🇵🇹 Lisbon vs 🇮🇹 Rome
Portugal vs Italy — relocation comparison
Settler Essentials
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
The Short Version
- •Rent is 26% cheaper in Rome ($1226/mo vs $1547/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Rome (31°C vs 27°C).
- •English is easier to get by in Lisbon (86/100 vs 62/100 English proficiency).
Lisbon vs Rome — Common Questions
Is Lisbon cheaper than Rome? ▾
Rome is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1226/month in Rome vs $1547/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Lisbon or Rome?▾
Rome is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Lisbon has a rate of 0.69 per 100,000 and Rome has 0.55 per 100,000.
Should I move to Lisbon or Rome?▾
Lisbon and Rome are almost suspiciously well-matched. Flip a coin. 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 Rome?▾
Lisbon: Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 1 year (renewable to 5)). Rome: Italy Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 1 year (renewable)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Which has better weather, Lisbon or Rome?▾
Rome is warmer in summer (31°C vs 27°C). Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Rome without speaking the local language?▾
English is easier to get by in Lisbon (EF EPI score: 86/100) than in Rome (62/100). In Lisbon, daily life and professional settings often work in English. In Rome, learning some of the local language will make long-term settlement significantly smoother.
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