Madrid vs Oranjestad: cost of living for digital nomads
Madrid, Spain 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 2% cheaper than Madrid for a month of nomad living ($2,360 vs $2,400).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $1,200 in Oranjestad against $1,250 in Madrid.
- Madrid scores higher on safety (9/10 vs 8/10).
- Internet is faster in Madrid: 300 Mbps typical against 150 Mbps.
- Madrid is mediterranean; Oranjestad is arid.
Madrid wins 5 of the measured lines; Oranjestad wins 3.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Madrid or Oranjestad?
Oranjestad is cheaper: about $2,360/month against $2,400/month in Madrid, roughly 2% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Madrid or Oranjestad?
Madrid scores higher on safety: 9/10 against 8/10 for Oranjestad.
Which has faster internet, Madrid or Oranjestad?
Madrid has faster typical internet: 300 Mbps against 150 Mbps in Oranjestad.
| Line | Madrid | Oranjestad |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $2,400 | $2,360 |
| Rent | $1,250 | $1,200 |
| Food | $520 | $560 |
| Transport | $55 | $60 |
| Coworking | $150 | $120 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 300 | 150 |
| Climate | mediterranean | arid |
| City size | metro | small |
| Setting | inland | island |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 9/10 | 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): Madrid November 1, 2026, Oranjestad September 11, 2026.