Had to pick between a cheap apartment in Chiang Mai and a pricier co-living spot in Lisbon

I went with Lisbon for the better internet and community, even though it cost $400 more a month. After two weeks here, the fast upload speeds have been a game changer for my video calls. What's the biggest factor you guys think about when choosing a new base?

2 comments

2 Comments

hugo1531h ago

Good call on Lisbon. That extra cost buys peace of mind when your work depends on a solid connection. For me, the biggest factor is always the local vibe and walkability. I can't stand feeling stuck in some quiet suburb where you need a car for everything. A place has to have some energy, some cafes or parks where you can just exist without planning a whole trip. The rent could be amazing, but if the area feels dead, I'm out. What kind of community stuff have you found there so far?

the_sage1h ago

Totally agree about needing that energy. "Just exist without planning a whole trip" is EXACTLY it. I've found little squares here where you can post up with a laptop and the day just happens around you, people chatting, kids playing. There's a real mix of old locals and new faces, and you stumble into random street markets or community dinners. It feels alive in a way that doesn't need you to buy stuff all the time, which is huge.