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Side-by-side analysis of your shortlisted locations using live aggregated data from the World Bank and Open-Meteo.
Visualizing 3 destinations across all core metrics. How we score →
Each line is a country. Crossing lines reveal trade-offs between dimensions.
Compare 5-year wealth accumulation across all countries vs. staying home (US)
Compare salary, tax burden, and 5-year savings trajectory across countries
🇳🇱 Netherlands offers the highest 5-year savings potential of $244,853 as a software engineer — factoring in salary, taxes, and cost of living.
How far does your budget stretch in each country?
🇵🇹 Portugal gives you $2,250/mo surplus at 4x purchasing power — enough for luxury living living.
| Category | 🇵🇹 Portugal | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $750-50% | $825-45% | $1,125-25% |
| Groceries | $330-45% | $360-40% | $390-35% |
| Dining Out | $180-55% | $200-50% | $260-35% |
| Transport | $80-60% | $90-55% | $100-50% |
| Utilities | $108-40% | $99-45% | $126-30% |
| Internet | $39-44% | $35-50% | $35-50% |
| Healthcare | $75-70% | $63-75% | $50-80% |
| Monthly Total | $1,562 | $1,672 | $2,086 |
Estimates based on single person, moderate lifestyle. Actual costs vary by city and personal spending.
| Category | 🇵🇹 Portugal | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent — Studio (City Centre) | $750 | $800 | $1,100 |
| Rent — 1 Bedroom (City Centre) | $900 | $950 | $1,350 |
| Rent — 3 Bedroom (City Centre) | $1,600 | $1,800 | $2,500 |
| Groceries (Monthly) | $280 | $300 | $350 |
| Public Transport Pass | $45 | $50 | $100 |
| Utilities (Elec, Water, Internet) | $130 | $140 | $220 |
| Mid-Range Meal for 2 | $35 | $40 | $55 |
| Cappuccino | $1.20 | $1.80 | $3.30 |
| Gym Membership (Monthly) | $35 | $40 | $40 |
| Mobile Data Plan (Monthly) | $15 | $18 | $20 |
| Total Monthly Budget | $1,600/mo-50% vs US Most Affordable | $1,750/mo-45% vs US | $2,400/mo-25% vs US |
Estimates based on a single person, comfortable lifestyle in city centres. Actual costs vary by neighbourhood and personal spending. Data reflects 2024 averages.
| Tax Type | 🇵🇹 Portugal | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 14.5-48% | 19-47% | 36.93-49.5% |
| Top Marginal Rate | 48% | 47% | 49.5% |
| VAT / Sales Tax | 23% | 21% | 21% |
| Social Security | 11% employee | 6.35% employee | Included in income tax |
| Capital Gains | 28% flat | 19-28% | Box 3: 1.2% deemed |
| Corporate Tax | 21% | 25% | 25.8% |
Tax rates are indicative and subject to change. Actual effective rates depend on income level, deductions, and treaty benefits. Consult a tax professional.
| Metric | 🇵🇹 Portugal | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent – Studio | $750/mo | $700/mo | $900/mo |
| Rent – 1BR | $900/mo | $850/mo | $1,200/mo |
| Rent – 3BR | $1,600/mo | $1,500/mo | $2,100/mo |
| Buy Price/m² | $3,200 | $2,800 | $5,200 |
| Rental Yield | 5.2% | 5.5% | 3.4% |
| Price/Income Ratio | 12.8x | 10.2x | 13.1x |
| Market Trend | Stable | Rising | Stable |
| Expat Areas | Lisbon CentroCascaisPorto Foz | Barcelona EixampleMadrid SalamancaValencia Ruzafa | Amsterdam ZuidThe Hague CentrumRotterdam Kralingen |
| Rent vs Buy | Rent if staying < 5 yrs; buy yields are solid long-term | Buy if settling; rental yields strong in tourist cities | Buy if eligible for mortgage; rental market very tight |
Housing data is based on World Bank, local market reports, and public property indices (2024 averages). Prices reflect city-centre estimates and vary by neighbourhood.
