At Spainguru, we not only focus on the legal and immigration aspects of moving to Spain but also on the quality of life one can expect when doing so. After an analysis on the Cost of Living Index, today we delve into the Quality of Life Index from Numbeo.com, which provides a comprehensive view of life’s quality across key global cities, including those in Spain, Portugal, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Understanding the Quality of Life Index
The Quality of Life Index is a multifaceted assessment that considers several critical factors: Purchasing Power, Pollution, House Price to Income Ratio, Cost of Living, Safety, Health Care, Traffic Commute Time, and Climate. This index ranks 195 cities, with a higher score indicating a better quality of life.
| Rank | Country | City | Quality of Life Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Spain | Valencia | 198 |
| 8 | Spain | Madrid | 186.3 |
| 14 | Portugal | Porto | 179.2 |
| 39 | Portugal | Lisbon | 165.3 |
| 69 | United States | Denver, CO | 157.5 |
| 94 | United Kingdom | Manchester | 146.2 |
| 95 | United States | Houston, TX | 145.4 |
| 98 | United States | Washington, DC | 143.9 |
| 99 | United States | Chicago, IL | 142.9 |
| 105 | Spain | Barcelona | 139.5 |
| 111 | United States | Los Angeles, CA | 137.3 |
| 118 | United States | New York, NY | 135.7 |
| 132 | United Kingdom | London | 126.9 |
Spain: Leading in Quality of Life
Spain shines in this index, with Valencia ranking 4th globally with a score of 198. This impressive ranking is attributed to its balanced lifestyle, excellent climate, and affordable living costs. Madrid follows closely, ranking 8th with a score of 186.3, showcasing its robust purchasing power and vibrant city life. Barcelona, though lower at 105th with a score of 139.5, still offers a high quality of life, especially in terms of culture and climate.
Portugal: A Close Contender
Portugal, with its rich history and relaxed lifestyle, also performs well. Porto ranks 14th with a score of 179.2, reflecting its excellent safety and affordable living standards. Lisbon, the capital, stands at 39th with a score of 165.3, balancing modern amenities with cultural richness.
USA: A Mixed Bag of Quality
The United States presents a varied picture. Denver, CO, ranks 69th with a score of 157.5, offering a high quality of life with its excellent health care and favorable climate. However, major cities like New York (118th, 135.7) and Los Angeles (111th, 137.3) rank lower, primarily due to high living costs and traffic commute times.
UK: The Challenge of Balancing Cost and Quality
In the UK, Manchester ranks 94th with a score of 146.2, offering a reasonable balance of life quality factors. London, however, is at 132nd with a score of 126.9, where high living costs and house price to income ratios impact its overall ranking.
Conclusion: Spain and Portugal as Top Choices for Quality of Life
This Quality of Life Index comparison between Spain, Portugal, USA, and UK reveals that Spain and Portugal offer an enviable balance of affordability, safety, health care, and climate, making them top choices for those seeking a high quality of life. While the major cities in the US and UK offer their unique advantages, they face challenges in balancing cost and quality.
For those considering a move, these insights into the quality of life can be as crucial as the cost of living. As always, at Spainguru, we believe in providing a holistic view to help you make the best decision for your lifestyle.
Stay tuned for more insights and analyses that help you navigate the complexities of moving and living abroad. Hasta la próxima!
Full data (November 2023 from Numbeo.com)
| Rank | City | Quality of Life Index | Purchasing Power Index | Safety Index | Health Care Index | Cost of Living Index | Property Price to Income Ratio | Traffic Commute Time Index | Pollution Index | Climate Index |
| 4 | Valencia | 198 | 94.2 | 69.8 | 79.8 | 48.4 | 4.1 | 23 | 25.9 | 93.8 |
| 8 | Madrid | 186.3 | 98.4 | 72.9 | 79.8 | 51.1 | 6.8 | 26.5 | 37.2 | 85.5 |
| 14 | Porto | 179.2 | 60.6 | 67.4 | 79.3 | 46.7 | 8.4 | 24 | 26.4 | 96.6 |
| 39 | Lisbon | 165.3 | 54.5 | 71.5 | 75.2 | 49.9 | 13 | 31.9 | 31.9 | 98.6 |
| 69 | Denver | 157.5 | 112.7 | 53.4 | 68.8 | 81.5 | 4.4 | 36.8 | 44.5 | 56.3 |
| 94 | Manchester | 146.2 | 85.9 | 44.8 | 75.7 | 63.9 | 7.7 | 39.4 | 54.1 | 86.9 |
| 95 | Houston | 145.4 | 109 | 36.8 | 68.8 | 90.2 | 4.7 | 42.5 | 56.4 | 85.5 |
| 98 | Washington DC | 143.9 | 110 | 39.5 | 65.1 | 100.2 | 7.8 | 46.1 | 48.4 | 81.6 |
| 99 | Chicago | 142.9 | 114.5 | 34 | 65.7 | 88.6 | 5 | 42 | 50 | 66.1 |
| 105 | Barcelona | 139.5 | 69.8 | 48.8 | 77.3 | 55.6 | 11.5 | 30.7 | 64.9 | 95.7 |
| 111 | Los Angeles | 137.3 | 113.9 | 47.2 | 61.8 | 87.8 | 6.8 | 57.4 | 66.1 | 95.5 |
| 118 | New York | 135.7 | 100 | 49.9 | 62.5 | 100 | 10.4 | 43.6 | 57.9 | 79.7 |
| 132 | London | 126.9 | 81.6 | 45.8 | 70 | 82.7 | 16.3 | 45.4 | 58.1 | 88.3 |
