Moving to Portugal has become an increasingly popular choice for expats, retirees, and remote workers—and it’s easy to see why. With a high quality of life, a relaxed pace, and living costs that remain affordable compared to much of Western Europe, Portugal appeals to those looking for comfort without overspending.
From the beaches of the Algarve to the historic charm of Lisbon and Porto, the country offers a lifestyle that suits a range of budgets. In this guide, we break down the cost of living in Portugal for 2025, covering everything from housing and groceries to healthcare and entertainment, with example budgets for various lifestyles. All figures are provided in both Euro (€) and US Dollars (USD).
Why Are People Moving to Portugal?
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Affordable living costs: Portugal remains one of Western Europe’s least-expensive countries, so your foreign income or pension stretches further.
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Pleasant climate & lifestyle: Over 300 sunny days a year in the south and a laid-back Mediterranean pace of life.
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Quality healthcare & safety: Portugal ranks among the world’s safest countries and offers universal, low-cost public healthcare.
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Expat-friendly environment: Many Portuguese speak English, and the government supports remote workers and investors with attractive visa incentives.
Portugal’s new NHR 2.0 tax scheme for expats can also reduce your overall tax bill if you qualify.
Monthly Cost of Living in Portugal
To help you visualize your monthly expenses in Portugal, we’ve summarized approximate living costs across three common lifestyle scenarios: Basic, Mid-Range, and Luxury. Whether you’re a single professional, a couple, or a family relocating, this table provides a quick reference to estimate your budget and plan your move effectively.
| Lifestyle | Single | Couple | Family (4 People) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | €990 (USD 1,089) | €1,500–€2,000 (USD 1,650–2,200) | €2,500–€3,000 (USD 2,750–3,300) |
| Mid-Range | €1,200–€1,500 (USD 1,320–1,650) | €2,000–€2,500 (USD 2,200–2,750) | €3,500–€4,000 (USD 3,850–4,400) |
| Luxury | €2,000+ (USD 2,200+) | €3,000+ (USD 3,300+) | €5,000+ (USD 5,500+) |
For a more comprehensive overview of the cost of living in Portugal, below, we’ve provided detailed breakdowns covering accommodation, food, transportation, healthcare, education, utilities, and entertainment.
Accommodation Costs in Portugal
Monthly Rent
Accommodation typically accounts for around 30–35% of monthly expenses for residents in Portugal. Costs can vary greatly based on property location, type, and amenities. Prime locations such as Lisbon or certain parts of the Algarve (e.g., Faro) command higher rents, while Coimbra and Braga offer more budget-friendly options.
| Area | 1-Bedroom Apartment (Monthly) | 2-Bedroom Apartment (Monthly) | 3-Bedroom Apartment (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon | €900–€1,200 (USD 990–USD 1,320) | €1,300–€1,700 (USD 1,430–USD 1,870) | €2,000+ (USD 2,200+) |
| Porto | €700–€1,000 (USD 770–USD 1,100) | €1,100–€1,400 (USD 1,210–USD 1,540) | €1,500–€2,000 (USD 1,650–USD 2,200) |
| Faro (Algarve) | €650–€900 (USD 715–USD 990) | €950–€1,300 (USD 1,045–USD 1,430) | €1,400–€1,800 (USD 1,540–USD 1,980) |
| Coimbra | €400–€600 (USD 440–USD 660) | €700–€900 (USD 770–USD 990) | €900–€1,200 (USD 990–USD 1,320) |
| Braga | €380–€500 (USD 418–USD 550) | €600–€800 (USD 660–USD 880) | €800–€1,000 (USD 880–USD 1,100) |
Data sourced from Numbeo
Real Estate Prices
Purchasing property is a major investment decision in Portugal. Costs are heavily influenced by location and property type. Prime residential districts, particularly in central Lisbon and high-demand Algarve areas, will come with higher price tags due to strong local and foreign demand.
| Area | Studio Apartment | 1-Bedroom Apartment | 2-Bedroom Apartment | 3-Bedroom Apartment | Villa (3–5 Bedrooms) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon | €150,000–€220,000 (USD 165,000–USD 242,000) | €200,000–€350,000 (USD 220,000–USD 385,000) | €300,000–€600,000 (USD 330,000–USD 660,000) | €450,000–€900,000 (USD 495,000–USD 990,000) | €700,000–€1,500,000+ (USD 770,000–USD 1,650,000+) |
| Porto | €120,000–€200,000 (USD 132,000–USD 220,000) | €180,000–€300,000 (USD 198,000–USD 330,000) | €280,000–€500,000 (USD 308,000–USD 550,000) | €400,000–€700,000 (USD 440,000–USD 770,000) | €600,000–€1,200,000 (USD 660,000–USD 1,320,000) |
| Faro (Algarve) | €100,000–€180,000 (USD 110,000–USD 198,000) | €150,000–€250,000 (USD 165,000–USD 275,000) | €250,000–€450,000 (USD 275,000–USD 495,000) | €350,000–€650,000 (USD 385,000–USD 715,000) | €500,000–€1,000,000 (USD 550,000–USD 1,100,000) |
| Coimbra | €80,000–€150,000 (USD 88,000–USD 165,000) | €120,000–€200,000 (USD 132,000–USD 220,000) | €200,000–€350,000 (USD 220,000–USD 385,000) | €300,000–€500,000 (USD 330,000–USD 550,000) | €400,000–€800,000 (USD 440,000–USD 880,000) |
| Braga | €70,000–€130,000 (USD 77,000–USD 143,000) | €110,000–€180,000 (USD 121,000–USD 198,000) | €180,000–€300,000 (USD 198,000–USD 330,000) | €280,000–€450,000 (USD 308,000–USD 495,000) | €350,000–€700,000 (USD 385,000–USD 770,000) |
Data sourced from Numbeo
Property tax tip: Annual municipal property tax (IMI) is only 0.3–0.5 % of the property’s tax value (capped at 0.8 %), far lower than France’s ~11 % or Spain’s 3–7 %, making Portugal attractive for buyers.
