Quality of Life Index for Popular Overseas Property Destinations – A Guide for Irish Buyers
Introduction
Irish families and investors are increasingly looking beyond the Emerald Isle for a second home, a retirement retreat or a rental investment. While price, tax incentives and market growth are obvious considerations, quality of life (QoL) often decides whether a property purchase turns into a long‑term happy stay.
This article combines the latest Numbeo Quality of Life Index (2025 Mid‑Year) with property‑price data to give you a clear picture of the most popular overseas destinations for Irish buyers. We’ll explore what the numbers mean, compare the top European spots, and highlight a few emerging markets that offer excellent lifestyle value for the price.
Quick tip: When evaluating a destination, balance the QoL score with the price‑to‑income ratio and gross rental yield. A high QoL score with an unaffordable property may not suit an investment strategy, whereas a modest QoL score paired with very low entry costs can deliver strong returns.
1. Understanding the Quality of Life Index
Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index aggregates several sub‑indices that matter to residents:
| Sub‑index | What it measures |
|---|---|
| Purchasing Power | Average disposable income vs. cost of living |
| Safety | Crime rates and perceived personal safety |
| Healthcare | Availability and quality of medical services |
| Pollution | Air quality, water cleanliness and waste management |
| Climate | Temperature, sunshine hours and seasonal variation |
| Cost of Living | Prices for groceries, transport, utilities, etc. |
The resulting score is on a 0‑300 scale; higher is better. For context, Luxembourg tops the list with 218.2, while Ireland sits at 169.6.
When you pair the QoL score with property‑price metrics (price‑to‑income ratio, rental yields, affordability index), you can gauge both how good life will be and how far your money will stretch.
2. European Hotspots – Where Lifestyle Meets Affordability
2.1 Spain – Sun, Sea and a Strong Expat Community
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Quality of Life Index | 187.2 |
| Price‑to‑Income Ratio (city centre) | 19.6 |
| Gross Rental Yield (city centre) | 16.1 % |
| Cost of Living (Euro) | € ≈ £ 0.88 (average monthly basket) |
Why Irish buyers love Spain
- Climate: Over 300 sunny days a year in the Costa del Sol and Balearic Islands.
- Healthcare: Ranked among the top 10 in Europe for accessibility and cost.
- Community: Established Irish enclaves in Marbella, Costa Blanca and the Canary Islands make settling easier.
Affordability insight: A price‑to‑income ratio of 19.6 means the median house costs roughly 20 times the average annual Irish salary – still higher than Portugal but far lower than the UK (≈ 28). The solid 16 % rental yield in popular tourist zones makes Spain attractive for buy‑to‑let investors.
2.2 Portugal – Friendly Tax Regime & Growing Expat Hub
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Quality of Life Index | 169.1 |
| Price‑to‑Income Ratio (city centre) | 14.6 |
| Gross Rental Yield (city centre) | 17.5 % |
| Cost of Living (Euro) | € ≈ £ 0.86 (Lisbon) |
Key draws
- Golden Visa & Non‑Habitual Resident (NHR) tax scheme – 10 % flat income tax on foreign pensions.
- Mild climate on the Algarve and Lisbon’s vibrant cultural scene.
- Safety: Portugal ranks among the safest EU nations (crime index < 30).
Affordability insight: With a price‑to‑income ratio of 14.6, a typical Portuguese home costs about 15 times the average Irish salary – considerably cheaper than Spain and far below the UK. Rental yields above 17 % in the Algarve make it a strong investment corridor.
2.3 France – Lifestyle, Culture and Strong Rental Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Quality of Life Index | 169.5 |
| Price‑to‑Income Ratio (city centre) | 32.7 |
| Gross Rental Yield (city centre) | 11.5 % |
| Cost of Living (Euro) | € ≈ £ 0.91 (Paris) |
Why consider France?
- World‑class healthcare (ranked 1st globally by WHO).
- Diverse regions: From the sunny Côte d’Azur to the Alpine charm of Annecy.
