Cost of Living: Lisbon vs Milan (2026)
Portugal vs Italy — relocation comparison
For the Kids
Schools, pediatric care, and whether your children can actually enroll
Sources: OECD PISA 2022 · Wikipedia · Numbeo · official health systems
Settler Essentials
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
The Short Version
- •Rent is 7% cheaper in Lisbon ($1616/mo vs $1737/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Milan (28°C vs 27°C).
- •English is easier to get by in Lisbon (86/100 vs 62/100 English proficiency).
Lisbon vs Milan — Common Questions
Is Lisbon cheaper than Milan?▾
Lisbon is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1616/month in Lisbon vs $1737/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Lisbon or Milan?▾
Milan is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Lisbon has a rate of 0.69 per 100,000 and Milan has 0.55 per 100,000.
Should I move to Lisbon or Milan?▾
Lisbon scores 79 to Milan's 67 on livability — the gap is real. Milan has its charms, but the numbers favor Lisbon. 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 Milan?▾
Lisbon: Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 1 year (renewable to 5)). Milan: Italy Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 1 year (renewable)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Can I live in Lisbon or Milan without speaking the local language?▾
English is easier to get by in Lisbon (EF EPI score: 86/100) than in Milan (62/100). In Lisbon, daily life and professional settings often work in English. In Milan, learning some of the local language will make long-term settlement significantly smoother.
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