Livability scores

• Walkabilityⓘ 16 / 20

  Central Lisbon neighborhoods score in the 90–100 Walk Score range, meaning most daily errands can be done on foot.

  Sources:

  • Walk Score – Bairro Alto, Lisbon
  • Walk Score – Methodology
  • SafeStreets – Lisbon walkability 8.9/10
• Rail Connectivityⓘ 7.3 / 10

  Lisbon is a national rail hub with Intercidades, Alfa Pendular and suburban trains connecting major Portuguese cities.

  Sources:

  • CP – Alfa Pendular and Intercidades routes
  • CP – Lisbon urban trains
  • CP – Network map
• Public Transitⓘ 8 / 10

  Lisbon’s metro, trams, buses and suburban trains are integrated under Carris and Metro Lisboa with extensive urban coverage.

  Sources:

  • Metro Lisboa – Network and services
  • Carris – Lisbon bus and tram operator
  • CP – Lisbon urban trains
• Affordabilityⓘ 6.7 / 10

  Lisbon has moderate living costs, with a cost of living index around 53 and rent index about 34, making it pricier than other Portuguese cities but still below many Western capitals.

  Sources:

  • Numbeo – Cost of Living in Lisbon
  • Numbeo – Cost of Living in Portugal (city ranking shows Lisbon indices)
  • Numbeo – Cost of living comparison Porto vs Lisbon
• Safetyⓘ 8 / 10

  Lisbon records a low crime index near 32 and a safety index around 68, with low levels of violent and property crime and high perceived safety walking during the day.

  Sources:

  • Numbeo – Crime in Lisbon
  • Numbeo – Crime in Lisbon (Portuguese interface)
  • Numbeo – Crime comparison Porto vs Lisbon
• Air Qualityⓘ 9 / 10

  EEA data show Lisbon’s PM2.5 and NO2 levels generally within EU limits, though traffic causes occasional exceedances.

  Sources:

  • EEA – Air quality in Portugal (Lisbon station data)
  • Portuguese Environment Agency – Air quality
• Quality Of Lifeⓘ 6 / 10

  Lisbon’s quality of life index is around 146 on Numbeo, reflecting good climate and costs but midrange purchasing power.

  Sources:

  • Numbeo – Lisbon Quality of Life Index
  • Eurostat – Quality of life indicators, Portugal
• Food Cultureⓘ 10 / 10

  Lisbon hosts multiple Michelin-starred restaurants and promotes rich culinary traditions via its official tourism board.

  Sources:

  • Michelin Guide – Lisbon restaurants
  • Visit Lisboa – Gastronomy in Lisbon
• Car Free Practicalityⓘ 8 / 10

  Lisbon’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan prioritizes public transport, walking and cycling, making car-free living feasible in many areas.

  Sources:

  • Lisbon Strategic Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan
  • EU – CIVITAS / Lisbon sustainable mobility actions
  • Carris – Public transport services in Lisbon

Advantages & drawbacks

Monthly costs

• Estimated monthly cost €1,750 – €2,650
• Monthly transit pass €40

Typical prices

• Inexpensive meal €13
• Dinner for two (mid-range) €55
• Cappuccino €2
• Beer (0.5L) €2.5
• Groceries / month €220

Prices are indicative and vary by season and venue.

Food guide

Lisbon’s food culture blends Atlantic seafood, hearty regional dishes, and café pastry traditions, rooted in maritime history and colonial spice routes. The city’s identity centers on bacalhau, grilled sardines, bifanas, and pastéis de nata, enjoyed in humble tascas, modern food halls, and iconic pastelarias.

Signature dishes

• Bacalhau (salt cod, e.g., Bacalhau à Brás)Shredded salt cod cooked with onions, potatoes or fries, and eggs, often baked or pan-fried.
• Sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines)Whole fresh sardines grilled over charcoal, simply seasoned with coarse sea salt, often served with bread and salad.
• Pastel de nataSmall flaky tart filled with rich egg custard, usually sprinkled with cinnamon; Lisbon’s most famous pastry.
• BifanaWarm sandwich of thin marinated pork slices in a crusty roll, often dressed with mustard or chili oil.
• Cozido à portuguesaHearty boiled stew of mixed meats, sausages, and vegetables, served with broth and sides.
• Caldo verdeTraditional soup of potatoes, thinly sliced greens, and chouriço sausage.
• Sapateira recheada (stuffed crab)Stone crab shell filled with a creamy mix of crab meat, roe, egg, aromatics, and seasonings, served with claws and bread.
• Polvo à lagareiroRoasted octopus with “punched” potatoes, garlic, coriander, and generous olive oil.

Where to eat

• Time Out Market Lisboa (Mercado da Ribeira) Food hall / marketHistoric central market turned curated food hall with stalls from top Lisbon chefs and restaurants.
• Cervejaria Ramiro Seafood cervejariaClassic Lisbon seafood house known for ultra-fresh shellfish, shrimp, and prawns in a lively setting.
• Pasteis de Belém PastelariaIconic bakery famous for original-style pastéis de nata, often with long lines around the block.
• Manteigaria PastelariaHistoric pastry shop specializing in freshly baked pastel de nata throughout the day.
• Cervejaria O Trevo Tasquinha / snack barSmall traditional spot renowned for cheap, tasty bifana sandwiches and simple Portuguese dishes.
• Taberna do Mar Modern tavernCreative small restaurant noted for sardine nigiri and playful takes on Portuguese seafood.

Markets & food shopping

• Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market Lisboa)
• Mercado de Campo de Ourique
• Mercado de Arroios
• Mercado de Alvalade