The cost of living in Portugal varies depending on the city or region where you live, but overall, you can live comfortably on a budget of around €1,000 ($1,060) per month. On such a budget, Portugal is an affordable country to live in, with a lower cost of living than many other countries in Europe. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the cost of living in Portugal and focus on some key points to help you plan your budget accordingly.
Accommodation in Portugal
The cost of living in Portugal starts with accommodation. The accommodation costs vary depending on the location, size, and type of property. In general, Portugal offers a wide range of affordable housing options, and the cost of renting or buying is lower than some other countries in Europe. Lisbon and Porto are the most expensive cities to live in, while smaller cities and rural areas offer more affordable options. A one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon might cost around €800 ($848) to €900 ($954) per month, whereas in smaller cities, it could be around €450 ($477) to €600 ($636) per month.
Here are the average costs of housing in Portugal, according to Numbeo:
- Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre: €785.70 ($833)
- Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre: €599.96 ($636)
- Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre: €1,327.13 ($1,407)
- Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre: €983.65 ($1,043)
Food and drinks
Portugal is famous for its fresh seafood, grilled chicken, stews, and pastries. It’s also known for the affordable prices of food and drink. Eating out is relatively cheap, with a meal in a mid-range restaurant costing around €10 ($10.60) to €15 ($15.90) per person. Groceries are also reasonably priced, with a liter of milk costing around €0.60 ($0.64), 1 kg of potatoes costing €0.50 ($0.53), and a bottle of local wine costing around €4 ($4.24).
Transportation
Public transportation in Portugal is efficient and affordable. A single metro, bus, or tram ride in Lisbon costs around €1.50 ($1.59), while a monthly pass costs €36 ($38.16). Taxis are also relatively cheap, with a minimum fare of €3.25 ($3.45). For those who prefer to drive, fuel costs are currently around €1.50 ($1.59) per liter.
Transportation can be a significant expense for those living in Portugal. The average cost of transportation in Portugal, according to Numbeo, is as follows:
- One-way ticket (local transport): €1.70 ($1.80)
- Monthly pass (regular price): €40 ($42.40)
- Taxi start (normal tariff): €3.50 ($3.71)
- Taxi 1 mile (normal tariff): €1.13 ($1.20)
- Taxi 1 hour Waiting (normal tariff): €15 ($15.90)
- Gasoline (1 gallon): €7.04 ($7.46)
Healthcare
The Portuguese healthcare system is considered to be one of the best in Europe. Public healthcare is an important part of the cost of living in Portugal and is free or available for a small fee. Private healthcare is also affordable. The cost of private health insurance is around €50 ($53) to €80 ($84.80) per month.
Other expenses
There are more expenses that are important to the cost of living in Portugal. Utility bills (including electricity, water, and gas) will cost around €100 ($106) to €150 ($159) per month. Internet and mobile phone plans are affordable, costing around €20 ($21.20) to €30 ($31.80) per month. Entertainment options such as movie tickets, gym memberships, and concerts are also reasonably priced, costing around €5 ($5.30) to €20 ($21.20) per activity.
Conclusion: How much is the cost of living in Portugal
Overall, Portugal offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other European countries. However, the cost of living can vary greatly depending on the location and lifestyle choices of individuals. It’s also essential to note that the salary levels in Portugal may differ depending on the industry and level of expertise, so it’s advisable to research more in-depth the related field before making any assumptions.
Get help with buying real estate in Portugal
When deciding to live in Portugal, seeking help from a real estate agent can be very valuable. While real estate agents are usually associated with property transactions, many can offer guidance and referrals for information on the cost of living in Portugal. It is much better to seek the help of a real estate agent, considering they are more aware of the local culture and will have better access to strategies for foreigners to stay in Portugal.
Get help with buying property in Portugal
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Portugal an affordable country to live in?
Yes, Portugal is known for its affordable cost of living compared to many other European countries. While cities like Lisbon and Porto may be slightly more expensive, overall, Portugal offers a good quality of life at a reasonable price.
How much does accommodation cost in Portugal?
Accommodation costs vary depending on factors such as location and property size. In general, renting or buying property in Portugal is more affordable compared to other European countries. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon may cost around €800 ($848) to €900 ($954) per month, while in smaller cities, it could be around €450 ($477) to €600 ($636) per month.
What are the food and drink prices like in Portugal?
Food and drink in Portugal is known for its delicious and affordable. Eating out at a mid-range restaurant might cost around €10 ($10.60) to €15 ($15.90) per person. Grocery prices are also reasonable, with items like milk (1 liter) costing around €0.60 ($0.64), potatoes (1 kg) costing €0.50 ($0.53), and a bottle of local wine costing around €4 ($4.24).
What other expenses should I consider in Portugal?
There are other expenses that you should consider in Portugal, such as utility bills, including electricity, water, and gas may range from €100 ($106) to €150 ($159) per month. Internet and mobile phone plans usually cost around €20 ($21.20) to €30 ($31.80) per month. Entertainment expenses such as movie tickets, gym memberships, and concerts can vary but generally range from €5 ($5.30) to €20 ($21.20) per activity.
What are the healthcare costs in Portugal?
The Portuguese healthcare system is highly regarded, with both public and private options available. Public healthcare is either free or requires a small fee, while private healthcare is also affordable. Private health insurance typically costs around €50 ($53) to €80 ($84.80) per month.
How do transportation costs compare in Portugal?
Public transportation in Portugal is efficient and affordable. A single metro, bus, or tram ride in Lisbon costs around €1.50 ($1.59), with a monthly pass priced at €36 ($38.16). Taxis are relatively inexpensive, with a minimum fare of €3.25 ($3.45). Fuel costs for those who prefer to drive are currently around €1.50 ($1.59) per liter.
