Peoria vs. Funchal: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

This report provides a detailed comparison of the cost of living and quality of life factors between Peoria, Illinois (USA) and Funchal, Madeira (Portugal) based on available data. The analysis covers key economic indicators, housing costs, quality metrics, and growth factors to aid in understanding the potential differences between these two locations.

Peoria, located in the United States, presents a significantly different economic and cost-of-living profile compared to Funchal in Portugal. Peoria offers a substantially higher average net income ($4,132/month) but comes with correspondingly higher costs for essentials like groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and housing. Funchal, while having a much lower average net income ($1,372/month), generally exhibits a lower cost of living, particularly concerning groceries and utilities, although its housing costs are still notably higher than Peoria's average rent but significantly cheaper than its property prices. Funchal demonstrates a higher GDP per capita, indicating a potentially more robust local economy, but with a lower GDP growth rate than Peoria. The cities also differ markedly in quality of life metrics, with Funchal scoring higher on safety and climate indices, while Peoria has a much higher healthcare index, suggesting better access or quality of medical services locally. Population growth is slightly higher in Peoria (0.67%) than in Funchal (0.14%).

The economic landscape differs significantly. Peoria boasts a higher GDP per capita ($74,600) and a higher average net salary ($4,132/month). However, this is offset by a much higher property price-to-income ratio (0.39) compared to Funchal's (15.31). Funchal has a lower mortgage interest rate (4.81%) than Peoria (6.36%). When examining the cost of living, Funchal generally presents a lower basket of goods costs. Food costs (groceries, eating out) are substantially lower in Funchal. Transportation costs, including fuel and public transport, are also significantly cheaper. Utilities and basic services are considerably less expensive in Funchal. While Funchal's property prices are much higher than Peoria's, the *rental* costs for comparable apartments are still higher in Peoria (average $1,200/month for a 3-bed apartment) than in Funchal (average $1,500-$2,600/month). The lower property prices in Funchal, despite the high ratio, reflect the overall lower cost of living there.

Housing represents a major difference between the two cities. Peoria's property prices are significantly lower than Funchal's, with the average price per square meter being around $150 (derived from the index values) compared to Funchal's $4,983 (city center) to $3,421 (outskirts). This stark difference is most evident in the property price-to-income ratio, which is extremely low in Peoria (0.39) and very high in Funchal (15.31). While the average rent for a 3-bed apartment in Peoria is around $1,200, it is notably higher in Funchal, ranging from $1,500 to $2,600 depending on location. However, the absolute cost of the property itself is substantially higher in Funchal, reflecting the overall lower cost of living there.

Quality of life metrics show contrasting strengths. Funchal scores considerably higher on the Safety Index (79.91 vs. 39.93) and Climate Index (99.45 vs. 69.45), suggesting a safer environment and a more favorable climate. Peoria significantly outperforms Funchal on the Healthcare Index (82.93 vs. 51.98), indicating potentially better access to or quality of healthcare services locally. The Pollution Index is considerably lower in Funchal (23.8) than in Peoria (69.45), suggesting cleaner air. Commute times are similar but slightly shorter in Funchal (19.0) than Peoria (29.0).

Peoria demonstrates slightly higher population growth (0.67%) and GDP growth (2.89%) compared to Funchal (0.14% and 2.53%, respectively). This suggests Peoria's local economy might be expanding at a faster pace currently, although both are showing positive growth. The higher GDP per capita in Peoria ($74,600) compared to Funchal ($41,800) indicates a potentially higher standard of living and economic output per person in Peoria.

Peoria and Funchal present fundamentally different profiles. Peoria offers a higher income potential and better access to healthcare but comes with significantly higher costs for housing, food, transportation, and utilities. Funchal provides a lower cost of living overall (except for property purchase costs) and scores higher on safety and climate, but offers substantially lower incomes and potentially lower healthcare quality. The choice between the two depends heavily on individual priorities regarding financial resources, career opportunities, healthcare needs, and desired lifestyle factors.