Australia vs Portugal
Portugal costs roughly 48% less than Australia, making it one of the more financially compelling destinations for Australia expats. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Portugal is approximately 48% less expensive than Australia based on cost of living including rent. This makes Portugal a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Portugal has a FIRE Score of 59/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 67.9, which is relatively safe.
Recommended profile: Portugal is well-suited for retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle.
About Australia
Best for retirees with significant assets, as the Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405) offers a clear pathway to citizenship. Life expectancy is 83.1 years, over 6 years higher than the US, and English is official, eliminating language barriers. The key trade-off is a 45% income tax rate, which is punitive for high earners and may deter FIRE-chasers.
$407/mo
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About Portugal
Portugal is best for retirees with a passive income, thanks to the D7 visa requiring only EUR 920/month. Cost of living is 59% lower than New York City, with a single person spending $776 monthly excluding rent. The key trade-off is a progressive income tax reaching 48%, which may impact higher earners.
$1,185/mo
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Rent Per Month
Attractiveness Scores
Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Australia | Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 1 — Normal Precautions | Level 1 — Normal Precautions |
| Quality of Life Index | 192.2 +24.4 | 167.8 |
| Healthcare Index | 73.4 +1.2 | 72.2 |
| Safety Index | 52.7 | 67.9 +15.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 60.9 | 41.2 +19.7 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $1,503.56 | $1,039.76 +463.8 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,199.88 | $823.97 +375.91 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $2,524.5 | $1,755 +769.5 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,905.54 | $1,328.84 +576.7 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 164.09 Mbps | 351.94 Mbps +187.8 |
Expat taxes filed by specialists
Greenback Expat Tax handles US taxes for Americans living in Portugal. File confidently from abroad.
File your taxes →International health insurance from $45/mo
Get covered before you move to Portugal. Genki Traveler offers insurance designed for nomads and expats.
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