- Strong short‑term rental demand in tourist hotspots like Provence and the French Riviera.
Affordability insight: The price‑to‑income ratio of 32.7 reflects high entry costs, especially in Paris and the Côte d’Azur. However, regions such as Brittany or the Limousin offer lower ratios (≈ 20‑25) and still benefit from France’s high QoL score.
2.4 Italy – Culture, Food and Relaxed Pace
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Quality of Life Index | 154.4 |
| Price‑to‑Income Ratio (city centre) | 23.0 |
| Gross Rental Yield (city centre) | 19.1 % |
| Cost of Living (Euro) | € ≈ £ 0.84 (Rome) |
Highlights
- Mediterranean climate across the south and central coastlines.
- Excellent healthcare – universal coverage and low out‑of‑pocket costs.
- Emerging “digital nomad” visas in cities like Milan and Rome.
Affordability insight: A 23‑fold price‑to‑income ratio places Italy between Spain and Portugal. Rental yields of 19 % in popular tourist towns (e.g., Amalfi, Sicily) make it attractive for short‑term holiday lets.
2.5 Greece – Affordable Sun‑Soaked Living
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Quality of Life Index | 140.4 |
| Price‑to‑Income Ratio (city centre) | 13.1 |
| Gross Rental Yield (city centre) | 27.7 % |
| Cost of Living (Euro) | € ≈ £ 0.78 (Athens) |
Why Greece?
- Low property prices – especially on islands such as Crete and Rhodes.
- High rental yields (close to 28 % in peak tourist zones).
- Improving infrastructure – new airports, high‑speed ferries, and EU‑funded road upgrades.
Affordability insight: The price‑to‑income ratio of 13.1 is among the lowest in Europe, meaning a modest Irish salary could buy a decent home in many Greek towns. The high rental yield compensates for the slightly lower QoL score.
2.6 Croatia – Fast‑Growing Adriatic Gem
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Quality of Life Index | 181.7 |
| Price‑to‑Income Ratio (city centre) | 12.1 |
| Gross Rental Yield (city centre) | 29.5 % |
| Cost of Living (Euro) | € ≈ £ 0.85 (Dubrovnik) |
Key points
- Stunning coastline with UNESCO heritage towns (Dubrovnik, Split).
- Euro‑zone member – eliminates currency risk for Irish buyers.
- Rapidly expanding tourism – occupancy rates > 70 % in summer months.
Affordability insight: At just 12 times the average income, Croatia offers one of the best value‑for‑money combos in Europe, while delivering a high QoL score and excellent rental returns.
2.7 Malta – English‑Speaking Island with Strong Rental Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Quality of Life Index | 136.1 |
| Price‑to‑Income Ratio (city centre) | 10.8 |
| Gross Rental Yield (city centre) | 17.3 % |
| Cost of Living (Euro) | € ≈ £ 0.89 (Valletta) |
Why Malta?
- English as an official language – ideal for Irish families.
- Robust financial services sector and attractive residency programmes.
- Warm Mediterranean climate and excellent sea‑sports facilities.
Affordability insight: Malta’s price‑to‑income ratio of 10.8 is the lowest among the major European destinations listed, meaning entry costs are relatively modest. Rental yields around 17 % make it a solid buy‑to‑let market.
2.8 Cyprus – Blend of Greek Culture and Turkish Influence
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Quality of Life Index | 160.4 |
| Price‑to‑Income Ratio (city centre) | 15.4 |
| Gross Rental Yield (city centre) | 14.0 % |
| Cost of Living (Euro) | € ≈ £ 0.87 (Nicosia) |
Highlights
- Year‑round sunshine (≈ 320 days).
- Low tax regime – 0 % capital gains tax on property sales.
- British legal system – familiar for Irish investors.
Affordability insight: With a price‑to‑income ratio of 15.4, Cyprus offers a balanced mix of affordability and a high QoL score, especially appealing for retirees seeking a warm climate.
