Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Belgium

Portugal
Based on our comparison, Cascais wins 5 out of 8 categories.Brussels wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Brussels and Cascais, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Brussels
$2,123/mo
Best Internet
Brussels
200 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Cascais
6.3/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Brussels if budget is your top priority, or Brussels if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Brussels and Cascais for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Brussels offers a more affordable lifestyle at $2,123/month compared to Cascais's $2,311/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Brussels leads with 200 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Cascais offers 150 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7.3/10, Cascais offers better security than Brussels (4.4/10).
Overall: Cascais's NomadIQ score of 6.3/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Brussels is 8% cheaper than Cascais.
Cascais has a higher safety score (7.3/10) compared to Brussels (4.4/10).
4.4/10
Brussels
7.3/10
Cascais
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Brussels offers faster internet at 200 Mbps vs 150 Mbps.
200 Mbps
Brussels
150 Mbps
Cascais
Based on our analysis, Cascais edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Brussels: Best for budget-conscious expats
Cascais: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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