NLVNet Life Value

Moving from
to

Complete relocation analysis: taxes, real prices, quality of life, and what salary to ask for.

The verdict

Portugal is 18% cheaper to live in. Tax rate goes from 26.7% to 32.3%. Quality of life improves by 4 points.

Portugal takes a clear lead in Quality of Life with a score of 70, four points ahead of Japan's 66. The most impactful difference is climate, where Portugal's 72 points dramatically outshine Japan's 44, reflecting its warmer and more agreeable weather (both at 16°C average, but Portugal's score indicates more favorable conditions). Cost of living also heavily favors Portugal, scoring 73 versus Japan's 50, making daily expenses considerably lower. Taxation is also more lenient in Portugal, at 34 points compared to Japan's 47. Both countries share an identical high safety rating of 93, ensuring a secure environment.

Portugal emerges as the stronger choice, predominantly because of its significantly better climate and lower cost of living.

Moving to Portugal? NLV varies by city.

Porto63Lisbon58

Tax Comparison

At $38,617 USD equivalent gross salary

🇯🇵 Japan

Gross¥5,763,731
Income Tax-¥686,320
Social-¥850,150
Net¥4,227,261
Effective Rate26.7%

🇵🇹 Portugal

Gross€35,428
Income Tax-€7,537
Social-€3,897
Net€23,994
Effective Rate32.3%

Net difference: $2,169/year in Portugal.Full calculator →

What Things Actually Cost

Price Index: Japan = 92, Portugal = 75 (US = 100)

🍔

Big Mac

$3.60→$4.90
+36%
☕

Starbucks Tall Latte

$4.00→$3.30
-18%
🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$5.50→$3.50
-36%
📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$850.00→$900.00
+6%
🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$10.50→$12.99
+24%
⛽

1L Gasoline (95)

$1.40→$1.80
+29%
🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$1.50→$1.80
+20%
🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$80.00→$70.00
-12%
See all 30 products →

What Salary to Ask For

If you earn ¥5,763,731 gross in Japan ($38,617USD), here's what you need in Portugal depending on your goal:

Same net income (tax only)

€39,336

You keep the same $28,323/yr net in both countries. But Portugal taxes 7.2% more.

Same purchasing power (recommended)

€32,067

Accounts for the fact that Portugal is 18% cheaper than Japan. This is the number to negotiate.

Net Life Value at $39K

🇯🇵 Japan

55

+3

🇵🇹 Portugal

58

NLV combines net income, cost of living, and quality of life into one score. Similar overall quality of life in both countries.

Calculate with your exact salary →

Quality of Life

Japan: 66/100 vs Portugal: 70/100

Cost of Living
50
73
+23
Climate
44
72
+28
Safety
93
93
0
Healthcare
75
69
-6
Internet
86
74
-12
Taxation
47
34
-13

Moving to Portugal: Practicalities

Visa Openness

75/100

English Level

60/100

Expat Community

10.6%

Digital Nomad Visa

Available

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tax do I save moving from Japan to Portugal?▾
The effective tax rate changes from 26.7% in Japan to 32.3% in Portugal. You keep about $2,168.79 less per year in Portugal.
Is Portugal cheaper to live in than Japan?▾
Yes. Portugal is about 18% cheaper across 30 everyday products (Big Mac, iPhone, gasoline, Netflix, etc.). Your money goes further.
What salary do I need in Portugal to match my lifestyle in Japan?▾
Use our salary calculator to find the exact amount. It accounts for income tax, social contributions, and cost of living differences between Japan and Portugal. As a rule of thumb: you can accept a lower gross salary because Portugal is significantly cheaper.
Is it worth moving from Japan to Portugal?▾
It depends on your priorities. Higher taxes but lower cost of living in Portugal. The cost savings may offset the tax increase.

Also Consider

🇯🇵 → 🇺🇸 United States🇯🇵 → 🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇯🇵 → 🇫🇷 France🇯🇵 → 🇩🇪 Germany🇯🇵 → 🇪🇸 Spain🇯🇵 → 🇮🇹 Italy