Recently, Lisbon was recognized as the most comfortable city for expats, bypassing such megacities as Amsterdam, Vienna and Barcelona. Let's figure out how the Portuguese capital got this status and what nuances migrants may face.
How Was The Study Conducted?
Experts assessed 35 capitals according to a set of parameters:
- safety;
- ecology;
- mobility;
- healthcare;
- cost of living;
- ease of integration into society.
Lisbon did not take the first place in any individual category, but demonstrated consistently high results in all areas — and this eventually brought it to the first place in the overall standings.
The Advantages Of Living In Lisbon
What makes the city attractive to foreigners:
- The crime rate here is lower than in Barcelona, Paris and Rome. This creates a feeling of comfort and stability.
- The ecological situation in Lisbon is better than in many other European capitals.
- The mild Mediterranean climate with warm summers and not too cold winters makes the city pleasant to live in all year round.
- The high level of English proficiency among local residents makes communication easier for expats.
- Residence permit. Clear and transparent conditions for obtaining a residence permit for remote workers and people with passive income.
- The cost of daily expenses. Despite high housing prices, everyday spending remains moderate.:
- cup of coffee — €2.50;
- lunch — €15;
- utilities — about €150 per month.
Financial Aspects
It is worth considering that the real estate market in Lisbon is expensive:
- the average price per square meter in the central areas is over €5,000;
- rent of a studio apartment starts from €1,500 per month.
At the same time, rental prices are actively rising, which may complicate budget planning for new immigrants.
Cons Worth Knowing About
Life in Lisbon is not perfect — there are also difficulties.:
- The bureaucracy. Going through administrative procedures can take a long time and require patience.
- Many old houses are poorly insulated, and in winter it can be damp and cool in the city, which creates discomfort during the cold season.
- Rising prices. The rapid increase in the cost of rental housing may make life in the city less affordable for some categories of expats.
Conclusion
Despite some drawbacks, Lisbon really looks like an attractive place to move in terms of a combination of factors — safety, climate, ecology and quality of life. Moderate daily expenses, a friendly atmosphere and clear rules for expats compensate for high property prices and bureaucratic difficulties. It is not surprising that it became the leader of the rating of the most comfortable cities for foreigners.
