[![Image]() Meet Jobicy Copilot — free AI autofill for job applications + remote job alerts ›](#) Side-by-side city decision # Lisbon vs Ghent. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link LisbonPortugal2 VS GhentBelgium2 $2,275Lisbon monthly budget $1,915Ghent monthly budget 220 MbpsLisbon internet 180 MbpsGhent internet Decision summary No universal winner The result is balanced. Your priorities should decide the better fit. Cost Best budget Ghent Speed Fastest internet Lisbon Vibe Best nomad vibe Lisbon Safety Highest safety Ghent Air Cleanest air Tie Walk Most walkable Tie Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Lisbon](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/portugal/lisbon.md) Portugal 2/6 Budget$2,275 Internet220 Mbps Vibe9/10 [Ghent](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/belgium/ghent.md) Belgium 2/6 Budget$1,915 Internet180 Mbps Vibe8/10 Full comparison ## Compare what matters Green marks the stronger numeric result. Text-only categories are presented without a winner. Differences only ### Monthly budget and costs 7 signals Total estimated budget $2,275 $1,915 1-bed center rent $1,550 $1,160 Coworking desk $240 $260 Local meal $13 $19.5 Cappuccino $2.4 $3.9 Gym membership $45 $48 Transport budget $45 $55 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals Internet speed 220 Mbps 180 Mbps Nomad vibe 9/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals Safety index 67/100 72/100 Air quality 78/100 78/100 Walkability 9/10 9/10 Female safety 8/10 8/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 9/10 9/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals Healthcare quality Good Excellent English proficiency Good Excellent Climate type Mediterranean Temperate oceanic Best time to visit Apr - Jun May - Sep Beyond the numbers ## What each city asks you to trade Costs and scores help narrow the choice. These practical strengths and limitations finish the picture. [Lisbon](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/portugal/lisbon.md) Portugal → ### Strengths * Large, international remote-worker community * Excellent walkability and public transport * Mild climate with abundant sunshine * Reliable high-speed fiber internet * Strong café, food, and cultural scene * Safe city with easy European flight connections ### Trade-offs * Housing costs have risen sharply * Long-term rentals are highly competitive * Winter apartments can be cold and damp * Tourist-heavy central neighborhoods get noisy * Portuguese bureaucracy can move slowly * Wages and services do not always match capital-city prices ### Common visa routes * Portugal Digital Nomad Visa * D7 Passive Income Visa * Schengen short-stay visa waiver or tourist visa [Ghent](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/belgium/ghent.md) Belgium → ### Strengths * Exceptionally walkable and bicycle-friendly historic center * Fast, reliable fiber internet and strong mobile coverage * High English proficiency among students and young professionals * Excellent rail links to Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, and Europe * Inclusive, progressive atmosphere with a lively cultural calendar * Safe tap water and high-quality public healthcare ### Trade-offs * Housing is expensive and well-priced furnished flats move quickly * Rain, wind, and gray winter days can feel persistent * Belgian taxes and administrative procedures are complex * Restaurants, alcohol, and everyday services cost more than in southern Europe * There is no dedicated Belgian digital nomad visa * Cycling requires confidence around tram tracks and heavy bike traffic ### Common visa routes * Schengen short-stay visa * Belgian self-employed professional card route * EU Blue Card or local employment permit Reading the result ## Use this as a planning benchmark The headline score compares six directional signals. It does not weight personal priorities, visa eligibility, household size or individual lifestyle choices. Costs are monthly estimates, not guaranteed prices. Higher is better for quality scores and connectivity. Lower is better for budgets and individual expenses.