Which is cheaper, Lisbon or Medellín?

Medellín is cheaper, with a NoodlePants Cost of Living index of 32.4 vs 56.4 for Lisbon. A 1-bedroom in the city centre averages $580 vs $1,450.

Which is safer, Lisbon or Medellín?

Lisbon scores 75/100 on safety vs 48/100 for Medellín.

Which is better for digital nomads, Lisbon or Medellín?

Lisbon edges ahead with a NoodlePants Nomad Score of 82 vs 80, factoring in internet (230 Mbps), affordability and community.

All city comparisons

Lisbon vs Medellín — Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Which city is cheaper, safer, and better for remote workers? Here's the data.

Lisbon

Portugal

COL Index

mid-priced

Medellín

Colombia

COL Index

very affordable

NoodlePants Verdict — generated from live data

Medellín edges out Lisbon on affordability with a NoodlePants COL Index of 32.4 vs 56.4 (very affordable vs mid-priced). Lisbon scores higher on safety (75/100), and Lisbon wins on internet at ~230 Mbps. Overall, Lisbon takes the Nomad Score crown with 82/100 — best for remote worker and eu base.

Metric

Lisbon

Medellín

Avg Rent 1BR (city centre)

$1,450

$580

Avg Rent 1BR (outside centre)

$1,050

$360

NoodlePants COL Index

Safety Score

75/100

48/100

Internet Speed

230 Mbps

130 Mbps

Nomad Score

82/100

80/100

Healthcare Score

79/100

70/100

Digital Nomad Visa

✓ Available

Who is each city for?

Lisbon is better for…

Remote workerEU baseFoodiesMild climate

See the Portugal country profile

Medellín is better for…

Budget nomadLatAm baseSpring climateCommunity

See the Colombia country profile

Also compare

Lisbon vs Porto Lisbon vs Madrid Medellín vs Bogotá

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