Single · Comfortable · $3,000/mo

CovilhaOverall winner

Mafra is approximately 71% less expensive than Covilha based on cost of living including rent. This makes Mafra a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.

Mafra has a FIRE Score of 82/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 70, which is relatively safe.

Recommended profile: Mafra is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.

Side by side

Best in row

Portugal

Mafra

Normal Precautions
FIRE82

Portugal

Covilha

Normal Precautions
FIRE87
Cost
Cost of living index
Best in row. 29.5
42.5
One person, excluding rent
Best in row. $457/mo
$659/mo
Family of four, excluding rent
Best in row. $1,652/mo
$2,380/mo
Total monthly, rent included
$1,100/mo
Best in row. $922/mo
Monthly savings
$1,900/mo
Best in row. $2,078/mo
Housing
1BR, city centre
Best in row. $295
$505
1BR, outside centre
Best in row. $240
$393
3BR, city centre
Best in row. $565
$953
3BR, outside centre
Best in row. $460
$785
Scores
FIRE score
Best in row. 89/100
82/100
Nomad score
Best in row. 50/100
22/100
Retiree score
56/100
Best in row. 73/100
Overall score
82/100
Best in row. 87/100
Safety & infrastructure
Safety index
70
Best in row. 80
Internet speed
30 Mbps
Best in row. 85 Mbps
Walkability score
-
-

Estimates from published local prices. N/A means no figure is published for that city.

About these cities

About Covilha

Covilha is a cheap, safe, small-city play for remote workers and early retirees who want Portugal without Lisbon prices or crowds. A one-bedroom outside the center runs $393/mo and a single adult can live on a budget tier of $593/mo, which is remarkable against a cost of living index of 43/100 and a safety index of 80/100. The catch is isolation: 52 thousand people, very few expats, limited English, and the nearest airport 218 km away in Lisbon. If you need a built-in social scene or easy flights, look elsewhere; if you want quiet mountain air at 610 m and an 87/100 expat score, this is your spot.

About Portugal

A one-bedroom in central Lisbon runs about $1,040/month, roughly a third of comparable Boston or DC rents. Combined with $776 in monthly living costs, a couple can live well under $2,500/month total, and the D7 visa only requires $1,031 income to qualify. The catch: Portuguese progressive tax hits 48% (top bracket), so this works best for retirees on fixed foreign income, not high earners staying tax resident.

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Mafra vs Covilha -- Frequently Asked Questions

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