Vibe & Atmosphere
Lisbon: A blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy, Lisbon offers stunning architecture, iconic yellow trams, and a coastal breeze that’s perfect for a laid-back yet energetic lifestyle. It’s ideal for those who want a mix of history, art, and a Mediterranean pace.
Tbilisi: A city full of contrasts, Tbilisi boasts a dramatic setting with its ancient hilltop churches, Soviet-era buildings, and riverside cafés. The local culture feels intimate and quirky, giving off an old-school, slightly bohemian vibe with a lot of character.
Winner: Tie. Lisbon brings the sunshine and coastal cool, while Tbilisi offers a deeper, unique cultural experience.
Coffee Culture
Lisbon: Known for its café culture, Lisbon’s coffee is robust and served in small cups. From trendy cafés to tiny local spots, you’ll always find a place to sip an espresso or bica while you work.
Tbilisi: Tbilisi’s coffee scene is growing, with trendy cafés popping up around the city, offering strong brews and a laid-back ambiance. However, the city still leans heavily on tea, which makes it a bit quieter on the coffee front compared to Lisbon.
Winner: Lisbon. With a well-established café culture, it’s the place to be for coffee lovers.
Creative Spaces
Lisbon: Lisbon’s creative scene is thriving, with a growing number of co-working spaces and artist-friendly neighborhoods like Bairro Alto and Alfama. It’s a hub for freelancers, artists, and entrepreneurs, providing plenty of opportunities to connect and collaborate.
Tbilisi: Tbilisi is catching up quickly in terms of co-working spaces, with places like Fabrika providing an eclectic, creative atmosphere. The artsy vibe in neighborhoods like Sololaki makes it a hidden gem for those looking for a more intimate, local scene.
Winner: Lisbon. Its established and diverse co-working spaces edge out Tbilisi’s emerging scene.
Cost of Living
Lisbon: Lisbon is affordable by Western European standards, but prices have risen in recent years, particularly in the city center. Expect to pay around €1,000/month for a one-bedroom apartment. Eating out and public transport are reasonably priced.
Tbilisi: Tbilisi is incredibly affordable. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost you around €300-€400/month, and food and drinks are extremely cheap, making it a budget-friendly choice for nomads.
Winner: Tbilisi. With significantly lower living costs, it’s a steal for nomads on a budget.
Wi-Fi & Remote Work
Lisbon: Lisbon offers solid Wi-Fi with speeds averaging 50 Mbps in cafés and co-working spaces. It’s a highly digital-friendly city, with plenty of spots to set up your laptop and get to work.
Tbilisi: Tbilisi offers decent Wi-Fi (around 40 Mbps), but while the internet is generally reliable, there are fewer co-working spaces compared to Lisbon. That said, many cafés and restaurants cater well to remote workers.
Winner: Lisbon. Better overall infrastructure and faster, more reliable Wi-Fi make Lisbon a more suitable choice for remote work.
Transport & Safety
Lisbon: Lisbon has a well-connected public transport system, including buses, trams, and the metro. The city is also very walkable, but safety can vary depending on the area. It’s generally safe, though, with some pickpocketing issues in tourist hotspots.
Tbilisi: Tbilisi has an affordable metro and bus system, but it’s not as extensive as Lisbon’s. The city is small enough to walk around, but there are some safety concerns in certain neighborhoods, especially after dark.
Winner: Lisbon. Its more efficient transport system and overall safety make it the better option for getting around.
The Verdict
Lisbon takes the crown for digital nomads who crave a sunny, creative environment with solid coffee and remote work infrastructure. Tbilisi shines for those looking for an affordable, unique, and intimate city with a rich cultural scene. Your choice depends on your priorities—sunshine and modernity, or charm and budget-friendly living?
