Italy or Portugal? See how much you need to earn to live well (and what you'll have left over) in 2026.

Sunday is that day when we sit down, have a coffee, and start doing calculations. For those who live or plan to. live in EuropeThe question in 2026 has changed. It's no longer just about getting a job, but about how much of your time rent will steal.

With the real estate market booming in Lisbon and Milan, Brazilians have discovered a new path: medium-sized cities. We've made a real comparison between these two favorite destinations so you can understand where your hard work pays off most.

1. Portugal: the challenge of "renting gold"

In Portugal, the minimum wage has risen to 870€But the cost of housing in the capital cities offered no respite.

• The reality: for a couple to live with dignity (eating well and going out once a week)the family income needs to be in the range of 1.800€ to 2.000€.
• Where the money disappears: In Lisbon or Porto, a room can cost almost the equivalent of a minimum wage.
• The 2026 strategy: The focus has shifted to the interior and cities like Castelo Branco, Viseu, or medium-sized cities in the Alentejo region, where you can get an entire apartment for the price of a room in Lisbon.

2. Italy: where "table power" still wins.

In Italy, the absence of a national minimum wage creates a large variation, but the cost of living at the supermarket is a major advantage for Brazilians.

The secret: Living within a 30-minute train ride of a major Italian city can reduce your fixed costs by up to 30%.

The account: In medium-sized cities like Padua, Turin (where the foreign population reached 16%) In Perugia, a couple lives very well on €2.200 net per month.

The differential: One hour of work in Italy buys much more quality food. (wine, cheeses and meats) than in Portugal. This is what we call "emotional salary".