Which is safer, Portugal or Spain?

Portugal offers many of the same benefits as Spain: great weather, beaches, large expat communities… of course, there are still some differences. According to the 2024 Global Peace Index, Portugal is the seventh-safest country in the world — making it even more secure than Spain (#23).

What is safer, Spain or Portugal?

When thinking about your Spain vs Portugal vacation, Portugal is considered safer than Spain. Both countries have low crime rates and travelers are generally safe walking around at night, exploring the coastlines, and even driving through the scenic countryside.

Is Portugal safe for Americans right now?

Portugal - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

If you decide to travel to Portugal: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive travel alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations.

Which country is nicer, Spain or Portugal?

Because of their size difference, if you're eager to get to the ocean then Portugal might be better for you – you're closer to the sea at any given time in Portugal, even though Spain has more coastline. When considering a trip to Europe, both Spain and Portugal are relatively affordable.

Is it better for Americans to retire in Portugal or Spain?

Portugal is generally better for retirement due to its lower cost of living, for foreign retirees, and streamlined residency for non-EU citizens. Spain offers excellent healthcare and urban infrastructure but has higher costs and more complex tax rules. Portugal is often preferred by American and UK retirees.

We Lived in Both Spain & Portugal, Which is ACTUALLY Better?

What are the downsides of retiring in Portugal?

Where can I retire on $3,000 a month?

Are people friendlier in Spain or Portugal?

In Spain, it's common to greet each other with a handshake, while the Portuguese usually go in for a big hug. Of course, you can practice your own physical boundaries as you please, but the Portuguese are generally very friendly people.

Do they speak English in Portugal?

While English is widely spoken across Portugal, it doesn't mean the language is spoken fluently in all the regions of the country. Basic communication may be achieved on an essential level in most of the territory, but as the distance grows from the largest cities, English fluency tends to decrease.

Are taxes higher in Portugal or Spain?

In 2025, the gap between Spain and Portugal is narrower than in previous years due to the phase-out of Portugal's NHR regime. However, Portugal still generally offers: Lower tax burden on wealth and inheritance. More favourable treatment for retirees already under NHR.

Which part of Portugal is safest?

The Algarve – Sunny, Relaxed, and Secure

Despite being one of Portugal's most visited regions, the Algarve remains impressively safe—particularly in towns like Lagos, Tavira, and Vilamoura. Whether you're strolling old fishing villages or enjoying private resort stays, you'll feel welcomed and relaxed.

What happens if an American gets sick in Portugal?

Please note: Portugal does not offer free medical treatment to visitors, and under European Union rules non-EU citizens are required to have travel medical insurance covering emergency medical, hospitalization, and repatriation (including the case of death).

Is Spain on terror alert?

Spanish Government's national anti-terror alert level is currently at level four (high) on a scale of 1 to 5.

Which is safer, Portugal or Italy?

Portugal ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and high political stability. Italy is also safe, but it sees more regional variation in petty crime.

What's the safest city in Spain?

Why is Portugal so different from Spain?

To start, the geography of each country varies, with Portugal offering stunning coastal areas and wine regions like the Douro Valley. Spain offers more varied landscapes due to its size, such as the Pyrenees Mountains, the sunny beaches of Costa del Sol and beyond.

Can you live in Portugal on $1000 a month?

If you want to live frugally in an affordable part of the country, you should be able to live on $1,000 a month. Given the increasing rental prices and housing costs in Lisbon and other major cities, however, it may be difficult to live on $1,000 a month in these parts of the country.

What's the weather like in Portugal by month?

Winter(December to February):

Spring(March to May): The average temperature ranges from 11°C (52°F) to 22°C (72°F). Summer(June to August): The average temperature ranges from 18°C (64°F) to 28°C(82°F). Autumn(September to November): The average temperature ranges from 15°C (59°F) to26°C (79°F).

What currency is used in Portugal?

The currency in Portugal is the euro. Each euro is divided into 100 cents. When you're buying currency for Portugal, look out for the currency code EUR. And once you're in Portugal, you'll see the symbol € used to show prices.

Who has better healthcare, Spain or Portugal?

The quality of healthcare in Portugal is strong and steadily improving. In 2018, the Euro Health Consumer Index ranked the Portuguese healthcare system as the 13th best in Europe. That is better than the UK, Spain, Italy, and Ireland.

Is Spain warmer than Portugal?

Temperatures do vary according to where you go, although warm weather is a given. In August, for example, expect average daily temperatures of 74.6°F (23.6°C) in Lisbon, 77.3°F (25.1°C) in Barcelona, and 79.7°F (26.5°C) in Malaga.

What is the friendliest city in Spain?

Malaga, the world's friendliest city. Poles also know this. Why Spain and the Costa del Sol?

Where is the cheapest place to retire by the beach?

Is $1,000,000 enough to retire at age 70?

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American age 65 and older spends about $55,000 per year. Based on that estimate, $1 million would likely fall short in less than 30 years without additional income or investment growth.

What is considered a good monthly retirement income?

A common metric is monthly retirement income that equals about 80% of your earnings before retiring. So if you earned $5,000 monthly, you should aim for $4,000 in monthly retirement income. The ideal monthly retirement income for couples depends on your personal preferences, retirement goals, and achievements.