Cost of Living

Lisbon: $1,630–$2,500/month. A city-center apartment costs $1,300, with meals at $5–$10. Coworking spaces like Heden cost $150/month. Public transport passes are $40/month.

Chiang Mai: $700–$1,100/month. Studios start at $331, and local meals cost $2–$5. Coworking at Punspace is $120/month. Local markets offer groceries at low prices.

Winner: Chiang Mai for affordability, but Lisbon offers better value for European infrastructure. Budget-conscious nomads prefer Chiang Mai’s low costs.

Internet Speed

Lisbon: 175.97 Mbps fixed broadband and 166.26 Mbps mobile, among the best in Europe. Cafes and coworking spaces like Second Home ensure reliable connectivity. Mobile data plans are affordable at $15 for 10GB. Fiber-optic networks are widespread.

Chiang Mai: 150 Mbps broadband with reliable Wi-Fi in cafes and coworking spaces. Punspace offers high-speed options for dedicated desks. Some rural areas may experience slowdowns. Mobile data is cheap at $5 for 10GB.

Winner: Lisbon edges out for faster, more consistent internet.

Visa Rules

Lisbon: The D7 visa requires €2,800/month income for a one-year stay, with tax benefits for freelancers. Schengen visa allows 90 days in 180 for non-EU nationals. The application process requires financial documentation. Portugal’s bureaucracy can be slow but manageable.

Chiang Mai: The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) costs $291 for 180-day stays, renewable for five years. Tourist visas allow 60 days, extendable by 30 days. The DTV is straightforward for remote workers. Check air quality during the burning season (Feb–Apr).

Winner: Chiang Mai for cheaper, longer-term visa options.

Lifestyle

Lisbon: Offers sunny beaches, fado music, and vibrant nightlife. It’s urban, safe, and English-friendly, with easy access to Europe. Coworking spaces host community events. Proximity to Sintra and Cascais adds adventure.

Chiang Mai: Known for temples, mountains, and a laid-back vibe. It’s less urban but has a strong nomad community and affordable wellness options like massages. Night markets are a social hub. Outdoor activities like hiking are plentiful.

Winner: Tie—Lisbon for European culture, Chiang Mai for affordability and nature.

Safety and Accessibility

Lisbon is one of Europe’s safest cities, with low crime rates and reliable public transport like trams and metro. English is widely spoken, making it easy to navigate. Chiang Mai is also safe, though petty theft can occur in tourist areas. Both cities are welcoming, but Lisbon’s infrastructure makes it more accessible for newcomers.

Networking Opportunities

Lisbon’s nomad community thrives through meetups at spaces like Heden and events via Meetup.com. Chiang Mai’s nomad scene is equally strong, with Punspace hosting workshops and networking nights. Both cities offer Slack groups for connecting with locals and expats. Joining these communities helps nomads build professional and social networks.