Spain vs Portugal
Portugal costs roughly 6% less than Spain. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Portugal is approximately 6% less expensive than Spain 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 Spain
For retirees, Spain's Non-lucrative Visa requires just EUR 2,400/mo income, making it one of Europe's most accessible options. A single person lives on ~$823/month excluding rent, while rent outside city centers averages $804 — under half typical US costs. The trade-off is Spain's progressive income tax up to 47% (or 24% flat via Beckham Law) and a complex citizenship path.
$1,148/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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Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness Scores
Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Spain | Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2 — Increased Caution | Level 1 — Normal Precautions |
| Quality of Life Index | 184.4 +16.6 | 167.8 |
| Healthcare Index | 77.3 +5.1 | 72.2 |
| Safety Index | 63.4 | 67.9 +4.5 |
| Cost of Living Index | 43.5 | 41.2 +2.3 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $823.4 | $775.7 +47.7 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $2,975.9 | $2,805.2 +170.7 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $1,028.43 +11.33 | $1,039.76 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $804.37 +19.6 | $823.97 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1,636.42 +118.58 | $1,755 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,232.15 +96.69 | $1,328.84 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 263.31 Mbps | 351.94 Mbps +88.6 |
Expat taxes filed by specialists
Greenback Expat Tax handles US taxes for Americans living in Portugal. File confidently from abroad.
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