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Cost of Living: Kosice vs Lisbon (2026)

Slovakia vs Portugal — relocation comparison

75
Livability Score
🇸🇰 Kosice
Slovakia
Full profile
79
Livability Score
🇵🇹 Lisbon
Portugal
Full profile
Kosice
Lisbon
$965/mo
Rent
$1616/mo
75/100
Livability
79/100
79/100
Safety
84/100
Healthcare
72/100
PR path
5 yr
85 Mbps
Internet
238 Mbps
Freelance setup

Wise ✓

Trabalhador Independente
TL;DRKosice is 40% cheaper on rent ($965/mo vs $1616/mo). Lisbon has milder winters (9°C vs -4°C lows). You can get by in English in both — your Duolingo streak can wait.
Too close to call — 79 vs 75. Lisbon has a slight edge, but Kosice might suit you better depending on your priorities.
Kosice
Metric
Lisbon
$965/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1616/mo
$637/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$567/mo
🧳
Cost to land
$7,362
1.1 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
0.7 / 100k
32 / 100
🚨
Crime perception
lower is better
33 / 100
26°C
☀️
Summer high
27°C
-4°C
❄️
Winter low
9°C
85 Mbps
Internet speed
238 Mbps
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
10.6 μg/m³
7.2 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
8.1 / 10
58/100
🗣️
Street English
72/100
$48k
💼
GDP per capita
$52k
2.8% · Boringly steady
📈
Inflation
2.4% · Boringly steady
75 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
79 / 100
Grid reliability
78/100 — Mostly stable
🗽
Freedom House
96/100
📋
Time to PR
5 years
💰
Cost of Living
Kosice
$651/mo cheaper on rent alone
🔒
Safety
Lisbon
0.7 homicides per 100k
🗳️
Democracy
Lisbon
8.1/10 EIU index
🗣️
English
Lisbon
higher proficiency score

Settler Essentials

Democracy trend
stable
Inflation trend
improving
Industries
fintechhealthtechgreentechai
Startup ecosystem
active
Grid reliability
78/100
Time to PR
5 yrs
EU visa
Easy
RU visa
Complex
UA visa
Moderate
Spouse works
Partner can work immediately
Retiree visa
920/mo
Tax breaks
IFICI (NHR 2.0)

Visa stamps:Easy <90 daysModerate 3–6 moComplex 6+ mo

Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals

The Short Version

  • Rent is 40% cheaper in Kosice ($965/mo vs $1616/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are slightly warmer in Lisbon (27°C vs 26°C).
  • Lisbon scores higher on democracy (8.1 vs 7.2 / 10 EIU).
  • Street-level English is easier in Lisbon (72/100 vs 58/100).

Kosice vs Lisbon — Common Questions

Is Kosice cheaper than Lisbon?

Kosice is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $965/month in Kosice vs $1616/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Kosice or Lisbon?

Lisbon is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Kosice has a rate of 1.12 per 100,000 and Lisbon has 0.69 per 100,000.

Should I move to Kosice or Lisbon?

Too close to call — 79 vs 75. Lisbon has a slight edge, but Kosice 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.

Is it easier to get residency in Kosice or Lisbon?

Kosice: no specific remote work visa. Lisbon: Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 2 years (renewable for 3-year periods)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Can I live in Kosice or Lisbon without speaking the local language?

Lisbon is easier for street-level English (72/100) than Kosice (58/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.

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