Townleap

Cost of Living: Bologna vs Lagos (2026)

Italy vs Portugal — relocation comparison

TL;DRLagos has milder winters (10°C vs 2°C lows). English is much more widely spoken in Lagos. Both are solid options for settling down — the spreadsheet won't save you from this one.
68
Livability Score
🇮🇹 Bologna
Italy
Full profile
71
Livability Score
🇵🇹 Lagos
Portugal
Full profile
Too close to call — 71 vs 68. Lagos has a slight edge, but Bologna might suit you better depending on your priorities.
💰
Cost of Living
Bologna
$103/mo cheaper on rent alone
🗳️
Democracy
Lagos
8.1/10 EIU index
☀️
Weather
31°C vs 28°C summers
🗣️
English
Lagos
higher proficiency score
Bologna
Metric
Lagos
$1130/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1233/mo
$724/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$518/mo
0.6 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
0.7 / 100k
31°C
☀️
Summer high
28°C
2°C
❄️
Winter low
10°C
Internet speed
84 Mbps
15 μg/m³
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
7.6 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
8.1 / 10
29/100
🗣️
Street English
72/100
$62k
💼
GDP per capita
$52k
1.0% · Practically frozen
📈
Inflation
2.4% · Boringly steady
68 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
71 / 100

The Short Version

  • Rent is 8% cheaper in Bologna ($1130/mo vs $1233/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are slightly warmer in Bologna (31°C vs 28°C).
  • Lagos scores higher on democracy (8.1 vs 7.6 / 10 EIU).
  • Street-level English is easier in Lagos (72/100 vs 29/100).

Bologna vs Lagos — Common Questions

Is Bologna cheaper than Lagos?

Bologna is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1130/month in Bologna vs $1233/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Bologna or Lagos?

Bologna is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Bologna has a rate of 0.57 per 100,000 and Lagos has 0.72 per 100,000.

Should I move to Bologna or Lagos?

Too close to call — 71 vs 68. Lagos has a slight edge, but Bologna might suit you better depending on your priorities. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Which has better weather, Bologna or Lagos?

Bologna is warmer in summer (31°C vs 28°C). Lagos has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Can I live in Bologna or Lagos without speaking the local language?

Lagos is easier for street-level English (72/100) than Bologna (29/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.

Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.

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