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Europe: Cost of Living Compared
Lisbon, Tbilisi, Budapest, and Split, compared for nomads working on a Western income.
Verified Aug 2026 · Cross-checked against ExpatFYI's own verified Lisbon, Tbilisi, Budapest, and Split cost-of-living guides
| Field | Lisbon | Tbilisi | Budapest | Split |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR apartment, city area | €1,000-2,000/month (central) or €700-1,400 (outer) | $400-750/month | €450-650/month (central districts) | €500-850/month off-season; €1,200-2,000+ in summer |
| Coworking, monthly | €150/month | $80-150 | $100-120 | €160-300 |
| Local SIM / data | €10-20/month, consistent with Portugal-wide pricing | $5-11/month for a solid data plan (Magti, Cellfie, Silknet) | $10-30/month depending on data allowance (Yettel fastest, Telekom priciest) | €10-25/month (T-Mobile, A1, or Telemach) |
| Estimated monthly total (excl. rent) | Roughly $160-220 for coworking + data | Roughly $85-161 for coworking + data | Roughly $110-150 for coworking + data | Roughly $170-325 for coworking + data |
| Tbilisi is the clear value pick of these four — lower rent, lower coworking cost, and genuinely competitive data pricing, though worth pairing with the real March 2026 work-permit change on Georgia's own visa page before assuming visa-free entry alone covers working there. Budapest sits in the middle — meaningfully cheaper than Lisbon on rent, with solid infrastructure. Lisbon costs the most of the three non-seasonal options here, reflecting the sharp post-2022 rent increases that have made Portugal's capital genuinely pricier than it used to be. Split is the wildcard: its off-season rate rivals Tbilisi's affordability, but summer pricing (and the difficulty of finding any long-term lease at all in peak season) can push it well past Lisbon — timing matters more here than at any other city on this page. | ||||
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See the full city breakdownThis is informational, not advice. Visa, tax, and immigration rules change, and a general guide can't account for your specific situation. Before you act on anything here, confirm current details with the relevant embassy, consulate, or a licensed immigration or tax professional. See our editorial policy for how we verify what we publish.
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