Cost of living in Spain vs Portugal If you belong to this category, the cost of health insurance is €30- €50 a month. On average, the cost of living in Spain is 4.3% more expensive than in Portugal, with Spain being cheaper on average for public transport and grocery costs.

In 2026, comparing grocery prices between Spain and Portugal reveals a nuanced landscape where Portugal generally remains the more budget-friendly option, though only by a slim margin. On average, the cost of living in Portugal is approximately 2.7% lower than in Spain, and this extends to the supermarket aisles. Basic staples like bread, rice, and local produce often cost a few cents less in Portuguese "supermercados" like Pingo Doce or Continente. However, Spain offers a much larger and more competitive retail market with chains like Mercadona and Carrefour, which frequently provide better bulk deals and a wider variety of "vibrant" local specialties. While a family of four might spend around €2,500 monthly in Spain for a high quality of life including food, a similar lifestyle in Portugal costs roughly €2,300. Interestingly, while the base price of goods is lower in Portugal, Spain’s superior logistics and larger agricultural output mean that certain fruits and vegetables can occasionally be cheaper in Spanish cities. Ultimately, for the average traveler or expat, the difference is negligible on a week-to-week basis, but Portugal retains the title for overall affordability.