Working in Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe, even older than Rome! Lisbon is known for the hilly streets. Living there will be a daily workout for your calves.
Living and working in Lisbon is a captivating blend of history, culture, and stunning natural beauty. The city offers a relaxed and laid-back lifestyle, where you can enjoy beautiful weather, delicious cuisine, and a vibrant arts and music scene.
From stunning old neighbourhoods to the iconic trams and from the most amazing views from the hills to the beaches, Lisbon has it all. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about living and working in Lisbon.
Life in Lisbon
Lisbon is known for its picturesque neighborhoods, such as Alfama and Bairro Alto, where charming narrow streets, colorful tiles, and lively local markets create an enchanting atmosphere. The city is also surrounded by stunning beaches and natural parks, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. With excellent public transportation systems and a bike-friendly environment, getting around Lisbon is convenient and eco-friendly. Moreover, Lisbon hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating music, art, and traditional customs. The warm and welcoming nature of the locals adds to the overall charm of living in Lisbon, making it a truly special place to call home.
Work in Lisbon
- Average working hours per week: 40 hours, 8 hours daily
- Typical working day: Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm with 1 hr lunch break
- Number of Vacation days: 22 days
- Commute: Mostly by metro
- Work culture: Mostly flat hierarchy
FAQ
You can move to Lisbon by yourself, with a friend or as a couple. There are pros and cons to all of the situations. If you consider moving abroad with any kind of friend it can be a really good idea to sit down and talk through practical and everyday stuff such as economy, bills, cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking vs ordering, going out/staying in, how you deal with potentially going out without each other as well as having friends and family visiting (from near and far and extended visits). Apart from the practical arrangements, life is fun when you can share your new core memories with other people – so it is very recommendable to move abroad together. Moving with a friend can cause you to interact less with new people compared to if you move abroad by yourself. But if this is a good or a bad thing entirely depends on your personal goals and wishes as well as your personality.
Conclusion: communication is key if you and your friend decide to move abroad together
Lisbon has an extensive and efficient public transportation system that includes metro, buses, trams, and trains. The average costs for public transport in Lisbon:
- 24-hour unlimited pass: ~€7
- 30-day unlimited travel within Lisbon city limits: €30
- 30-day Unlimited travel across the Lisbon Metropolitan Area: €40
A location to consider in Lisbon is the neighborhood of Alvalade. It offers a good mix of affordable housing options and amenities, with easy access to public transportation. Another option is the neighbourhood of Penha de França, which has a more residential feel and lower rental prices compared to some other central areas. The neighbourhood of Ajuda, located on the western side of Lisbon, is also known for its affordable housing and quieter atmosphere.
The average monthly rent prices for housing in Lisbon:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,200-€1,500
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €900-€1,100
- Room in a shared apartment: €450-€600
Lisbon experiences a Mediterranean climate:
- Spring: 15-22°C. Mild and pleasant, with lots of sun.
- Summer: 22-28°C. Hot and sunny, with almost no rain.
- Autumn: 17-24°C. Warm at first, later cooler.
- Winter: 10-15°C. Mild compared to Northern Europe.
Some of the popular sim providers in Lisbon include MEO, NOS, and Vodafone. These providers offer different sim card options with various data plans and pricing. The best sim provider for you would depend on factors such as network coverage, data packages, and pricing that suit your needs. It is recommended to compare the offerings of different providers and read customer reviews to determine which one offers the best combination of affordability, network quality, and customer satisfaction.
Is living in Lisbon expensive?
On average, life in Lisbon is relatively cheap. Especially if you compare this to Northern Europe. The average costs of expat life in Lisbon will be:
- Groceries: €150-€250 a month
- Gym membership: €25-€60 a month
- Meal at a regular restaurant: €9-€13
- Beer in a pub: €2-€3
- Coffee in a café: €1-€1,50
- Cinema ticket: €6-€9
Still not sure about living and working in Lisbon?
Life in sunny Lisbon will be full of amazing experiences, with food being one of the most important things in the local culture:
- Exploring local markets such as Mercado da Ribeira or Mercado de Campo de Ourique, where you can find fresh produce, local specialties, and budget-friendly meals.
- Visiting the various “tascas” or traditional Portuguese taverns scattered throughout the city, offering reasonably priced dishes and local favorites.
- Additionally, you can find affordable street food options, such as “pregos” (steak sandwiches) or “francesinhas” (meat sandwiches), in popular areas like Bairro Alto or Cais do Sodré.
Other amazing things you can see and experience in Lisbon are:
- São Jorge Castle: see the city from this high point and enjoy the castle itself;
- Tram 28: a classic tram route passing through Lisbon’s most famous neighborhoods;
- LX Factory: trendy arts and food hub with shops, street art, and cafés;
- Alfama District: wander through the narrow streets, listen to Fado, and enjoy traditional Lisbon vibes.
Have you already decided to move to Portugal, but aren’t you sure which city to pick? Read more about living and working in Lisbon vs Porto.
