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Spain vs Portugal · Cost of Living 2025
Cost of Living Comparison · 2025

Spain vs Portugal
Cost of Living Comparison 2025

Portugal is approximately 5% cheaper than Spain, with a cost of living index of 49 vs 52 (NYC = 100 baseline, 2025 data).

World Bank 2025GlobalCostData Research Updated April 2026NYC Index = 100
🇪🇸
Spain
51.6
CoL Index (NYC=100)
vs
🇵🇹
Portugal
48.8
CoL Index (NYC=100)
Cheaper option
Cheaper country
Portugal
5% less expensive
Spain GNI
$57.7k
per capita
Portugal GNI
$50.7k
per capita
Spain Inflation
2.8%
annual rate
Portugal Inflation
2.4%
annual rate
Expat Score A
0.9
/ 10
Expat Score B
1.0
/ 10

Side-by-Side Comparison

All indices: NYC = 100 baseline · Lower cost index = cheaper · ✓ = winner per metric

Spain Metric Portugal
51.6
CoL Index ↓ lower = cheaper
48.8 ✓
23.2 ✓
Rent Index ↓ lower = cheaper
25.2
39.0
Groceries ↓ lower = cheaper
38.3 ✓
50.6
Restaurants ↓ lower = cheaper
46.9 ✓
$57.7k ✓
GNI / Capita ↑ higher = wealthier
$50.7k
2.8%
Inflation Rate ↓ lower = more stable
2.4% ✓
0.9
Expat Score ↑ higher = better
1.0 ✓
Full profile
Cost of Living in Spain →
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Cost of Living in Portugal →

Budget Equivalency Calculator

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Frequently Asked Questions

Spain vs Portugal cost of living

Is Spain cheaper than Portugal?
No, Portugal is approximately 5% cheaper than Spain based on the Cost of Living Index (NYC = 100). Spain scores 52 vs Portugal at 49. Actual costs vary by city, lifestyle, and housing choice.
How much cheaper is Portugal than Spain?
Portugal is about 5% cheaper than Spain overall. This means a $3,000/month budget in Spain is roughly equivalent to $2837/month in Portugal in terms of purchasing power. Housing, food, and transport all tend to cost less in Portugal.
How do rent costs compare between Spain and Portugal?
Spain has lower average rent costs. Rent Index: Spain = 23.2, Portugal = 25.2 (NYC = 100). City centres are significantly pricier than suburban areas in both countries. Expats typically find the best value by living slightly outside major urban cores.
Which country is better for expats, Spain or Portugal?
Both Spain and Portugal have merits for expats. Portugal edges ahead on Expat Score. The best choice depends on your priorities: Portugal offers lower daily costs, while lifestyle, climate, visa requirements, language, and community size are equally important factors for long-term relocation decisions.
Can I live comfortably in Portugal on $2,000/month?
With a cost of living index of 49 (NYC=100), Portugal is one of the more affordable destinations globally. A $2,000/month budget can cover a comfortable lifestyle including rent, food, transport, and leisure in most cities — though major capitals may require more. See the full Portugal country profile for detailed monthly budget breakdowns.

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Sources: World Bank Open Data 2025 · GlobalCostData Research 2025 · OECD Statistics. Data verified April 2026. Not financial or legal advice.