Single · Comfortable · $3,000/mo

VareseOverall winner

Varese is approximately 57% less expensive than Oeiras based on cost of living including rent. This makes Varese a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.

Varese has a FIRE Score of 67/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 54.99, suggesting moderate safety levels.

Recommended profile: Varese is best suited for digital nomads who prioritize experience over savings.

Side by side

Best in row

Italy

Varese

Increased Caution
FIRE67

Portugal

Oeiras

Normal Precautions
FIRE86
Cost
Cost of living index
68.2
Best in row. 28.5
One person, excluding rent
$1,057/mo
Best in row. $442/mo
Family of four, excluding rent
$3,819/mo
Best in row. $1,596/mo
Total monthly, rent included
Best in row. $1,625/mo
$1,787/mo
Monthly savings
Best in row. $1,375/mo
$1,213/mo
Housing
1BR, city centre
Best in row. $928
$1,458
1BR, outside centre
Best in row. $717
$1,159
3BR, city centre
Best in row. $1,716
$2,523
3BR, outside centre
Best in row. $1,601
$2,047
Scores
FIRE score
68/100
Best in row. 69/100
Nomad score
46/100
Best in row. 50/100
Retiree score
56/100
Best in row. 61/100
Overall score
67/100
Best in row. 86/100
Safety & infrastructure
Safety index
55
Best in row. 58
Internet speed
Best in row. 86 Mbps
55 Mbps
Walkability score
-
-

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

About these cities

About Varese

Varese is the quiet northern Italian city that rewards people who actually want to live in northern Italy, not just post about it. At $928/mo for a one-bedroom in the center and a $2,365/mo average net salary, the math works better than in Milan, though the limited English proficiency means you had better arrive with some Italian or a willingness to learn fast. The 67/100 expat score and 62/100 retiree score tell you this is a medium-commitment place, not a soft landing, and the humid continental winters with snow are real. Come for the excellent healthcare and the 77/100 safety index, stay if you can handle a small city that does not perform for you.

About Italy

Retirees with steady income fare better here than remote workers chasing savings. Rent outside the center runs $660.88/mo, cheap by European standards, but income tax climbing to 43% erodes any freelance upside fast. The Elective Residence Visa requires $2,895/mo in passive income, and citizenship stays complex even after years of residency.

🛂

Planning a move to Oeiras? Make sure you have the right visa.

Answer 11 questions and get a personalized visa match in under 2 minutes.

Find my visa →

Compare any two visa routes.

Income thresholds, fees, processing time and residency paths, side by side. Search by country, including Portugal and Italy.

Compare visas →

Varese vs Oeiras -- Frequently Asked Questions

Click any question to expand the answer.