3. Emerging Markets – High Lifestyle Value at Lower Cost
| Country | QoL Index | Price‑to‑Income Ratio | Gross Rental Yield (city centre) | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 134.0 | 14.4 | 12.4 % | Strategic location, growing tourism, favourable residency options |
| Morocco | 114.1 | 13.5 | 18.2 % | Low cost of living, rich culture, proximity to Europe |
| Costa Rica | (2025 not listed – approx. 130) | – | – | Strong eco‑tourism, stable democracy, English‑friendly coastal towns |
| Mexico | (≈ 127) | 11.6 | 13.7 % | Warm climate, vibrant expat communities in Riviera Maya & Puerto Vallarta |
Why consider these markets?
- Lower entry price – price‑to‑income ratios under 15 mean a modest Irish salary can secure a decent property.
- Growing tourism – higher potential for short‑term rental income.
- Lifestyle perks – year‑round sunshine, outdoor activities, and often favourable tax treatment for foreign property owners.
Caveats: Political stability, currency fluctuations and local legal frameworks vary. Always engage a local solicitor and tax adviser before committing.
4. Practical Checklist for Irish Buyers
| ✅ | Consideration |
|---|---|
| 1. Quality of Life Score | Use Numbeo’s QoL index as a baseline; aim for 150 + for a comfortable lifestyle. |
| 2. Price‑to‑Income Ratio | Lower ratios (< 20) indicate affordable entry; compare against Irish average salary (€ ≈ 45 k). |
| 3. Rental Yield | For investment, target yields > 10 % (short‑term) or > 6 % (long‑term). |
| 4. Tax Implications | Check double‑tax treaties, property tax, and any residency programmes (e.g., Portugal’s NHR). |
| 5. Healthcare Access | Verify public vs. private options and whether you need private health insurance. |
| 6. Safety & Crime | Review Numbeo’s Crime Index; destinations with scores < 30 are generally safe. |
| 7. Language & Community | English‑speaking environments ease the transition; Irish expat groups can provide support. |
| 8. Legal Process | Engage a qualified local solicitor; understand title registration and foreign ownership rules. |
| 9. Currency Risk | Euro‑zone destinations avoid exchange risk; non‑Euro markets may need hedging strategies. |
| 10. Lifestyle Fit | Climate, cultural activities, and proximity to family/UK/Europe matter for long‑term satisfaction. |
5. Case Study: Buying a Holiday Home in the Algarve, Portugal
- Quality of Life Index: 169.1 – high safety, good healthcare, mild climate.
- Average price (2025): € ≈ 3,200 per m² in central Faro; price‑to‑income ratio 14.6.
- Rental yield: 17.5 % gross in city centre, 12‑13 % in surrounding villages.
- Tax advantage: Non‑Habitual Resident (NHR) regime – 10 % flat tax on foreign pension income for ten years.
- Process:
- Open a Portuguese bank account.
- Obtain a Portuguese fiscal number (NIF).
- Engage a solicitor to conduct title search and draft the Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda (pre‑sale agreement).
- Pay a 10 % deposit, register the promise, and complete the final deed (Escritura Pública) at a notary.
Result: A three‑bedroom villa costing € ≈ 350,000 can be bought with a mortgage covering 70 % of the price. Annual net rental income after management fees and taxes can reach € ≈ 20,000, offering a solid cash‑flow while providing a personal holiday retreat.
Conclusion
Choosing an overseas property isn’t just about the price tag; it’s about the quality of everyday life you’ll enjoy once you’re there. By pairing Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index with concrete property‑price data, Irish buyers can pinpoint destinations that deliver both lifestyle satisfaction and financial sense.
- Top picks for a balanced lifestyle and affordability: Portugal, Croatia, Greece, and Malta.
- Best for high‑yield investment: Spain (coastal zones) and Croatia (tourist hotspots).
- Emerging opportunities with strong upside: Turkey and Morocco, provided you do thorough due‑diligence.
Use the checklist above, consult local experts, and let the numbers guide you to a property that feels like home—whether you’re retiring, holiday‑hopping, or building a cross‑border investment portfolio. Happy house hunting!