MexicoPortugal
Mexico has a population of 130.6M, compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Mexico is 12.1 times more populous than Portugal. Economically, Mexico ($1.86T) has a GDP 5.9 times larger than Portugal's ($313.3B). Mexico covers 1,964,375 km², 21.3 times larger than Portugal's 92,090 km². Life expectancy in Portugal stands at 82.3 years, 7.2 years higher than Mexico's 75.1 years.
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Portugal wins
Metric
MexicoPortugal| Population | 130.6M | 10.7M |
| Area | 1,964,375 km² | 92,090 km² |
| GDP | $1.86T | $313.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | $14,185.781 | $29,292.242 |
| Life Expectancy | 75.1 yrs | 82.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 10.8 | 2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | 95.9% | — |
| Unemployment | 2.7% | 6.2% |
| Capital | Mexico City | Lisbon |
| Region | Americas | Europe |
| Languages | Spanish | Portuguese |
| Currencies | MXN ($) | 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
Mexico is 12.1 times more populous than Portugal, with 130.6M residents compared to 10.7M. Mexico is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people. In terms of population density, Mexico averages 66 people per km² (moderate), while Portugal averages 117 people per km² (moderate). While Mexico has grown at 0.92% annually over the past decade, Portugal has grown at 0.11% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Mexico is classified as a high-income economy, while Portugal is classified as a high-income economy. The Mexico economy ($1.86T) is 5.9 times larger than Portugal's ($313.3B). Mexico's GDP per capita of $14,185.781 is 5% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Portugal's GDP per capita of $29,292.242 is 5% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Portugal are on average 2.1 times wealthier than those in Mexico.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Mexico is 75.1 years, compared to 82.3 years in Portugal, a gap of 7.2 years. Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Mexico (75.1 years) is 3.1 years above the global average of 72 years. At 10.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Mexico's infant mortality is 315% higher than Portugal's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Mexico (1,964,375 km²) is 21.3 times larger by land area than Portugal (92,090 km²). Mexico shares borders with 3 countries, while Portugal borders 1 country. Mexico spans 3 timezones, compared to Portugal's 2 timezones. Mexico lies in North America, while Portugal is located in Europe. Mexico is categorized within the Americas region (North America), whereas Portugal belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Mexico and Portugal is in land area: Mexico's 1,964,375 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km² represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Mexico and Portugal is in population: Mexico's 130.6M compared to Portugal's 10.7M represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Mexico and Portugal is in GDP: Mexico's $1.86T compared to Portugal's $313.3B represents a 83% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Mexico's high-income economy and Portugal'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 2.1x that of Mexico ($14,185.781). 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 1.8x more densely populated than Mexico (117 vs 66 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mexico's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Portugal live an average of 7.2 years longer than those of Mexico (82.3 vs 75.1 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Portugal's economy grew at 2.1% compared to Mexico's 1.4%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Portugal has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Mexico vs Portugal for Families
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 10.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mexico 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.
Mexico vs Portugal for Budget Travelers
Mexico is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $14,185.781 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mexico 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.
Mexico vs Portugal for Retirees
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mexico 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.
Mexico vs Portugal Cost of Living
Portugal's GDP per capita is 2.1x that of Mexico, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, while Mexico offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Mexico can approach or exceed average costs in Portugal's smaller cities.
Mexico vs Portugal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Mexico and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mexico spans 3 timezones while Portugal covers 2. Mexico'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, Mexico or Portugal by population?
Mexico is larger by population, with 130.6M residents compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Mexico is 12.1 times more populous than Portugal.
Which country has a higher GDP, Mexico or Portugal?
Mexico has the higher GDP at $1.86T, compared to Portugal's $313.3B. Mexico's economy is 5.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Mexico and Portugal?
Portugal has a higher life expectancy at 82.3 years, compared to Mexico's 75.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.2 years. Mexico's life expectancy is 3.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while Portugal's is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Mexico or Portugal?
Mexico is larger by land area, covering 1,964,375 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km². Mexico is 21.3 times larger than Portugal.
What languages are spoken in Mexico and Portugal?
Mexico recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Portugal recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Mexico or Portugal?
Portugal has lower inflation at 2.4%, compared to Mexico's 4.7%. Portugal's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Mexico's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Mexico or Portugal better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 10.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mexico offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly a...
Is Mexico or Portugal cheaper to visit?
Mexico is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $14,185.781 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mexico can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Portugal. However, Portugal may offer better valu...
Is Mexico or Portugal better for retirement?
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mexico 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 Mexico or Portugal more expensive to live in?
Portugal's GDP per capita is 2.1x that of Mexico, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, while Mexico offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Mexico or Portugal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Mexico and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mexico spans 3 timezones while Portugal covers 2. Mexico's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inco...
Population Growth
Mexico, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Portugal, 1994 to 2023