New York or San Sebastián

Based on 2026 cost of living data, New York is more affordable than San Sebastián. New York has a cost rating of 10/100, while San Sebastián has a cost rating of 58/100.

In terms of safety, San Sebastián ranks higher with a safety score of 75/100, compared to New York at 90/100. New York's safety score is 75/100 and San Sebastián's safety score is 90/100.

Average rent in New York is typically $4,000+ per month, whereas typical rent in San Sebastián averages €800 - €1,200 per month.

For New York, the visa process is rated as: Hard (US visa lottery and specialty visas are highly competitive.). For San Sebastián, the process is rated as: Spanish Digital Nomad Visa & EU Freedom (Spain’s Nomad Visa provides non-EU remote workers a 1-to-3 year residence permit with streamlined tax benefits.).