Side-by-side numbers for the things that matter most when picking where to retire: monthly cost, healthcare, climate, visa rules, safety, and the strength of the expat community.
| Metric | Lisbon | Valencia |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost (single) | $2,200 | $2,000 |
| Monthly cost (couple) | $3,200 | $2,800 |
| 2-bedroom rent | $1,400 | $900 |
| Healthcare / month | $150 | $180 |
| Healthcare quality | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Safety | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Expat community | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Overall rating | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Climate | mediterranean | mediterranean |
| Avg temperature | 63°F | 64°F |
| Primary language | Portuguese | Spanish |
| English proficiency | high | moderate |
| Visa min income | $940 | $2,600 |
Portugal's vibrant capital offers mild weather, excellent healthcare, and a welcoming expat community. The D7 visa program makes legal residency accessible for retirees.
D7 Passive Income Visa: €870/mo (~$940) minimum income. 2-year initial visa, renewable. Path to citizenship in 6 years. NHR tax regime offers 10% flat rate on pensions.
Valencia offers the best of Spain without Madrid or Barcelona prices: stunning architecture, Mediterranean beaches, world-class cuisine, and excellent public healthcare.
Non-Lucrative Visa: €2,400/mo (~$2,600) minimum income required. 1-year visa, renewable. No work permitted. Path to citizenship in 10 years. Golden Visa suspended April 2025.
Cost is only half the story. Use the International Retirement Tax Estimator to see how Portugal and Spain would tax your retirement income.