Is Lisbon or Wellington cheaper to live in?

Wellington is 2% cheaper than Lisbon. The average monthly cost in Wellington is $1,965, while Lisbon costs $2,012 per month.

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

For digital nomads, Wellington offers faster internet at 105 Mbps. Wellington is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Lisbon has a NomadIQ score of 7/10 while Wellington scores 6.6/10.

What is the rent difference between Lisbon and Wellington?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $1,527/month in Lisbon and $1,214/month in Wellington. Wellington has 21% lower rent.

Is Lisbon or Wellington safer?

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

Should I move to Lisbon or Wellington as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Wellington if budget is important ($1,965/month). Choose Wellington for better safety. Wellington is better for remote work with 105 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Lisbon vs Wellington

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Lisbon

Portugal

$2,012/mo7/10

Wellington

New Zealand

$1,965/mo6.6/10

Lisbon

Portugal

$2,012/moNomadIQ 7/10

Wellington

New Zealand

$1,965/moNomadIQ 6.6/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Lisbon

Wellington

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$2,012

$1,965

Wellington

Rent (1BR)

$1,527

$1,214

Wellington

Groceries

$300

$430

Lisbon

Transport

$50

$150

Lisbon

Healthcare

$100

$120

Lisbon

Safety Score

6.7/10

Tie

Internet Speed

100 Mbps

105 Mbps

Wellington

NomadIQ Score

7/10

6.6/10

Lisbon

Overall Winner: Lisbon

Based on our comparison, Lisbon wins 4 out of 8 categories.Wellington wins 3 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

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

Best for Budget

Wellington

$1,965/mo

Best Internet

Wellington

105 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Lisbon

7/10

Our Recommendation: Choose Wellington if budget is your top priority, or Wellington if you need the fastest internet for remote work.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Lisbon vs Wellington

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

Cost of Living: Wellington is the more budget-friendly option at $1,965/month versus Lisbon's $2,012/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Wellington provides faster connectivity at 105 Mbps compared to Lisbon's 100 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 6.7/10, both cities offer similar levels of security.

Overall: Lisbon earns a higher NomadIQ score of 7/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.

Cost of Living Comparison

Wellington is 2% cheaper than Lisbon.

• Lisbon rent: $1,527/mo
• Wellington rent: $1,214/mo
• Difference: $313/mo

Safety Comparison

Both cities have similar safety ratings.

6.7/10

Lisbon

6.7/10

Wellington

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Wellington offers faster internet at 105 Mbps vs 100 Mbps.

100 Mbps

Lisbon

105 Mbps

Wellington

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Lisbon edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 4 of 8 comparison factors.

Lisbon: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Wellington: Best for budget-conscious expats

Lisbon vs Wellington

Lisbon

Wellington

Lisbon

Wellington

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Lisbon

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Lisbon vs Wellington

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Lisbon vs Wellington