🇵🇹 Lisbon vs 🇬🇧 London

Portugal vs United Kingdom — relocation comparison

79
Livability Score
🇵🇹 Lisbon
Portugal
Full profile →
58
Livability Score
🇬🇧 London
United Kingdom
Full profile →
Lisbon wins this one convincingly — the data doesn't lie. London has its charms, but the numbers favor Lisbon.
Lisbon
Metric
London
$1547/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$2852/mo
0.7 homicides/100k
🔒
Safety
1.1 homicides/100k
27°C
☀️
Summer high
22°C
9°C
❄️
Winter low
4°C
238 Mbps
Internet speed
87 Mbps
7.8 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
8.3 / 10
Very High (86/100)
🗣️
English ease
Very High (96/100)
$52k
💼
GDP per capita
$62k
2.4%
📈
Inflation
3.3%
79 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
58 / 100
78/100 — Decent
Grid reliability
92/100 — Reliable
96/100
🗽
Freedom House
92/100
5 years
📋
Time to PR
5 years

Settler Essentials

improving
Democracy trend
improving
active
Startup ecosystem
hub
Easy
EU visa
Moderate

Lisbon vs London: The Short Version

  • Rent is 84% cheaper in Lisbon ($1547/mo vs $2852/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are noticeably warmer in Lisbon (27°C vs 22°C).
  • London scores higher on democracy (8.3 vs 7.8 / 10 EIU).
  • English is easier to get by in London (96/100 vs 86/100 English proficiency).

Lisbon vs London — Common Questions

Is Lisbon cheaper than London?

Lisbon is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1547/month in Lisbon vs $2852/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Lisbon or London?

Lisbon is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Lisbon has a rate of 0.69 per 100,000 and London has 1.07 per 100,000.

Should I move to Lisbon or London?

Lisbon wins this one convincingly — the data doesn't lie. London 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 London?

Lisbon: Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 1 year (renewable to 5)). London: UK Skilled Worker Visa (complex process, Up to 5 years). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Which has better weather, Lisbon or London?

Lisbon is warmer in summer (27°C vs 22°C). London 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 London without speaking the local language?

English is easier to get by in London (EF EPI score: 96/100) than in Lisbon (86/100). In London, daily life and professional settings often work in English. In Lisbon, learning some of the local language will make long-term settlement significantly smoother.

Want to factor in your salary, family size, and tax situation?

Open interactive comparison →