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Lisbon vs Madrid for digital nomads

Portugal · PT — Spain · ES

Side by side

MetricLisbonMadrid
Population
517,802
—
Winter low
8°C
3°C
Summer high
28°C
32°C
Safety (Numbeo 0–100)
80/100
72/100
Internet (est. median)
125 Mbps
133 Mbps
Monthly cost, solo (est.)
€1,960
€2,660
Cannabis
decriminalized
decriminalized
LGBTQ+ legal
fully_protected
fully_protected

Per-axis verdict

  • CheaperLisbon — about €700/mo less for a solo nomad.
  • SaferLisbon — 80/100 vs 72/100.
  • Faster internetMadrid — est. 133 Mbps vs 125 Mbps.
  • Warmer wintersLisbon — winter low 8°C vs 3°C.
  • Cooler summersLisbon — summer high 28°C vs 32°C.

Verdicts are computed from the same underlying data as the /place pages. Anything within ~5% counts as a tie — no false precision.

Portugal · PT

Lisbon

Seven hills, constant sun, and a tram that’s more roller coaster than transport.

The catch: You will spend a lot of time walking up and down hills, but the constant sun and river views make it tolerable.

Full profile → /lisbon-pt

Spain · ES

Madrid

Madrid: a hot, expensive capital with significant art and a late-night focus.

The catch: Rent eats your budget, but public transport is cheap and covers the whole city.

Full profile → /madrid-es

Neither is the right answer for everyone.

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