Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Portugal

Costa Rica
Based on our comparison, Cascais wins 7 out of 8 categories.Tamarindo wins 1 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Cascais and Tamarindo, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Cascais
$2,311/mo
Best Internet
Cascais
150 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Cascais
6.3/10
Our Recommendation: Cascais is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Cascais and Tamarindo for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Cascais offers a more affordable lifestyle at $2,311/month compared to Tamarindo's $2,628/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Cascais leads with 150 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Tamarindo offers 95 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7.3/10, Cascais provides a more secure environment than Tamarindo (4.2/10).
Overall: Cascais earns a higher NomadIQ score of 6.3/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Cascais is 12% cheaper than Tamarindo.
Cascais has a higher safety score (7.3/10) compared to Tamarindo (4.2/10).
7.3/10
Cascais
4.2/10
Tamarindo
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Cascais offers faster internet at 150 Mbps vs 95 Mbps.
150 Mbps
Cascais
95 Mbps
Tamarindo
Based on our analysis, Cascais edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 7 of 8 comparison factors.
Cascais: Best for budget-conscious expats
Tamarindo: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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