Spain vs Portugal
Spain has a population of 49.3M, compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Spain is 4.6 times more populous than Portugal. Economically, Spain ($1.73T) has a GDP 5.5 times larger than Portugal's ($313.3B). Spain covers 505,992 km², 5.5 times larger than Portugal's 92,090 km². Life expectancy in Spain stands at 83.9 years, 1.6 years higher than Portugal's 82.3 years.
SpainPortugal| Population | +358.8%49.3M | -78.2%10.7M |
| Area | +449.5%505,992 km² | -81.8%92,090 km² |
| GDP | +450.9%$1.73T | -81.8%$313.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +20.6%$35,326.768 | -17.1%$29,292.242 |
| Life Expectancy | +1.9%83.9 yrs | -1.9%82.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 0.0%2.6 | 0.0%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +68.3%10.4% | -40.6%6.2% |
| Capital | Madrid | Lisbon |
| Region | Europe | Europe |
| Languages | Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician | Portuguese |
| 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
Spain is 4.6 times more populous than Portugal, with 49.3M residents compared to 10.7M. Spain is a nation of 49.3M people, while Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people. In terms of population density, Spain averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Portugal averages 117 people per km² (moderate). While Spain has grown at 0.37% annually over the past decade, Portugal has grown at 0.11% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Spain is classified as a high-income economy, while Portugal is classified as a high-income economy. The Spain economy ($1.73T) is 5.5 times larger than Portugal's ($313.3B). Spain's GDP per capita of $35,326.768 is 26% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 Spain are on average 1.2 times wealthier than those in Portugal.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Spain is 83.9 years, compared to 82.3 years in Portugal, a gap of 1.6 years. Spain (83.9 years) is 11.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years. At 2.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Spain's infant mortality is 0% higher than Portugal's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Spain (505,992 km²) is 5.5 times larger by land area than Portugal (92,090 km²). Spain shares borders with 5 countries, while Portugal borders 1 country. Spain spans 2 timezones, compared to Portugal's 2 timezones. Both Spain and Portugal 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 Spain and Portugal is in GDP: Spain's $1.73T compared to Portugal's $313.3B represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Portugal is in land area: Spain's 505,992 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km² represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Portugal is in population: Spain's 49.3M compared to Portugal's 10.7M represents a 78% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Spain's high-income economy and Portugal's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Spain has a GDP per capita of $35,326.768, which is 1.2x that of Portugal ($29,292.242). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Spain is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Portugal is 1.2x more densely populated than Spain (117 vs 97 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Spain's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Spain live an average of 1.6 years longer than those of Portugal (83.9 vs 82.3 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
Spain's economy grew at 3.5% compared to Portugal's 2.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Spain has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Spain vs Portugal for Families
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 2.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Spain 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.
Spain vs Portugal for Budget Travelers
Portugal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $29,292.242 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Portugal can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Spain. However, Spain may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Spain vs Portugal for Retirees
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Portugal 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.
Spain vs Portugal Cost of Living
Spain's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Portugal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Spain, while Portugal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Portugal can approach or exceed average costs in Spain's smaller cities.
Spain vs Portugal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while Portugal covers 2. Portugal'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, Spain or Portugal by population?
Spain is larger by population, with 49.3M residents compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Spain is 4.6 times more populous than Portugal.
Which country has a higher GDP, Spain or Portugal?
Spain has the higher GDP at $1.73T, compared to Portugal's $313.3B. Spain's economy is 5.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Spain and Portugal?
Spain has a higher life expectancy at 83.9 years, compared to Portugal's 82.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.6 years. Spain's life expectancy is 11.9 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, Spain or Portugal?
Spain is larger by land area, covering 505,992 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km². Spain is 5.5 times larger than Portugal.
What languages are spoken in Spain and Portugal?
Spain recognizes the following languages: Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician. Portugal recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Spain or Portugal?
Portugal has lower inflation at 2.4%, compared to Spain's 2.8%. Portugal's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Spain's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Spain or Portugal better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 2.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Spain offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly att...
Is Spain or Portugal cheaper to visit?
Portugal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $29,292.242 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Portugal can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Spain. However, Spain may offer better value ...
Is Spain or Portugal better for retirement?
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Portugal may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Spain or Portugal more expensive to live in?
Spain's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Portugal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Spain, while Portugal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Spain or Portugal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while Portugal covers 2. Portugal's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inco...