Which country saves you more? Compare cost of living, tax rates, and housing costs side-by-side
Unlock with ProVisa pathways, document requirements & eligibility
| Category | 🇵🇹 Portugal | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work | 1 option | 1 option | 2 options |
| Digital Nomad | 1 option | 1 option | 1 option |
| Retirement | 1 option | 1 option | — |
| Investment | 1 option | 1 option | — |
| Student | 1 option | 1 option | 1 option |
| Family | 1 option | 1 option | 1 option |
| Total Available | 6 visas | 6 visas | 5 visas |
Visa requirements, processing times, and costs are approximate and subject to change without notice. Immigration laws vary by nationality, personal circumstances, and geopolitical conditions. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified immigration attorney or the relevant consulate before making visa or relocation decisions.
| Requirement | 🇵🇹 Portugal | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apostille Convention | |||
| Translation Language | Portuguese | Spanish | Dutch or English |
| Biometrics Required | |||
| Interview Required | |||
| Health Insurance Required | |||
| Police Check Required | |||
| Financial Proof | Bank statements, pension proof, or investment confirmation | Bank statements (12 months) or ongoing income proof | Bank statements or sponsor declaration |
Document requirements, processing times, fees, and success rates are approximate and subject to change. Requirements vary by nationality, personal circumstances, and consulate. Apostille and translation requirements may differ based on bilateral agreements. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Always consult a qualified immigration attorney or the relevant embassy before preparing your visa application.
Can you actually move there? Compare visa requirements, processing times, and document checklists
Unlock with ProHealthcare, safety, education, lifestyle & work culture
| Metric | 🇵🇹 Portugal | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
|---|---|---|---|
| System Type | Universal Public | Universal Public | Insurance-Based |
| UHC Index | 84/100 | 82/100 | 86/100 |
| Expat Access | Full | Full | Full |
| GP Visit | $0-5 (public) | $0 (public) | $0 (insured) |
| ER Visit | $0-20 (public) | $0 (public) | $0-385 (deductible) |
| Insurance Cost | $40-120/mo | $50-150/mo | $120-180/mo |
| Wait Times | Long | Moderate | Moderate |
| Emergency Quality | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Pharmacy Access | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Mental Health | Growing | Growing | Strong |
Healthcare data is based on WHO UHC indexes, local government sources, and expatriate surveys. Costs are approximate and vary by location, provider, and insurance plan.
| Metric | 🇵🇹 Portugal | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPI Rank | #7 | #23 | #18 |
| GPI Score | 1.253 | 1.387 | 1.359 |
| Homicide Rate | 0.8/100k | 0.6/100k | 0.6/100k |
| Scam Prevalence | Low | Moderate | Low |
| Disaster Risk | Low | Low | Low |
| Women Safety | |||
| Night Safety | |||
| Political Stability | Very Stable | Stable | Very Stable |
| Terrorism Risk | Very Low | Low | Low |
Safety data is based on the Global Peace Index 2024, UNODC homicide statistics, and various travel safety assessments. Conditions can change rapidly due to political events, natural disasters, or other factors. This information is for general guidance only. Always consult your government's travel advisories before making relocation decisions.
| Metric | 🇵🇹 Portugal | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
|---|---|---|---|
| PISA Score (avg) | 492 | 486 | 504 |
| System Type | Public | Public | Public |
| Int'l Schools | Moderate | High | Very High |
| Unis in Top 100 | 0 in global top 100 | 1 in global top 100 | 4 in global top 100 |
| Tuition (Local) | $0-1,000/yr (public) | $1,000-2,000/yr (public) | $2,200/yr (EU students) |
| Tuition (Int'l) | $8,000-15,000/yr | $10,000-20,000/yr | $10,000-20,000/yr |
| Language | Portuguese (English programs available) | Spanish (bilingual programs common) | Dutch (many English-taught programs) |
| Literacy Rate | 96.1% | 98.4% | 99% |
PISA scores from OECD 2022. University rankings from QS/THE. Tuition and literacy data are approximate. Consult official sources for current figures.
