Lisbon Digital Nomad Guide 2025: Best Coworking, Cost & Living Tips
March 19, 2025
Lisbon is a top destination for digital nomads, offering a mix of affordability, high-speed internet, and a vibrant community. Here’s what you need to know:
| Expense | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom, city) | $1,400–$1,800 |
| Coworking Space | $163–$250 |
| Transportation | $43–$100 |
| Groceries | $165–$275 |
| Total Monthly Budget | $2,221–$3,125 |
Lisbon combines a remote work-friendly environment with rich cultural experiences, making it ideal for digital nomads. Keep reading for detailed tips on coworking spaces, living costs, and navigating the city.
Housing prices in Lisbon have risen sharply. Renting a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,538 in the city center and $1,180 in suburban areas. For a three-bedroom apartment, expect to pay around $2,845 downtown or about $1,927 in the outskirts. Upscale neighborhoods like Baixa and Chiado are on the higher end, while areas such as Amadora provide more affordable options.
Grocery expenses for one person in Lisbon typically range between $165 and $275 per month. Here's a breakdown of common grocery items:
Eating out is also reasonably priced. You can grab a bifana sandwich at a local café for about $2.73, while mid-range restaurants charge $15 to $24 for a meal. Some examples include:
These food costs make Lisbon an appealing destination for those balancing dining out with home cooking.
Lisbon's public transportation is both convenient and affordable. A Viva Viagem card costs just $0.55 and offers discounted fares across the city's network. Key transportation costs include:
Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt are also available and often provide competitive rates. These options make getting around Lisbon easy without breaking the bank.
Lisbon provides access to public healthcare through the SNS system, while private health insurance is also an option for digital nomads.
Here's an estimated monthly budget for digital nomads in Lisbon:
| Expense Category | Budget Range |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom, city) | $1,400–$1,800 |
| Utilities | $100–$150 |
| Groceries | $165–$275 |
| Dining Out | $200–$300 |
| Transportation | $43–$100 |
| Coworking Space | $163–$250 |
| Entertainment | $150–$250 |
| Total | $2,221–$3,125 |
This range supports a comfortable lifestyle, with room to cut costs by living outside the city center or reducing dining-out expenses.
Lisbon offers some standout coworking spaces packed with useful features and convenient locations. Second Home Lisboa is known for its lush design, featuring 1,000 plants and plenty of natural light. While it doesn’t have air conditioning, it makes up for it with ergonomic seating and a bar area for breaks.
IDEA Spaces caters to a diverse entrepreneurial crowd with options like shared desks, an auditorium, and private phone booths. However, coffee isn’t included, which may be a downside for caffeine lovers.
Avila Spaces stands out for its central location and perks like ergonomic furniture, a fully stocked kitchen with complimentary coffee, an outdoor terrace, and even draft Super Bock beer. High-speed internet and regular networking events add to its appeal.
If you’re working within a tighter budget, the next section highlights affordable coworking options that still deliver essential amenities.
For those looking to save while still enjoying a productive workspace, here’s a quick comparison of affordable coworking options in Lisbon:
| Space Name | Daily Rate | Monthly Rate | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cowork Central | $16 | $247 | Central location, 24/7 access |
| Cowork Lisboa | $13 | $109 | Basic amenities, flexible plans |
| House of Maria Amalia | $8 | $136 | Free trial day, cozy atmosphere |
| Heden | $16 | $163 | Modern facilities, community events |
These spaces come with reliable WiFi, comfortable desks, and access to meeting rooms. Many of them also focus on fostering a sense of community, as explored in the next section.
Some coworking spaces in Lisbon go beyond just providing a place to work - they build connections. LACS Communitivity of Creators offers a collaborative vibe with amenities like a rooftop terrace, art galleries, a cafeteria, and a bar. Plus, it’s open 24/7.
Impact Hub Lisbon, located in Baixa-Chiado and Penha de França, hosts weekly events and provides private phone booths and premium workstations.
"The variety of people and nationalities and cultures is what I like the most at LACS."
