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Live And Invest In Portugal

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  • Best places to live—from Lisbon to the Algarve
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  • Cost of living about 30% below much of Western Europe
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Home In Focus: Europe

Portugal Versus Spain—​​​​​Which Is Better For Expats And Retirees?

by Kat Kalashian
Sep 25, 2025
in In Focus: Europe
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I’ve just returned from Valencia, Spain, where I spent last week for our Live And Invest in Spain Conference, joined by our team of on-the-ground experts and a roomful of potential expats considering Spain as their next home…

I love Spain so much, it’s tempted me from my long-time love, Paris. Our family is hoping to purchase a holiday home on the Costa Brava (which is a comfortable car or train trip from Paris) in the next couple of years. We plan to use it not just for vacations, but for several weeks or months per year, splitting our time between the City of Light and Spain’s glorious Mediterranean coast.

If you’re considering Spain, you might wonder about its neighbor: Portugal, another long-time favorite country, and winner of World’s #1 Retirement Haven for many years running…

Portugal and Spain share a border—and a lot of appeal for expats seeking sunshine, Old World culture, and a slower pace of life.

But while they may seem similar on the surface, each offers distinctly different cultures, as well as different advantages for retirees and remote workers.

Portugal is known for its affordability, residency-friendly policies, and laid-back charm, while Spain boasts vibrant cities, world-class health care, and a rich regional diversity.

So, what are the key differences, and which might be best for you?

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Check out the video below, where we take a look at the comparative cost of living, residency visas, taxes, lifestyle, and more, to help you decide which of these sun-drenched charmers might suit you best…

Spain Versus Portugal… Which Is Right For You?

Got a question? Want to see us cover a particular topic? Write to me here.

Bonne route,

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Kat Kalashian
Editor, In Focus: Europe

Kat Kalashian

Kat Kalashian

Kat Kalashian has grown up around the world, living in the United States, Ireland, France, and Panama, and has traveled extensively in her few years. Growing up as a young expat she is familiar with the trials and tribulations of an overseas move and the adjustments that must be made in every new destination. After living in Panama for seven years, she and her husband relocated back to Paris, France, in 2018 where they now live full-time with their American-born cat, Panamanian-born dog, and two French-born daughters. She's now been living in Paris for over 10 cumulative years, and enjoys being able to explore France and the rest of Europe at every opportunity. As head of Live And Invest Overseas’ European Division, she is Editorial Director of Europe Uncovered, a monthly subscription service, MCs the Europe based Live And Invest Conferences, and scouts out new locations for coverage on the Continent.

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Live And Invest In Portugal
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