Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)
Portugal
Italy
For digital nomads choosing between Lisbon and Rome, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Rome
$1,943/mo
Best Internet
Rome
140 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Lisbon
7/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Rome if budget is your top priority, or Rome if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Lisbon and Rome for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Rome is the more budget-friendly option at $1,943/month versus Lisbon's $2,012/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Rome provides faster connectivity at 140 Mbps compared to Lisbon's 100 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 6.7/10, Lisbon provides a more secure environment than Rome (5.3/10).
Overall: Lisbon earns a higher NomadIQ score of 7/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Rome is 3% cheaper than Lisbon.
Lisbon has a higher safety score (6.7/10) compared to Rome (5.3/10).
6.7/10
Lisbon
5.3/10
Rome
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Rome offers faster internet at 140 Mbps vs 100 Mbps.
100 Mbps
Lisbon
140 Mbps
Rome
Both cities are excellent choices for expats, with each having unique strengths.
Lisbon: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Rome: Best for budget-conscious expats
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