Portugal vs Greece
Portugal has a population of 10.7M, compared to Greece's 10.4M. Portugal is 1.0 times more populous than Greece. Economically, Portugal ($313.3B) has a GDP 1.2 times larger than Greece's ($256.2B). Greece covers 131,990 km², 1.4 times larger than Portugal's 92,090 km². Life expectancy in Portugal stands at 82.3 years, 0.7 years higher than Greece's 81.5 years.
PortugalGreece| Population | +3.4%10.7M | -3.2%10.4M |
| Area | -30.2%92,090 km² | +43.3%131,990 km² |
| GDP | +22.3%$313.3B | -18.2%$256.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | +18.9%$29,292.242 | -15.9%$24,626.148 |
| Life Expectancy | +0.9%82.3 yrs | -0.9%81.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -18.8%2.6 | +23.1%3.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -27.8%6.2% | +38.5%8.5% |
| Capital | Lisbon | Athens |
| Region | Europe | Europe |
| Languages | Portuguese | Greek |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | EUR (€) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Portugal is 1.0 times more populous than Greece, with 10.7M residents compared to 10.4M. Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people, while Greece is a nation of 10.4M people. In terms of population density, Portugal averages 117 people per km² (moderate), while Greece averages 79 people per km² (moderate). While Portugal has grown at 0.11% annually over the past decade, Greece has grown at -0.52% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Portugal is classified as a high-income economy, while Greece is classified as a high-income economy. The Portugal economy ($313.3B) is 1.2 times larger than Greece's ($256.2B). Portugal's GDP per capita of $29,292.242 is 5% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Greece's GDP per capita of $24,626.148 is 12% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Portugal are on average 1.2 times wealthier than those in Greece.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Portugal is 82.3 years, compared to 81.5 years in Greece, a gap of 0.7 years. Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Greece (81.5 years) is 9.5 years above the global average of 72 years. At 3.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Greece's infant mortality is 23% higher than Portugal's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Greece (131,990 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Portugal (92,090 km²). Portugal shares borders with 1 country, while Greece borders 4 countries. Portugal spans 2 timezones, compared to Greece's 1 timezone. Both Portugal and Greece are located in Europe. Both countries fall within the Europe region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Europe and Southern Europe.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Portugal and Greece is in land area: Portugal's 92,090 km² compared to Greece's 131,990 km² represents a 30% gap. The most significant difference between Portugal and Greece is in infant mortality: Portugal's 2.6 per 1,000 compared to Greece's 3.2 per 1,000 represents a 19% gap. The most significant difference between Portugal and Greece is in GDP: Portugal's $313.3B compared to Greece's $256.2B represents a 18% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Portugal's high-income economy and Greece's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Portugal has a GDP per capita of $29,292.242, which is 1.2x that of Greece ($24,626.148). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Portugal is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Portugal is 1.5x more densely populated than Greece (117 vs 79 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Greece's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Portugal live an average of 0.7 years longer than those of Greece (82.3 vs 81.5 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Portugal's economy grew at 2.1% compared to Greece's 2.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Portugal has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Portugal vs Greece for Families
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 3.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Greece offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Portugal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Portugal vs Greece for Budget Travelers
Greece is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $24,626.148 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Greece can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Portugal. However, Portugal may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Portugal vs Greece for Retirees
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Greece may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Portugal vs Greece Cost of Living
Portugal's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Greece, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, while Greece offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Greece can approach or exceed average costs in Portugal's smaller cities.
Portugal vs Greece for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Portugal and Greece, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Portugal spans 2 timezones while Greece covers 1. Greece's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Portugal or Greece by population?
Portugal is larger by population, with 10.7M residents compared to Greece's 10.4M. Portugal is 1.0 times more populous than Greece.
Which country has a higher GDP, Portugal or Greece?
Portugal has the higher GDP at $313.3B, compared to Greece's $256.2B. Portugal's economy is 1.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Portugal and Greece?
Portugal has a higher life expectancy at 82.3 years, compared to Greece's 81.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.7 years. Portugal's life expectancy is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Greece's is 9.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Portugal or Greece?
Greece is larger by land area, covering 131,990 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km². Greece is 1.4 times larger than Portugal.
What languages are spoken in Portugal and Greece?
Portugal recognizes the following official language: Portuguese. Greece recognizes: Greek. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Portugal or Greece?
Portugal has lower inflation at 2.4%, compared to Greece's 2.7%. Portugal's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Greece's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Portugal or Greece better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 3.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Greece offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Portugal or Greece cheaper to visit?
Greece is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $24,626.148 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Greece can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Portugal. However, Portugal may offer better valu...
Is Portugal or Greece better for retirement?
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Greece may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clima...
Is Portugal or Greece more expensive to live in?
Portugal's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Greece, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, while Greece offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Portugal or Greece better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Portugal and Greece, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Portugal spans 2 timezones while Greece covers 1. Greece's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inco...