Portugal
Cost of Living
FAQs
1. Which are the least expensive cities in Portugal to live in?
Cities like Braga, Coimbra, and regions in Alentejo generally have a lower cost of living, especially for everyday expenses and property outside prime areas.
Lisbon consistently ranks as the most expensive city, particularly for housing, followed by Cascais and the Algarve, especially coastal towns like Loulé and Vilamoura.
Porto offers more affordable housing and remains a popular choice among Expats moving to Portugal.
2. What is the average cost of rent in Lisbon and Porto?
In Lisbon, expect to pay €1000-€1500+ per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, and €800-€1200 outside.
Porto is more affordable, with one-bedroom apartments averaging €850-€1200 per month and €700-€900 outside the center. Prices can vary significantly based on size and location.
3. How does the cost compare between different cities?
While major supermarkets maintain relatively consistent pricing nationwide, you might find slightly higher prices in tourist-heavy areas and for imported goods. Local markets often offer competitive prices for fresh produce.
Overall, groceries are considered affordable in Portugal compared to many other Western European countries and the US. A single person might budget €200 - €350 per month.
4. What are the monthly utility costs in Portuguese cities?
For a standard apartment (around 85 sqm), expect to budget around €100-€150 per month for basic utilities (electricity, water, gas). Internet and mobile packages typically range from €35 to €60 per month.
Costs can fluctuate based on usage and the size of your accommodation. Some sources suggest slightly higher utility costs in areas like Albufeira and Lisbon compared to Faro.
5. How much does public transportation cost in Portugal?
Monthly public transport passes in Lisbon and Porto are typically around €40. Other cities often offer slightly cheaper options.
Single tickets in Lisbon and Porto are around €1.80-€2. Discounted rates are often available through rechargeable cards like the “Navegante”.
6. Is it cheaper to live in the north or the south of Portugal?
The northern and central regions (Porto, Braga, Coimbra, and Alentejo) tend to offer a lower cost of living, particularly for housing and everyday expenses, compared to Lisbon and the Algarve.
However, the Algarve can offer more affordable options outside the main tourist centers.
7. What is a comfortable monthly budget for a single person?
Excluding rent, a single person might need around €700-€900 per month for a comfortable life in Lisbon. In Porto, this could be approximately €600-€800 per month, excluding rent.
These are estimates and depend on individual lifestyle and spending habits. Some sources suggest a total monthly cost (including rent) of around €1285 for a single person in Portugal.
8. How much can a family of four expect to spend per month?
Excluding rent, a family of four might budget around €1800-€2500+ per month in Lisbon and slightly less in Porto (€1600-€2100+).
In more affordable cities, this could be lower. Housing costs and childcare expenses will significantly impact the overall budget.
9. Are there significant differences in the cost of eating out?
Lisbon and popular tourist areas may have slightly higher prices. However, average costs remain relatively reasonable compared to Western European countries or the United States.
Expect to pay €10-€15 for an inexpensive meal and €30-€60 for a mid-range three-course meal for two in most parts of Portugal.
10. What city offers the best affordability and quality of life?
Based on search results on Numbeo, the world’s largest cost-of-living database, and general sentiment from local expats, Porto, Braga, and Coimbra are often cited as offering an excellent balance of affordability and quality of life.
These cities tend to have lower living costs than Lisbon. The “best” choice depends on your budget and lifestyle preferences.
