Which is cheaper, Madrid or Porto?

Porto is cheaper, with a NoodlePants Cost of Living index of 49.5 vs 55.2 for Madrid. A 1-bedroom in the city centre averages $1,050 vs $1,380.

Which is safer, Madrid or Porto?

Porto scores 80/100 on safety vs 72/100 for Madrid.

Which is better for digital nomads, Madrid or Porto?

Madrid edges ahead with a NoodlePants Nomad Score of 78 vs 76, factoring in internet (240 Mbps), affordability and community.

All city comparisons

Madrid vs Porto — Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Which city is cheaper, safer, and better for remote workers? Here's the data.

Madrid

Spain

COL Index

mid-priced

Porto

Portugal

COL Index

affordable

NoodlePants Verdict — generated from live data

Porto edges out Madrid on affordability with a NoodlePants COL Index of 49.5 vs 55.2 (affordable vs mid-priced). Porto scores higher on safety (80/100), and Madrid wins on internet at ~240 Mbps. Overall, Madrid takes the Nomad Score crown with 78/100 — best for remote worker and city lovers.

Metric

Madrid

Porto

Avg Rent 1BR (city centre)

$1,380

$1,050

Avg Rent 1BR (outside centre)

$980

$760

NoodlePants COL Index

Safety Score

72/100

80/100

Internet Speed

240 Mbps

210 Mbps

Nomad Score

78/100

76/100

Healthcare Score

82/100

78/100

Digital Nomad Visa

✓ Available

Who is each city for?

Madrid is better for…

Remote workerCity loversFoodiesNightlife

See the Spain country profile

Porto is better for…

Budget EU baseQuiet cityWine loversWalkable

See the Portugal country profile

Also compare

Lisbon vs Porto Lisbon vs Madrid

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