🇸🇪 Gothenburg vs 🇵🇹 Lisbon

Sweden vs Portugal — relocation comparison

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

Settler Essentials

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

Gothenburg vs Lisbon: 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).

Gothenburg vs Lisbon — Common Questions

Is Gothenburg cheaper than Lisbon?

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, Gothenburg or Lisbon?

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

Should I move to Gothenburg or Lisbon?

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 Gothenburg or Lisbon?

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

Which has better weather, Gothenburg or Lisbon?

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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