Lifestyle scores are curated estimates based on travel indices, expat surveys, and cultural research. Individual experiences may vary.
| Metric | 🇵🇹 Portugal | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Work Hours / Week | 39h | 37.5h | 32h |
| Mandatory Vacation Days | 22 | 22 | 20 |
| Public Holidays | 13 | 14 | 8 |
| Total Days Off | 35 | 36 | 28 |
| Remote Work Acceptance | High | High | Very High |
| Hierarchy Level | Moderate | Moderate | Flat |
| Overtime Expectation | Occasional | Occasional | Rare |
| Meeting Culture | Relaxed, relationship-focused | Sociable, flexible start times | Direct, consensus-oriented |
| Lunch Break | 1-2 hours, often social | 1.5-2 hours, traditional siesta culture | 30 min, often at desk |
| Business Language | Portuguese; English common in tech | Spanish; English in multinationals | Dutch; English fluently spoken |
| Work-Life Balance | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Work culture data is based on national labor laws, OECD statistics, and expat surveys. Actual experiences vary by company and industry.
Which has better hospitals? Safer streets? See healthcare, safety, and education scores compared head-to-head
Unlock with ProClimate, digital nomad readiness & infrastructure
| Metric | 🇵🇹 Portugal | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Download Speed | 130 Mbps | 160 Mbps | 155 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 60 Mbps | 80 Mbps | 75 Mbps |
| Mobile Speed | 55 Mbps | 60 Mbps | 80 Mbps |
| 5G Coverage | Major cities | Major cities | Nationwide |
| Broadband Access | 82%pop. | 87%pop. | 96%pop. |
| Coworking Spaces | Good | Good | Abundant |
| Power Reliability | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Digital Gov't | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced |
| Internet Cost | $30-45/mo | $30-50/mo | $35-50/mo |
| Major ISPs | MEONOSVodafone | MovistarOrangeVodafone+1 more | KPNZiggoT-Mobile+1 more |
Speed data based on Speedtest Global Index and Ookla reports. Broadband penetration from ITU/World Bank. Costs are approximate monthly residential rates and vary by plan and provider.
| Country | Max Stay | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | 12 months | $350/year |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | 12 months | $350/year |
| Metric | 🇵🇹 Portugal | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Budget | $1,200-2,000 | $1,400-2,200 | $2,000-3,000 |
| Coworking Cost | $120-200/mo | $150-250/mo | $250-400/mo |
| Coworking Density | High | High | High |
| Internet Speed | 115 Mbps | 130 Mbps | 120 Mbps |
| Community | Large | Large | Growing |
| Timezone | UTC+0/+1 (EU-friendly) | UTC+1/+2 (EU-friendly) | UTC+1/+2 (EU-friendly) |
Nomad scores are curated estimates based on visa policies, cost of living indices, internet speed benchmarks, and community reports. Individual experiences may vary.
Good WiFi or good weather? Compare climate data, internet speeds, and remote work infrastructure
Unlock with ProHow confident should you be in this ranking? What could change it?
Close call: These destinations are very evenly matched. Your personal priorities will be the deciding factor — small weight changes could change the order.
These dimensions are closely contested between the compared countries. Changing your priority weights in these areas could flip the ranking:
🇪🇸 Spain leads slightly, but 🇳🇱 Netherlands is a strong contender. Consider visiting both before deciding — the on-the-ground experience may be the tiebreaker.
How confident should you be in this ranking? See ranking stability, vulnerable dimensions, and what could flip the order
Unlock with ProNetherlands leads across most dimensions with an average score of 77/100.
Based on the data, Netherlands (77/100 avg) is the strongest overall choice, especially for families prioritizing safety and retirees needing good healthcare. However, Portugal (68/100) is a strong contender.
Get a personalized verdict on which country wins for your specific priorities and lifestyle
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| Country | Avg Temp | Hottest | Coldest | Annual Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | 18°C | 33°C | -1°C | 792mm |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | 21°C | 37°C | -1°C | 560mm |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 12°C | 21°C | 0°C | 748mm |
Monthly temperatures are modeled from annual averages. For precise data, consult local meteorological services.