– Hugo Augusto, Managing Director, Techstars Lisbon in partnership with Semapa Next
For those who enjoy blending work and living, Outsite Lisbon combines coworking with coliving. It offers stunning fourth-floor views and regular community events but lacks phone booths and air conditioning in the work area.
Additionally, many of these spaces participate in initiatives like "Coworking Thursdays" and collaborate with groups such as Open Coffee Lisbon and Lisbon Newcomer Welcome Club, creating even more networking opportunities.
If you're planning to work remotely in Lisbon, the Digital Nomad Visa (D8) offers two options in 2025. You can choose between a temporary stay visa, which allows you to stay for up to 12 months, or a long-term visa that leads to a 2-year residence permit.
To qualify, you'll need to meet these requirements:
| Visa Type | Application Fee | Duration | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Stay | €75 | 12 months | Multiple entries; no residency permit required |
| Long-term | €90 | Initial 4 months | Leads to a 2-year residence permit and permanent residency pathway |
After five years of legal residency, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency or even citizenship.
Once your visa is sorted, the next step is finding a place to live in Lisbon.
Lisbon's rental market moves fast, so it's essential to plan ahead. Expect to pay around €1,334 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center or about €922 in nearby neighborhoods.
Here’s a quick guide to popular neighborhoods for digital nomads:
When searching for housing:
Once you've secured housing, it's time to focus on building connections.
Lisbon has a thriving community of digital nomads with plenty of ways to connect. Since January 2017, the Lisbon Digital Nomads group has grown from monthly meetups to weekly events organized by multiple hosts.
"We aim to offer a sense of community to nomads who visit Lisbon on their journeys around the world." - Lisbon Digital Nomads
Ways to expand your network include:
Coliving spaces can also be a great option when you first arrive. They often host events and provide an instant network of like-minded individuals.
Lisbon has several neighborhoods that are perfect for digital nomads, each offering its own vibe and perks:
Príncipe Real
Avenidas Novas
Parque das Nações
These neighborhoods combine convenience, comfort, and charm, making daily life in Lisbon both enjoyable and productive.
Lisbon blends its historic roots with modern amenities, creating a unique and vibrant lifestyle for residents.
Food & Entertainment
Cultural Integration
When you're ready for a break from city life, Lisbon's surroundings offer plenty of options.
Lisbon's location makes it easy to explore nearby destinations. Here are some top picks:
| Destination | Travel Time | Cost | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sintra | 40 minutes | $5 | Stunning palaces, mountain views |
| Cascais | 40 minutes | $5 | Beautiful beaches, coastal walks |
| Setúbal | 1 hour | Varies | Famous for wine and fresh seafood |
Popular Activities
"We aim to offer a sense of community to nomads who visit Lisbon on their journeys around the world." - Lisbon Digital Nomads
With its mild winters, Lisbon is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities all year long.
Lisbon continues to be a top choice for digital nomads in 2025, offering a mix of affordability and amenities:
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic Living | $1,300 |
| Coworking | $163+ |
| Transport Pass | $43 |
| Housing (City Center) | $1,877 |
Although housing prices have increased, Lisbon is still more affordable than 63% of Western European cities. The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa requires a monthly income of about $3,540, which supports a comfortable lifestyle.
Lisbon offers a balance of modern conveniences and affordability, making it an excellent base for remote work. Key highlights include:
With over 300 sunny days annually, a vibrant cultural scene, and a strong English-speaking community, Lisbon is perfectly suited for digital nomads. The city also boasts a solid 4.3/5 satisfaction rating.
"After working in Lisbon for six months, I realized how much the constant sunshine positively affected my work output. The ability to take a mid-day break at the beach and return refreshed completely transformed my productivity cycle." – Maya Wilson, software developer from Seattle
These details provide a clear picture of why Lisbon remains a fantastic option for digital nomads in 2025. Whether you're drawn by the lifestyle, the affordability, or the work-friendly environment, Lisbon has plenty to offer.
.jpg)
