Is Galway or Lisbon cheaper to live in?

Lisbon is 30% cheaper than Galway. The average monthly cost in Lisbon is $2,012, while Galway costs $2,894 per month.

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

For digital nomads, Galway offers faster internet at 150 Mbps. Lisbon is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Galway has a NomadIQ score of 5.5/10 while Lisbon scores 7/10.

What is the rent difference between Galway and Lisbon?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $2,170/month in Galway and $1,527/month in Lisbon. Lisbon has 30% lower rent.

Is Galway or Lisbon safer?

Galway has a higher safety score of 6.9/10. Galway scores 6.9/10 for safety while Lisbon scores 6.7/10.

Should I move to Galway or Lisbon as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Lisbon if budget is important ($2,012/month). Choose Galway for better safety. Galway is better for remote work with 150 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Galway vs Lisbon

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Galway

Ireland

$2,894/mo5.5/10

Lisbon

Portugal

$2,012/mo7/10

Galway

Ireland

$2,894/moNomadIQ 5.5/10

Lisbon

Portugal

$2,012/moNomadIQ 7/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Galway

Lisbon

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$2,894

$2,012

Lisbon

Rent (1BR)

$2,170

$1,527

Lisbon

Groceries

$354

$300

Lisbon

Transport

$128

$50

Lisbon

Healthcare

$190

$100

Lisbon

Safety Score

6.9/10

6.7/10

Galway

Internet Speed

150 Mbps

100 Mbps

Galway

NomadIQ Score

5.5/10

7/10

Lisbon

Overall Winner: Lisbon

Based on our comparison, Lisbon wins 6 out of 8 categories.Galway wins 2 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

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

Best for Budget

Lisbon

$2,012/mo

Best Internet

Galway

150 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Lisbon

7/10

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

Digital Nomad Analysis: Galway vs Lisbon

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

Cost of Living: Lisbon is the more budget-friendly option at $2,012/month versus Galway's $2,894/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Galway leads with 150 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Lisbon offers 100 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 6.9/10, Galway provides a more secure environment than Lisbon (6.7/10).

Overall: Lisbon's NomadIQ score of 7/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Lisbon is 30% cheaper than Galway.

• Galway rent: $2,170/mo
• Lisbon rent: $1,527/mo
• Difference: $642/mo

Safety Comparison

Galway has a higher safety score (6.9/10) compared to Lisbon (6.7/10).

6.9/10

Galway

6.7/10

Lisbon

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Galway offers faster internet at 150 Mbps vs 100 Mbps.

150 Mbps

Galway

100 Mbps

Lisbon

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Lisbon edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.

Galway: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Lisbon: Best for budget-conscious expats

Galway vs Lisbon

Galway

Lisbon

Galway

Lisbon

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Lisbon

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Galway vs Lisbon

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Galway vs Lisbon