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Complete side-by-side comparison of Spain and Portugal for digital nomads and remote workers.
Spain is 8% more affordable than Portugal, with a cost of living index of 23 compared to 25 (NYC = 100).
NYC = 100 for cost indexes. Higher safety/healthcare = better. Lower pollution/traffic = better.
Spain is the more budget-friendly destination with a cost of living index of 23 versus 25 for Portugal (NYC baseline = 100). That's a 8% difference that adds up significantly over months of living abroad.
Rent is often the biggest expense: Portugal has a rent index of 38 compared to 39. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and dining follow a similar pattern.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs $17.73 in Spain versus $13.27 in Portugal. These everyday costs paint the real picture of how far your money goes.
Portugal ranks higher for safety with an index of 67/100, compared to 62/100 for Spain. Both countries are generally safe for tourists and expats, though standard precautions apply in major cities.
Healthcare quality in Spain scores 77/100 versus 72/100 in Portugal. International health insurance is recommended regardless of your destination.
Spain has a higher GDP per capita at $29,198 versus $20,530 in Portugal. This reflects in the overall infrastructure, services, and cost levels you'll experience.
Spain uses the Euro (EUR) while Portugal uses the Euro (EUR). Both countries have widely available ATMs and increasing digital payment adoption in urban areas.
Spain has a more established digital nomad scene with 3 popular nomad cities, while Portugal offers 2 cities. Top picks in Spain include Tenerife, Barcelona, Las Palmas.
Getting around is easier in Spain with a traffic index of 96 compared to 107. Lower traffic means less time commuting and more flexibility in your daily routine.
Source: Numbeo (national averages, USD)
Spain is 8% more affordable than Portugal. The cost of living index is 23 vs 25 (NYC = 100), affecting rent, food, and daily expenses.
Portugal has a higher safety index of 67/100 compared to 62/100. Both countries are generally safe for travelers, but exercise standard precautions in tourist-heavy areas.
Spain ranks higher for healthcare with an index of 77/100 versus 72/100. Modern hospitals and English-speaking doctors are available in major cities of both countries. International health insurance is recommended.
Spain has a more established digital nomad scene with 3 popular nomad cities compared to 2 in Portugal. The best choice depends on your priorities: cost, weather, visa terms, and community size.
Check the dedicated visa guide pages for each country to see current DN visa availability, duration, cost, and requirements. Visa policies can change, so always verify with official sources before traveling.