Are Lisbon’s coliving spaces worth the hype in 2025? Best options for solo nomads and remote teams

As Lisbon continues to attract remote workers, freelancers, and startup founders from around the world, the city’s coliving ecosystem has grown from a niche experiment into a mainstream housing solution. In 2025, coliving in Lisbon isn’t just about shared kitchens and coworking lounges—it’s a lifestyle product designed to blend community, convenience, and flexibility. But with rising prices, increased competition, and a broader variety of housing formats now available, digital nomads are asking: are Lisbon’s coliving spaces still worth the hype?

How has coliving in Lisbon evolved from early hostel hybrids to long-stay remote work hubs?

Between 2018 and 2020, Lisbon’s coliving scene emerged largely as an extension of the hostel and backpacker industry. Spaces like Selina and Oasis offered short-term stays with communal workspaces, attracting digital nomads transitioning out of Airbnb apartments. However, the pandemic-driven remote work boom changed everything. By 2021, long-stay coliving formats—designed for one to six months—became increasingly popular. This shift coincided with the introduction of Portugal’s D7 and digital nomad visas, enabling legal residence for remote earners from outside the EU.

From 2022 onward, Lisbon became a testing ground for hybrid coliving-coworking models. Outsite Lisbon in Cais do Sodré, SameSame in Intendente, and IDEA Spaces in Alcântara launched full-service properties that combined furnished apartments, communal kitchens, high-speed internet, and curated networking events. The influx of U.S., German, Dutch, and Brazilian remote workers fueled demand for spaces with privacy, wellness amenities, and social programming.

By 2025, coliving in Lisbon is no longer just a budget option—it’s a premium lifestyle offering. But as prices inch upward and the city grapples with housing shortages, not all spaces deliver equal value.

What do digital nomads prioritize when choosing coliving spaces in Lisbon in 2025?

In 2025, digital nomads in Lisbon are increasingly discerning. Cost remains a factor, but it’s no longer the only variable. Many now prioritize four key factors: strong Wi-Fi, community integration, location convenience, and the quality of workspaces. Fast and stable internet is non-negotiable—most nomads expect minimum speeds of 100 Mbps and dedicated desk setups either in-room or in common areas.

Community events, ranging from skill shares and local dinners to surfing trips and language exchanges, are also a key draw. Spaces that offer facilitated interaction—without forcing socialization—are rated highly. A growing number of coliving reviews on Nomad List and Reddit warn against “forced fun” dynamics and push for a better balance between social and professional zones.

Location is another major consideration. Neighborhoods like Cais do Sodré, Alcântara, and Marvila are favored for their mix of urban accessibility, cafés, coworking options, and nightlife. However, more budget-conscious nomads are looking toward Intendente, Campolide, or even Almada for lower rents and quieter surroundings.

Lastly, privacy has become a deciding factor. Most high-rated Lisbon coliving spaces now offer private rooms with en-suite bathrooms and soundproofing—a significant change from earlier models based on dorm-style layouts. This evolution reflects the rise of “slowmads,” long-term remote workers who require focus, not just flexibility.

Which coliving spaces in Lisbon are rated best by remote workers and startup teams in 2025?

Several coliving operators have built a strong reputation for consistent quality, modern design, and remote work optimization. Among them, Outsite Lisbon remains one of the most sought-after. Located in the riverside Cais do Sodré district, Outsite combines private rooms, communal kitchens, coworking lounges, and weekly networking sessions. Long praised for its balance between social and professional spaces, Outsite’s Lisbon location attracts mid-career professionals, startup founders, and remote executives.

SameSame Lisbon, based in Intendente, offers a boutique-style experience with art-filled interiors, yoga classes, and a strong focus on sustainability. Its proximity to Lisbon’s multicultural center makes it a top choice for creative professionals. Nomads appreciate its curated events and the availability of both single and double rooms for longer stays.

For more minimalist or design-focused experiences, Indie Campers Coliving in Alcântara has emerged as a flexible option for those seeking short-term stays with modern amenities and a “plug-and-play” lifestyle. Initially known for its van rental business, Indie Campers has pivoted into urban housing with smart layouts and contactless check-ins.

Another rising player is Gravity Cowork–Coliving, located near Avenida da Liberdade. It offers larger suites, dedicated cowork floors, and optional fitness memberships. While priced above average, it is popular among startup teams and solopreneurs looking to connect with Lisbon’s venture-backed ecosystem.

Budget-conscious nomads often turn to Nómada Coliving or Roam Portugal, which focus on shared rooms or mixed private/shared formats. These options remain under €900/month even in central areas, though availability tends to be seasonal.

How does coliving compare to private rentals and Airbnbs for remote workers in Lisbon today?

Coliving offers a middle ground between transient Airbnbs and long-term private rentals. In 2025, many nomads find Airbnbs either overpriced or ill-suited for productive work. Despite Portugal’s efforts to regulate short-term rentals, central Lisbon remains saturated with listings that prioritize tourists over remote professionals. Coliving, by contrast, guarantees essentials like ergonomic workspaces, bills included, and community access.

Private rentals do offer better value per square meter, especially for stays longer than six months. However, they come with challenges. Deposits of two to three months are standard, leases often require a local guarantor or NIF (tax ID), and Portuguese bureaucracy can slow down the process. For first-time Lisbon residents, coliving eliminates these pain points.

That said, many long-term nomads shift to private rentals after their first few months in coliving. The general pattern in 2025 is to start with coliving for orientation, network building, and visa processing, then transition to rental apartments in Alcântara, Penha de França, or Oeiras once settled.

What risks or trade-offs should nomads consider before booking coliving in Lisbon in 2025?

Despite its benefits, coliving in Lisbon is not without trade-offs. Monthly prices have steadily climbed. In 2025, private coliving rooms with coworking access average between €1,100 and €1,700 per month—significantly more than what private rentals cost in less touristy districts. Some digital nomads on Reddit and Slack forums argue that coliving is now “premiumized” and excludes budget-conscious freelancers.

Another issue is seasonal availability. During peak months—May through September—top coliving spaces are booked weeks in advance. This scarcity forces some nomads into backup options or higher-priced Airbnb stays. A few platforms now offer waitlist-based bookings or “rotating guest” models to manage this demand, but the pressure remains.

Privacy remains another concern. Even with private rooms, shared kitchens and event spaces can be noisy or crowded. Nomads with demanding schedules or client-facing roles often find the constant social energy draining. Others report that coliving is better for extroverts and first-time relocators than for seasoned remote professionals seeking solitude.

Lastly, location mismatch can frustrate newcomers. A few coliving operators advertise “central Lisbon” but are based in transit-challenged areas like São Domingos de Benfica or eastern outskirts of Marvila. Verifying commute times and café density remains essential.

Coliving in Lisbon is still worth it—but only if it fits your remote work lifestyle

In 2025, coliving in Lisbon remains a viable and popular option for digital nomads, but it’s no longer universally ideal. It’s best suited to those seeking community, convenience, and a soft landing in a foreign city. For solo remote workers and startup teams, the value proposition lies in avoiding the red tape of private rentals and tapping into Lisbon’s vibrant international scene quickly.

However, the trade-offs—price, privacy, and seasonal demand—should not be overlooked. For long-term nomads or those on a budget, transitioning from coliving to private rentals may offer a better lifestyle-to-cost ratio.

Ultimately, Lisbon’s coliving spaces still offer a uniquely Portuguese mix of charm, modernity, and social energy—but they’re no longer hidden gems. They’re polished, priced accordingly, and evolving fast.