Lisbon has been gaining a lot of attention lately as a top spot to live, especially with more people seeking remote work opportunities. I made the move to Lisbon back in 2016, way before it became the hot topic it is today. Living here has truly transformed my lifestyle, but I’ve also noticed that some of the info out there about Lisbon can be a bit exaggerated or one-sided. Since a lot has changed in Lisbon over the past few years, I wanted to share my honest take on things.
- The word is out: Lisbon used to be a bit underrated as a European capital, but not anymore. With remote work becoming mainstream due to the pandemic, there’s been a huge surge in interest from foreigners looking to relocate to Lisbon. While Americans have been getting a lot of attention in the media for moving here, other nationalities like Brazilians and French also make up a significant portion of newcomers. However, the influx of foreigners has caused property prices to soar, making it tough for both locals and newcomers to afford living here. The housing situation has become a major issue, sparking public debates and even protests. The government has announced plans to address this housing crisis, but the outcome remains uncertain. While Lisbon can still offer great opportunities depending on your perspective, it’s no longer the hidden gem it once was. If you’re coming from a pricey city like New York, Lisbon might seem affordable, but for locals and compared to other European cities, it’s becoming increasingly expensive.
If you’re considering a move to Lisbon, make sure to do your homework on the local housing market. Some foreigners end up overpaying for properties, inadvertently driving up prices and making it harder for Portuguese residents to afford homes.
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Finding a place to live can be a challenge due to high demand, especially if you’re looking for specific criteria like size or location. The city has many buildings in need of renovation, and quality housing options are limited. While there are more houses for sale, rental options, especially for medium to long-term stays, are scarce. Portuguese tend to buy rather than rent, further reducing rental availability. Websites like SAPO, IMO Virtual, Bquarto, and OLX can help you in your search for rentals.
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Local job salaries in Lisbon may not be as high as in other Western European countries, with skilled jobs often paying around 1000 EUR a month. Many international residents end up working in call centers or as English language teachers. Having an independent income source or working remotely can put you in a better position financially. Lisbon has a growing startup and digital nomad scene, with plenty of co-working spaces and startup support.
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Despite the rising housing costs, the overall cost of living in Lisbon remains relatively affordable compared to northern European cities. While central Lisbon has become pricier due to tourism, you can still manage your expenses by avoiding touristy areas for dining and exploring local neighborhoods. Food, drinks, and transportation are still reasonably priced for foreigners, but housing costs should be factored into your budget.
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Dealing with Portuguese bureaucracy can be a challenge for expats. Public services may lack efficiency, and processes can be complicated. Obtaining a tax identification number (NIF) is essential for various tasks and can be done quickly at the Financas office. Private medical insurance can provide faster healthcare access, although the system may be slow and understaffed.
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Learning some basic Portuguese can be beneficial, even though many Portuguese speak English well. It can help in daily interactions and show respect for the local culture. While Portuguese is considered a challenging language to learn, resources are available for self-teaching or taking classes.
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Portuguese people are friendly and tolerant, but they may come across as reserved. Building local connections may take time, but expat communities and meetups can help you settle in faster. Engaging with groups like Lisbon Digital Nomads, Couchsurfing, or Internations can lead to social connections.
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Winters in Lisbon can feel cold indoors due to the lack of central heating in many apartments. Despite this, the city enjoys good weather for most of the year, making it an attractive place to live.
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Joining local groups and meetups can help you establish a social circle in Lisbon quickly. Platforms like Facebook groups, Couchsurfing, and Meetup.com offer opportunities to connect with other internationals and locals.
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Lisbon offers a high quality of life with its favorable climate, cultural events, and sense of community. However, affordability and housing availability may pose challenges, especially for locals. Researching up-to-date information and seeking insights from online communities can provide a clearer picture of living in Lisbon today.
