’t freeze, your Netflix won’t buffer, and you can download that massive work file while simultaneously gaming and streaming – all for about €30-40 per month.

The Cons of Living in Lisbon

After all those pros, it’s time for some real talk. While Lisbon is stunning, it’s not all pastéis de nata and rooftop bars. Let’s dive into the challenges you’ll face if you make Portugal’s capital your home.

The Housing Headache

A pastel-colored building with multiple balconies adorned with iron railings. A "Vende" (For Sale) sign is displayed prominently on the second floor balcony, including contact information. The building is situated between similar buildings.

Remember when Lisbon was one of Europe’s most affordable capitals? Those days are long gone. Finding a place to live has become Lisbon’s biggest challenge, combining big-city prices with small-city salaries.

It’s not just about the cost (though paying €1,000+ for a one-bedroom apartment might make you wince). It’s about actually finding a place. Properties get snapped up within hours, viewings feel like cattle calls, and you might find yourself competing with 20 other potential tenants – all offering to pay months up-front.

As for buying a place? It’s still possible, but it’s a lot harder to find value for money.

The Winter Blues (Inside Your House)

A man and a woman, bundled up in winter clothing including hats, gloves, and scarves, sit next to a radiator. The man warms his hands by blowing on them, while the woman holds her hands close to the heat source, appearing cold.

Here’s something the tourism brochures don’t mention: winters in Lisbon can be more challenging than in much colder cities. Not because of the outdoor temperature (which is actually quite mild), but because of what’s happening inside your home.

Portuguese buildings are built for summer, with virtually no insulation and often no central heating. That means your stylish apartment with the tile floors and high ceilings becomes an echo chamber of cold during winter months. You’ll find yourself wearing layers indoors and watching your electricity bill skyrocket as you run inefficient space heaters.

Even worse? Those same construction issues that make your home cold in winter often mean you can hear your neighbors’ entire life story through the walls. From late-night Netflix sessions to early morning arguments, to knowing when they’ve left their barking dog on the balcony, you’ll become intimately familiar with their daily routines – whether you want to or not.

The Salary Squeeze

While Lisbon might feel cheaper than London or Paris in some ways, try living here on a Portuguese salary. As of 2025, the minimum wage is €870 per month – yet good luck finding a decent apartment for less than €1,000. The math simply doesn’t add up.

This creates an awkward two-tier system: those earning foreign salaries or living on foreign pensions can live comfortably, while locals and those working for Portuguese companies often struggle to make ends meet. Unless you’re bringing in income from abroad or working in one of the few high-paying sectors, expect to either live in a shared apartment or commute from the suburbs.

And if you do get a job in a Portuguese company, traditional Portuguese work culture can be hierarchical and formal, which can be challenging for expats used to more modern approaches.

Tourist Invasion

A large group of people wait in line outside a popular bakery on a sunny day in Portugal. The building is adorned with traditional blue tiles, and a blue awning with white text extends over the crowd. Some people are taking pictures while others are chatting in anticipation.

Living in a beautiful city means sharing it with tourists – lots of them. Lisbon’s narrow sidewalks weren’t designed for the current volume of tour groups, selfie-stick wielders, and electric scooter riders. During peak season, simple tasks like grabbing a coffee or crossing the street can feel like an obstacle course.

Even those iconic spots that made you fall in love with Lisbon? Good luck enjoying them. Want to grab a pastel de nata at Belém? Hope you like queueing for an hour. Fancy a weekend trip to Sintra? Better wake up at dawn if you want to avoid the crowds.

The Bureaucracy Blues

If you thought the hills were Lisbon’s biggest challenge, wait until you meet Portuguese bureaucracy. While this is a country-wide issue, it’s particularly acute in the capital where services are often overwhelmed.

Need to get your NIF number? Make an appointment at Finanças? Register with social security? Each task can turn into a Kafka-esque adventure of conflicting information, missing documents, and return visits.

A Capital City’s Growing Pains

The gentrification of Lisbon is a double-edged sword that’s reshaping the city’s soul. Yes, you can now get artisanal coffee and craft beer in neighborhoods that were once forgotten. But at what cost? Traditional Portuguese businesses are being pushed out, replaced by the same generic cafes and burger joints you’ll find in Brooklyn or Shoreditch.

This transformation has created growing tensions between locals and newcomers. While tourists and expats aren’t solely responsible for rising prices (hello, Airbnb investors), they’re increasingly the ones being blamed for the ever-increasing cost of housing here.

Safety: The Good, The Bad, and The Hashy

While Lisbon is generally safer than most European capitals, it’s not without its issues. The good news? Violent crime is rare. The bad news? Petty crime and scams are common enough to keep you on your toes.

And walking through certain downtown areas, particularly around Praça do Comércio or Martim Moniz, you’ll likely be approached by “drug dealers” whispering “hashish, cocaine” as you pass. While most are selling fake products, some use this as a distraction for pickpocketing. It’s more annoying than dangerous, but it can make evening walks less enjoyable.

