As of November 12, 2026, Portugal is cheaper than Spain for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $127 in Portugal against $138 in Spain, a gap of 8.8%. Over the past year Portugal has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (+4.9% after inflation, against +4.4%). Portugal carries the lower US advisory (Level 1 against Level 2).
| Measure | Portugal | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $127 | $138 |
| Lean day | $61 | $67 |
| Comfortable day | $274 | $307 |
| Real change, 12 months | +4.9% | +4.4% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +4.5% | +4.5% |
| Versus 5-year average | +0.2% | −0.1% |
| US advisory | Level 1 · Normal precautions | Level 2 · Increased caution |
| Ease of travel | 4.8 · Effortless | 4.9 · Effortless |
| Index score | 64 | 57 |
| Best months | May, Jun, Sep, Oct | May, Jun, Sep, Oct |
| Shoulder months | Mar, Apr, Nov | Mar, Apr, Nov |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
Still western Europe's best-value coast, though the gap has narrowed.
The catchLisbon and Porto lodging has surged. For euro earners there is no currency angle, only a price-level one.
Western Europe's best value at scale: a big, easy country where lunch still costs what it should.
The catchBarcelona, Mallorca and San Sebastián price well above the rest, and July and August are both crowded and dangerously hot inland.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.