Cost of Living: Funchal vs Split (2026)
Portugal vs Croatia — relocation comparison
- VAT-free under €15k
- 21.4% social
- €900/yr accountant
- VAT-free under €40k
- 37% social
- €450/yr accountant
Sourced from Numbeo · Updated May 2026
Sources: Numbeo · UNODC · Ookla · WHO · EIU · World Bank · Freedom House · Updated May 2026
Sun
How much sky you actually get
Sun clocks out early in Split's winter. Plan accordingly.
Source: WeatherSpark (clear-sky share of daytime hours)
Settler Essentials
Visa stamps:Easy <90 daysModerate 3–6 moComplex 6+ mo
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
Reproductive Rights
Because your body shouldn't need a visa too
On request up to 10 weeks since 2007 referendum. Mandatory 3-day reflection period.
On request up to 10 weeks. Access limited in practice due to widespread conscientious objection.
Source: Center for Reproductive Rights
LGBTQ+ Rights
Can you hold hands without doing a risk assessment first
Source: Rainbow Europe (ILGA-Europe)
The Short Version
- •Rent is 31% cheaper in Split ($1077/mo vs $1568/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are noticeably warmer in Split (30°C vs 24°C).
- •Funchal scores higher on democracy (8.1 vs 6.5 / 10 EIU).
Funchal vs Split — Common Questions
Is Funchal cheaper than Split?▾
Split is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1077/month in Split vs $1568/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Funchal or Split?▾
Funchal is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Funchal has a rate of 0.72 per 100,000 and Split has 0.77 per 100,000.
Should I move to Funchal or Split?▾
Too close to call — 71 vs 68. Funchal has a slight edge, but Split might suit you better depending on your priorities. 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 Split?▾
Funchal: Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 2 years (renewable for 3-year periods)). Split: no specific remote work visa. See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Which has better weather, Funchal or Split?▾
Split is warmer in summer (30°C vs 24°C). Funchal has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.
What's the cost of rent in Funchal vs Split?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $1077/month in Split, $1568/month in Funchal (Numbeo). That's 31% cheaper rent in Split.
Is Funchal or Split better for democracy and rule of law?▾
Funchal scores 8.1/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 6.5/10 for Split. That puts it in 'full democracy' territory — free press, independent courts, the works.
Is healthcare better in Funchal or Split?▾
Funchal scores higher on our composite healthcare index (84/100 vs 77/100 for Split). That score combines clinical outcomes (IHME), universal coverage (WHO), and resident perception (Numbeo) — not just whether hospitals exist but whether the system actually works for settlers.
Plot twist: other matchups exist
Maybe the real city was the comparisons we made along the way.
Let the algorithm judge you
2 min quiz — surprisingly accurate
Related comparisons