🇵🇹 Lisbon vs 🇸🇪 Gothenburg

Portugal vs Sweden — relocation comparison

79
Livability Score
🇵🇹 Lisbon
Portugal
Full profile →
80
Livability Score
🇸🇪 Gothenburg
Sweden
Full profile →
Gothenburg edges ahead on most metrics. Lisbon isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you.
Lisbon
Metric
Gothenburg
$1547/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1121/mo
0.7 homicides/100k
🔒
Safety
1.1 homicides/100k
27°C
☀️
Summer high
21°C
9°C
❄️
Winter low
-3°C
238 Mbps
Internet speed
163 Mbps
7.8 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
9.4 / 10
Very High (86/100)
🗣️
English ease
Very High (86/100)
$52k
💼
GDP per capita
$72k
2.4%
📈
Inflation
2.8%
79 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
80 / 100
78/100 — Decent
Grid reliability
82/100 — Decent
96/100
🗽
Freedom House
99/100
5 years
📋
Time to PR
5 years

Settler Essentials

improving
Democracy trend
stable
active
Startup ecosystem
active
Easy
EU visa
Easy

Lisbon vs Gothenburg: The Short Version

  • Rent is 38% cheaper in Gothenburg ($1121/mo vs $1547/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are noticeably warmer in Lisbon (27°C vs 21°C).
  • Gothenburg scores higher on democracy (9.4 vs 7.8 / 10 EIU).

Lisbon vs Gothenburg — Common Questions

Is Lisbon cheaper than Gothenburg?

Gothenburg is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1121/month in Gothenburg vs $1547/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Lisbon or Gothenburg?

Lisbon is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Lisbon has a rate of 0.69 per 100,000 and Gothenburg has 1.10 per 100,000.

Should I move to Lisbon or Gothenburg?

Gothenburg edges ahead on most metrics. Lisbon isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you. 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 Lisbon or Gothenburg?

Lisbon: Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 1 year (renewable to 5)). Gothenburg: Sweden Self-Employment Permit (complex process, 2 years (renewable)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Which has better weather, Lisbon or Gothenburg?

Lisbon is warmer in summer (27°C vs 21°C). Gothenburg has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

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