United Kingdom vs Portugal
Portugal costs roughly 44% less than United Kingdom, making it one of the more financially compelling destinations for United Kingdom expats. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Portugal is approximately 44% less expensive than United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom
Best for English-speaking retirees who prioritize familiar language and culture over low costs, but its lack of a dedicated retirement or digital nomad visa makes legal relocation a hurdle. A single person spends ~$2,435/month including rent in a city center, roughly 40% less than NYC, with English-speaking doctors common and excellent air travel access. The key trade-off is a progressive income tax up to 45%, which can significantly erode savings for higher earners, and a difficult path to permanent residency.
$564/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 | United Kingdom | Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2 — Increased Caution | Level 1 — Normal Precautions |
| Quality of Life Index | 174.5 +6.7 | 167.8 |
| Healthcare Index | 72.7 +0.5 | 72.2 |
| Safety Index | 51.7 | 67.9 +16.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 59.2 | 41.2 +18.0 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $1,343.94 | $1,039.76 +304.18 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,087.26 | $823.97 +263.29 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $2,216.42 | $1,755 +461.42 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,766.27 | $1,328.84 +437.43 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 176.6 Mbps | 351.94 Mbps +175.3 |
Expat taxes filed by specialists
Greenback Expat Tax handles US taxes for Americans living in Portugal. File confidently from abroad.
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