Housing snapshot
- One bedroom
- €900-1,300
- Three bedrooms
- €1,400-2,200
- Purchase, city center
- €5,500-7,500/m²
City research
Retire in Lisbon
A closer look at Lisbon, including Historic charm and Cosmopolitan city life.
545,000Population estimate
€1,100/monthAverage rent
At a glance
The local signals that matter most for a first visit or a first budget.
Population estimate545,000Published city/urban-area estimate; scope varies
Safety68.2Safety index
Healthcare8.7/10Quality rating
Average rent€1,100/monthMonthly cost
Why Lisbon
The character of the city matters as much as the national averages.
- Historic charm
- Cosmopolitan city life
- Coastal location
Costs and daily life
Use these figures to build a realistic monthly budget.
Monthly essentials
- Groceries
- €280-350
- Utilities
- €130-180
- Transport
- €40-60
- Health insurance
- €100-150
Healthcare
- Hospital quality
- 4.3/5
- Doctor visit
- €50-70
- Emergency response
- 8-10 minutes
- Specialist wait time
- 2-4 weeks
Getting around
- Walkability
- 85/100
- Public transport
- 8.8/10
- Airport
- Lisbon Portela Airport
- Airport distance
- 7km from city center
Healthcare essentials for Lisbon
Digital Blood Pressure Monitor
FDA-approved upper arm monitor — track your health anywhere
Travel First Aid Kit (200+ pcs)
Comprehensive emergency kit — compact & TSA-approved
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Climate and community
The details that determine how a place feels through the year.
Climate
- Average temperature
- 18°C
- Summer high
- 28°C
- Winter low
- 8°C
- Rainfall
- 111 days/year
- Sunshine
- 2,800 hours/year
Expat community
- Expat population
- 65,000
- Population share
- 12%
- Main nationalities
- British, French, Brazilian
- Integration support
- Expat centers, Language schools
Climate planning gear for Lisbon
Packable Waterproof Rain Jacket
Lightweight & compact — perfect for unpredictable weather
Universal Travel Power Adapter
All-in-one adapter with USB-C — works in 150+ countries
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Neighborhoods to compare
A useful shortlist for a first visit, rental search, or longer stay.
Baixa/Chiado
Why it works: Historic center, walkable
Watch for: Touristy, expensive
Alfama
Why it works: Authentic, views
Watch for: Hilly, older buildings
Belém
Why it works: Cultural sites
Watch for: Further from center
Lifestyle and recreation
A quick read on the parts of city life that do not appear in a rent index.
Dining4.5/5Local rating
Culture4.7/5Local rating
Nightlife4.3/5Local rating
Shopping4.3/5Local rating
Green space3.9/5Local rating
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about retiring in Lisbon
What is the cost of living in Lisbon?
The published one-bedroom rent for Lisbon is €900-1,300. Total monthly expenses depend on the local currency, housing choice, healthcare, taxes, and lifestyle.
Is Lisbon safe for retirees and expats?
The directory safety index for Lisbon is 68.2/100. A comparable citywide crime rate is not published here; conditions vary by district. The walkability score is 85/100 and public-transport coverage is 9.2/10.
What are the best neighborhoods to live in Lisbon for retirees?
The listed retirement neighborhoods in Lisbon include Baixa/Chiado, Alfama, Belém. Compare healthcare access, services, transport, noise, and housing costs at neighborhood level before choosing.
How is the healthcare system in Lisbon?
Lisbon hospital facilities are rated 4.3/5. Doctor visits are listed at approximately €50-70; insurance acceptance and newcomer eligibility vary by provider and status.
What transportation options are available in Lisbon?
Lisbon has a public-transport efficiency score of 8.8/10 and coverage score of 9.2/10. The walkability score is 85/100, and the nearest international airport is 7km from city center.
What is the climate like in Lisbon?
Lisbon has an average temperature of 18°C with 111 days/year rainfall days listed per year; no snow days are listed. Seasonal comfort depends on personal needs and the specific neighborhood.
Are there other expats and retirees in Lisbon?
Lisbon has a listed international-resident share of 12% and the recorded nationalities are British and French. Integration services are Expat centers, Language schools, Social groups; availability should be confirmed locally.
What visa or residence route applies to retirees in Portugal?
Portugal lists D7 (Passive Income). The published annual income figure is EUR 11,040 per year; requirements, processing and eligibility are route-specific and should be confirmed with the responsible authority before applying.
What tax points should retirees check before moving to Portugal?
The country-level tax notes list income tax: 48% Max. CGT: 28%. Inherit: 0% (Direct).; property tax: IMI is generally 0.3–0.8% of taxable urban property value; VAT or sales tax: 23%. Tax residence, pension source, treaty status, property and local rules can change the result, so obtain current advice for the individual case.
Can foreigners buy property near Lisbon?
Property ownership rules are country- and property-specific and are not a city-level guarantee in this profile. Check title, restricted-zone, tax, registration and residency rules with the relevant authority and a qualified local adviser before signing.