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Is the word preferência the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The meaning, grammar, and spelling of "preferência" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only significant difference lies in pronunciation.

In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are generally more open and clearly articulated. The unstressed "e" in the first syllable (pre-) is typically pronounced as a clear /e/. In Continental Portuguese, there is a much stronger tendency toward vowel reduction; the unstressed "e" is often pronounced as a very short /ɨ/ (similar to a muffled "i") or may become almost silent, making the word sound more "clipped."

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Eu tenho preferência por café sem açúcar. (I have a preference for coffee without sugar.)
  2. Qual é a sua preferência de horário? (What is your preferred time?)
  3. Não tenho preferência, você decide. (I don't have a preference, you decide.)
  4. A empresa dá preferência para quem é da região. (The company gives preference to those who are from the region.)
  5. Minha preferência é viajar de trem. (My preference is to travel by train.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. Eu prefiro café sem açúcar. (I prefer coffee without sugar.)
  2. Qual é a tua preferência de horário? (What is your preferred time?)
  3. Não tenho preferência nenhuma, tu decides. (I have no preference at all, you decide.)
  4. A empresa dá preferência a quem é da região. (The company gives preference to those who are from the region.)
  5. A minha preferência é viajar de comboio. (My preference is to travel by train.)