Lisbon vs Oranjestad: cost of living for digital nomads
Lisbon, Portugal and Oranjestad, Aruba, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Oranjestad is about 6% cheaper than Lisbon for a month of nomad living ($2,360 vs $2,500).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $1,200 in Oranjestad against $1,400 in Lisbon.
- Lisbon scores higher on safety (9/10 vs 8/10).
- Internet is faster in Oranjestad: 150 Mbps typical against 120 Mbps.
- Lisbon is mediterranean; Oranjestad is arid.
Lisbon wins 4 of the measured lines; Oranjestad wins 4.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Lisbon or Oranjestad?
Oranjestad is cheaper: about $2,360/month against $2,500/month in Lisbon, roughly 6% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Lisbon or Oranjestad?
Lisbon scores higher on safety: 9/10 against 8/10 for Oranjestad.
Which has faster internet, Lisbon or Oranjestad?
Oranjestad has faster typical internet: 150 Mbps against 120 Mbps in Lisbon.
| Line | Lisbon | Oranjestad |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $2,500 | $2,360 |
| Rent | $1,400 | $1,200 |
| Food | $500 | $560 |
| Transport | $45 | $60 |
| Coworking | $150 | $120 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 120 | 150 |
| Climate | mediterranean | arid |
| City size | metro | small |
| Setting | coast | island |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 10/10 | 6/10 |
Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Lisbon November 1, 2026, Oranjestad September 11, 2026.