Both Italy and Portugal offer a rich history, stunning landscapes, and excellent food and wine. If you're torn between Italy and Portugal, there are a number of factors to consider. Our article, Best Places to Live Overseas: Italy vs. Portugal, compares climate, cost of living, healthcare, and the local attitudes. Here are a few highlights:
Climate
Italy and Portugal are renowned for their typically Mediterranean climates, featuring warm summers and mild winters. Italy, due to its length, has more regional variation, from Alpine conditions in the north to Mediterranean in the central and south. Coastal regions have mild winters and warm, dry summers, whereas the inland areas can experience harsher winters and hotter summers. Portugal’s climate is milder. The southern region, Algarve, is a favorite among expats for its sunny days, while northern areas have a cooler, rainier climate, resembling that of Western Europe.
Expat Tip: "One thing you can't change is the weather; Italy has so many diverse climatic areas, mountain, sea, you should be able to find something you love to wake up in every day, just make sure you see it at least once at its worst - in the off season - and then you will never be unpleasantly surprised," reported one expat.
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Cost of Living
If your decision hinges on the cost of living, Portugal could be the better choice. According to Numbeo, a database comparing worldwide living costs, Portugal is generally cheaper than Italy in terms of accommodation, groceries, and dining out. Additionally, utilities and internet are less expensive. Italy, however, is not overly pricey, particularly when compared to other Western European countries. Certain regions, like the South and inland areas, are more affordable than the bustling cities like Milan or Rome.
"The cost of living is quite low, but the standard of living is high. That is, for very little money, one can rent a nice home, buy a nice car, enjoy travel and local culture and receive medical treatment pennies on the dollar," explained one expat living in Tavira, Portugal.
Expat Tip: "As far as standard of living, if you have little money and live in an expensive area, central Rome, Milan, Florence, then you will have a low standard of living. That same income spent in less expensive areas will give you a higher standard of living. Your original post indicates that the areas you know are the tourist areas, Amalfi, Tuscany, etc. Those place are beautiful indeed but you can find 'real Italy' where there are fewer tourists but real Italians. There are places that are also beautiful and full of history and culture that you don't need to wait on line for. Those are the places you want to live," advised one member.
