Townleap

Cost of Living: Funchal vs Moscow (2026)

Portugal vs Russia — relocation comparison

TL;DRFunchal is safer — homicide rate 0.7 vs 7.8 per 100k. Funchal scores 8.1 vs 2.2 on democracy. Both are solid options for settling down — the spreadsheet won't save you from this one.
68
Livability Score
🇵🇹 Funchal
Portugal
Full profile
42
Livability Score
🇷🇺 Moscow
Russia
Full profile
Funchal scores 68 to Moscow's 42 on livability — the gap is real. Moscow has its charms, but the numbers favor Funchal.
💰
Cost of Living
Moscow
$70/mo cheaper on rent alone
🔒
Safety
Funchal
0.7 homicides per 100k
🗳️
Democracy
Funchal
8.1/10 EIU index
🗣️
English
Funchal
higher proficiency score
Funchal
Metric
Moscow
$1568/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1499/mo
$487/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$533/mo
0.7 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
7.8 / 100k
24°C
☀️
Summer high
22°C
13°C
❄️
Winter low
-9°C
4.9 μg/m³
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
30 μg/m³
8.1 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
2.2 / 10
72/100
🗣️
Street English
32/100
$52k
💼
GDP per capita
$47k
2.4% · Boringly steady
📈
Inflation
8.4% · Noticeable price creep
68 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
42 / 100

Settler Essentials

Democracy trend
declining

Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals

The Short Version

  • Rent is 4% cheaper in Moscow ($1499/mo vs $1568/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are slightly warmer in Funchal (24°C vs 22°C).
  • Funchal is safer by homicide rate (0.7 vs 7.8 per 100k).
  • Funchal scores higher on democracy (8.1 vs 2.2 / 10 EIU).
  • Street-level English is easier in Funchal (72/100 vs 32/100).

Funchal vs Moscow — Common Questions

Is Funchal cheaper than Moscow?

Moscow is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1499/month in Moscow vs $1568/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Funchal or Moscow?

Funchal is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Funchal has a rate of 0.72 per 100,000 and Moscow has 7.82 per 100,000.

Should I move to Funchal or Moscow?

Funchal scores 68 to Moscow's 42 on livability — the gap is real. Moscow has its charms, but the numbers favor Funchal. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Is it easier to get residency in Funchal or Moscow?

Funchal: no specific remote work visa. Moscow: Russia HQS Work Permit (ВКС) (moderate requirements, Up to 3 years (renewable)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Can I live in Funchal or Moscow without speaking the local language?

Funchal is easier for street-level English (72/100) than Moscow (32/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.

Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.

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