The Integration Challenge

A large group of people socializing at a lively indoor event in Portugal. Individuals are conversing, holding drinks, and mingling in a warmly lit room with white walls and curtains. Some appear to be smiling and engaged in animated discussions.

Want to make Portuguese friends? Be prepared for a challenge. While Lisbon has countless meetup groups and social events, there’s often an invisible line between expat and local gatherings. Even if you speak Portuguese, breaking into local social circles takes time and effort.

This separation isn’t due to unfriendliness – Portuguese people are generally warm and welcoming. It’s more about different social patterns, spending power, and the transient nature of the expat community. Why invest in friendships when people might leave in six months?

The Daily Grind(s)

Living in Lisbon comes with some practical challenges that can wear you down over time:

Grocery shopping becomes an adventure when you live in the center. Forget about huge supermarkets – you’ll be navigating small, crowded stores with limited selection. Yes, there are some bigger stores on the outskirts, but getting there without a car can be a hassle.

Good Luck Finding Parking

Speaking of cars – if you decide to brave Lisbon’s traffic, good luck finding parking. Imagine parallel parking on a steep hill, in a space barely bigger than your car, while an impatient tram driver rings their bell behind you. Fun times!

The Modern Conveniences You’ll Miss

Coming from a major international city? Prepare for some adjustments. Online shopping isn’t quite what you’re used to – forget about same-day or even next-day delivery. While Amazon Prime from Spain offers 2-day shipping, the selection is limited compared to the UK or US.

There are hills – lots of them!

Those hills everyone talks about? They’re no joke. While they provide great views and free workouts, they can be challenging for anyone with mobility issues. Even the young and fit will find themselves out of breath, at least in the first few weeks.

The Cleanup Crew That Wasn’t

For all its beauty, Lisbon could use some help in the cleanliness department. Watch your step – literally. Dog owners aren’t always diligent about cleaning up, and those picturesque parks might have some unwelcome surprises.

Cigarette butts and litter are common sights, and while the city does have cleaning services, they seem to be fighting a losing battle in some areas.

Let me expand these points in our established narrative style:

Where Construction is Your Daily Alarm Clock

Living in Lisbon means accepting construction as your constant neighbor. The city is experiencing a renovation boom, with seemingly every other building being gutted and restored. While this means beautiful renovated buildings are popping up everywhere, it also means living with relentless noise.

Picture this: you’re on an important Zoom call when your whole apartment starts vibrating from nearby construction. Okay, that’s an exaggeration but if you end up living next to somewhere being renovated, you’ll know about it!

The Earthquake Factor

Here’s something most real estate agents won’t mention: Lisbon sits in a seismic zone. The city’s history includes the devastating 1755 earthquake that nearly destroyed it completely, and seismologists say it’s not a question of if, but when another significant quake will occur.

The Late-Night Munchies Dilemma

Coming from a city that never sleeps? You might be in for a surprise. Despite Lisbon’s reputation for nightlife, finding food in the wee hours can be surprisingly challenging. Local laws restrict operating hours for many establishments, and that 3 AM pizza craving might go unsatisfied.

The Suburban Transport Trap

Trying to escape Lisbon’s sky-high rents by moving to places like Almada or Seixal? Smart thinking – until you miss the last ferry home. While public transport within central Lisbon is efficient, connections to outlying areas can be surprisingly limited, especially late at night.

The ferry service to Almada might seem frequent during the day, but miss that last boat (which often leaves earlier than you’d expect), and you’re looking at an expensive Uber ride around the river. Trains to suburbs like Cascais or Sintra run less frequently than you might hope, and night buses are limited.

These transport limitations can turn a money-saving move to the suburbs into a lifestyle compromise, especially if you enjoy Lisbon’s nightlife or work irregular hours. Sure, you could drive – but then you’re dealing with bridge traffic, parking nightmares, and the occasional toll fee surprise.

Capital City Levels of Friendliness

Ever been to New York? Paris? Berlin?

Okay, Lisboetas aren’t quite that unfriendly but they’re certainly not as friendly as they are in other parts of the country. It’s just the territory that does with living in a capital city.

The Bottom Line

Does this mean Lisbon isn’t worth it? Not at all. Every city has its challenges, and many find that Lisbon’s pros far outweigh its cons. But it’s important to move here with your eyes open, understanding that living in a city is very different from visiting it.

The key is to approach these challenges with the same relaxed attitude that makes Lisbon special. Yes, the bureaucracy might drive you crazy, and yes, you might have to wear three sweaters indoors during winter. But then you’ll find yourself sipping a €1 coffee in the sunshine, watching the world go by, and thinking, “Yeah, I can deal with this.”

Want to make Lisbon work for you? The secret is managing your expectations and choosing your battles. Maybe that means living slightly outside the tourist zones, investing in good heating, or making an effort to learn Portuguese. Whatever your strategy, remember: Lisbon’s not perfect, but for many, it’s perfectly imperfect.

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