Is Athens or Lisbon cheaper to live in?

Athens is 40% cheaper than Lisbon. The average monthly cost in Athens is $1,206, while Lisbon costs $2,012 per month.

Which city is better for digital nomads: Athens or Lisbon?

For digital nomads, Athens offers faster internet at 120 Mbps. Athens is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Athens has a NomadIQ score of 7.9/10 while Lisbon scores 7/10.

What is the rent difference between Athens and Lisbon?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $703/month in Athens and $1,527/month in Lisbon. Athens has 54% lower rent.

Is Athens or Lisbon safer?

Lisbon has a higher safety score of 6.7/10. Athens scores 4.5/10 for safety while Lisbon scores 6.7/10.

Should I move to Athens or Lisbon as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Athens if budget is important ($1,206/month). Choose Lisbon for better safety. Athens is better for remote work with 120 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Athens vs Lisbon

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Athens

Greece

$1,206/mo7.9/10

Lisbon

Portugal

$2,012/mo7/10

Athens

Greece

$1,206/moNomadIQ 7.9/10

Lisbon

Portugal

$2,012/moNomadIQ 7/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Athens

Lisbon

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,206

$2,012

Athens

Rent (1BR)

$703

$1,527

Athens

Groceries

$320

$300

Lisbon

Transport

$40

$50

Athens

Healthcare

$110

$100

Lisbon

Safety Score

4.5/10

6.7/10

Lisbon

Internet Speed

120 Mbps

100 Mbps

Athens

NomadIQ Score

7.9/10

7/10

Athens

Overall Winner: Athens

Based on our comparison, Athens wins 5 out of 8 categories.Lisbon wins 3 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Athens and Lisbon, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:

Best for Budget

Athens

$1,206/mo

Best Internet

Athens

120 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Athens

7.9/10

Our Recommendation: Athens is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Athens vs Lisbon

When comparing Athens and Lisbon for digital nomads, several factors come into play.

Cost of Living: Athens offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,206/month compared to Lisbon's $2,012/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Athens leads with 120 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Lisbon offers 100 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 6.7/10, Lisbon offers better security than Athens (4.5/10).

Overall: Athens earns a higher NomadIQ score of 7.9/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.

Cost of Living Comparison

Athens is 40% cheaper than Lisbon.

• Athens rent: $703/mo
• Lisbon rent: $1,527/mo
• Difference: $825/mo

Safety Comparison

Lisbon has a higher safety score (6.7/10) compared to Athens (4.5/10).

4.5/10

Athens

6.7/10

Lisbon

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Athens offers faster internet at 120 Mbps vs 100 Mbps.

120 Mbps

Athens

100 Mbps

Lisbon

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Athens edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.

Athens: Best for budget-conscious expats

Lisbon: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Athens vs Lisbon

Athens

Lisbon

Athens

Lisbon

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Athens

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Athens vs Lisbon

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

More City Comparisons

Explore More

Frequently Asked Questions: Athens vs Lisbon