Two of the most beautiful countries in the European Union are France and Portugal. Each has its own unique beauty, rich culture and vast history. Both have been known top destinations for tourists and expatriates alike. Here is a comparison between these two countries and how they rate against each other for the ultimate tourist and expatriate experience. The basis for comparison is climate, tax system, medical coverage and facilities, real estate, shopping and cost of living.
Climate
Portugal has mild temperatures and has a much more consistent climate throughout the year. Winters are chilly and rainy, especially from November until March, but from there the spring and summer months are comfortably hot with some humidity. If you look for a Mediterranean climate, then Portugal can provide the comfort for you. France on the other hand, with its many different regions has four seasons. The climate though in France is much more consistent. In some areas of France, such as Paris, does get cold in winter and snows on occasion. Though there are no snowstorms, it can get chilly in winters and extremely hot in the summer months. There some areas though in France which has very mild climes like the south of France, Nice, Cannes and St Tropez. These areas are favored destination areas for tourists and visitors alike.
CHOICE: Portugal
Tax System
Portugal has in place a moderate to high income tax rate for individual and corporate incomes. For individual income taxes, the rate can be as high as 42% but the corporate tax is only at 27.5%. There is a value added tax, vehicle tax and property tax that is applied. The tax levels here are moderate compared to other European Union compatriot countries. This makes earning and living in Portugal quite affordable and inexpensive with all the income available for your disposable. One country in the European Union with notoriously high tax rates is France. The individual rate of tax for income is pegged at about 48.1% and corporate income tax rate is at 33.8%. There is also an applied value added tax and business tax. This makes living in France one of the highest tax rated countries in the European Union resulting in more expensive goods and services in the country.
CHOICE: Portugal
Medical Coverage and Facilities
The medical facilities in Portugal are considered as adequate but fall far behind the modernity and technology of France. Portuguese hospital facilities and response time to calls for help in rural areas leave much for improvement. France on the other hand, has been the world leader in health care and coverage and their response time to emergency is one of the highest rated in the world. France also has one of the most developed medical insurance systems in the world, with subsidies by government at 85% of the cost of the bill. While Portugal may not be at par to the European standards for health care, France is one of the foremost countries on medical health care.
CHOICE: France
Real Estate
There has been a real estate boom in Portugal fuelled by foreign investments. Purchasing property in Portugal would have little or no issues involved. Leasing property in the country is also easy, with affordable rates available. The summer villas though during the summer month can be pricey, there are other options available within your budget. On the other hand, purchasing property in France is very demanding and pegged as one of the highest rates in the world. Even leasing property is a very complicated exercise, as lessors require particular documentation, like official work permits to be able to rent an apartment. Also, many of the apartments in France are not as modern, some even a century old already. This may mean some work on your part for its upkeep while you stay. Overall, the higher rates for rentals makes France one of the most expensive countries to live in the world.
CHOICE: Portugal
Shopping
One of the prime shopping districts in Portugal is Lisbon. This metropolitan hub with many boutiques malls and shops offering a variety of items for sale. In Portugal though, the highest concentration of shops are in the metropolitan hubs, but rural areas also have their own markets for shopper’s delights. France on the other hand offers undoubtedly the best shopping districts and areas in the world. The boutiques, shops and malls all throughout France offers the best of the best that France and the world can offer.
CHOICE: France
Cost of Living
Portugal has varied levels in cost of living. If you choose to live in the metropolitan areas, then expect a cost of living that is moderate to high. If you choose to live in the rural tourist destinations, then expect seasonal changes. Overall though, the cost of living in Portugal is reasonable and affordable unlike other countries in the European Union. Portugal was recently ranked twentieth overall as the quality of life in the country compared to others. France is one of the countries in the European Union that has one of the highest overall cost of living levels. The high cost of rent, food and transportation makes France a very expensive country to live in.
CHOICE: Portugal
As you can see, there is a world of difference between Portugal and France. Though both possess the old world charm and culture of its glorious past, the modern realities of living in the European Union country makes them worlds apart. Portugal has a more temperate climate compared to France’s extreme temperatures. The accommodations and cost of living is far more affordable and reasonable in Portugal than France. Though France leads the way in terms of shopping and medical coverage, the taxes imposed in Portugal allows more disposable income for the individual at the end of the month.
The Verdict
Between the two countries, Portugal holds more factors that are more reasonable and favourable for the tourist and the expatriate. Though France is one of the most romantic countries in the world, Portugal provides the more practical and reasonable way of life for you.