Food Costs in Portugal
Groceries
Groceries in Portugal are generally affordable, especially compared to Northern Europe or North America. The Portuguese diet emphasizes fresh local produce, seafood, meats, dairy, and baked goods, helping residents maintain low monthly grocery budgets. Below is a detailed list of typical supermarket prices for commonly purchased items:
| Grocery Item | Average Price (€ / USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 litre) | €0.80–€1.10 (USD 0.88–1.21) |
| Bread (fresh loaf) | €1.20–€2.90 (USD 1.32–3.19) |
| Rice (1 kg) | €0.90–€1.50 (USD 0.99–1.65) |
| Eggs (12) | €1.80–€5.20 (USD 1.98–5.72) |
| Cheese (local, 1 kg) | €7.00–€25.00 (USD 7.70–27.50) |
| Chicken breasts (1 kg) | €6.00–€7.00 (USD 6.60–7.70) |
| Beef steak (1 kg) | €10.00–€18.00 (USD 11.00–19.80) |
| Pork chops (1 kg) | €5.00–€8.00 (USD 5.50–8.80) |
| Fresh fish (1 kg, local varieties) | €7.00–€15.00 (USD 7.70–16.50) |
| Apples (1 kg) | €1.20–€3.00 (USD 1.32–3.30) |
| Bananas (1 kg) | €1.00–€2.00 (USD 1.10–2.20) |
| Oranges (1 kg) | €1.00–€2.50 (USD 1.10–2.75) |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | €1.20–€2.80 (USD 1.32–3.08) |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | €1.20–€5.20 (USD 1.32–5.72) |
| Onions (1 kg) | €1.00–€1.80 (USD 1.10–1.98) |
| Lettuce (1 head) | €0.80–€1.20 (USD 0.88–1.32) |
| Olive oil (1 litre) | €4.00–€7.00 (USD 4.40–7.70) |
| Pasta (500g) | €0.70–€1.50 (USD 0.77–1.65) |
| Local beer (0.5L, supermarket) | €1.00–€1.50 (USD 1.10–1.65) |
| Bottle of wine (mid-range) | €4.00–€8.00 (USD 4.40–8.80) |
| Water (1.5L bottle) | €0.30–€0.80 (USD 0.33–0.88) |
| Coffee (250g pack) | €2.00–€4.50 (USD 2.20–4.95) |
| Tea (20 bags) | €1.00–€2.50 (USD 1.10–2.75) |
| Cigarettes (pack of 20) | €5.00–€6.00 (USD 5.50–6.60) |
Data sourced from Numbeo
Dining Out
Dining out in Portugal offers excellent value, with a wide variety of affordable options. From inexpensive local cafés to upscale restaurants, you can enjoy dining experiences without overspending. Below is a clear breakdown of typical costs when eating out:
| Dining Option | Average Price (€ / USD) |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive restaurant meal | €7–€15 (USD 7.70–16.50) |
| Mid-range restaurant (3 courses, 2 people) | €40–€60 (USD 44–66) |
| Cappuccino or latte (regular café) | €1.50–€2.50 (USD 1.65–2.75) |
| Espresso (café) | €0.70–€1.20 (USD 0.77–1.32) |
| Local beer (0.5L draft, restaurant/bar) | €2.00–€3.50 (USD 2.20–3.85) |
| Imported beer (0.33L bottle, restaurant/bar) | €2.50–€4.00 (USD 2.75–4.40) |
| Glass of house wine (restaurant) | €2.50–€5.00 (USD 2.75–5.50) |
| Soft drink (restaurant/bar) | €1.50–€2.50 (USD 1.65–2.75) |
| Bottled water (restaurant, 0.33L) | €1.00–€1.50 (USD 1.10–1.65) |
| Takeaway sandwich/light lunch | €4.00–€7.00 (USD 4.40–7.70) |
| Fast food combo meal (McDonald’s/Burger King) | €6.50–€8.50 (USD 7.15–9.35) |
| Fine dining meal (per person, gourmet restaurant) | €50–€100+ (USD 55–110+) |
Data sourced from Numbeo
Transportation Costs in Portugal
Transportation expenses in Portugal will vary depending on your chosen method of travel, vehicle ownership, and location. While public transportation is convenient and cost-effective in urban areas, owning and operating a car comes with higher expenses. The table below summarizes key transportation costs to help you accurately budget for your life in Portugal:
| Transport Type | Average Cost (€ / USD) |
|---|---|
| Public Transport Pass (monthly, city-wide) | €30–€40 (USD 33–44) |
| Single bus or metro ticket | €1.50–€2.00 (USD 1.65–2.20) |
| Taxi fare (per km) | €0.90–€1.20 (USD 0.99–1.32) |
| Taxi/Uber (average 5 km ride, urban) | €7–€10 (USD 7.70–11.00) |
| Petrol (per litre) | ~€1.70 (USD 1.87) |
| Diesel (per litre) | ~€1.60 (USD 1.76) |
| Monthly Car Ownership (fuel, insurance, maintenance) | €200–€300 (USD 220–330) |
| Car insurance (annual, basic coverage) | €150–€350 (USD 165–385) |
| Road tax (annual, small car) | ~€100 (USD 110) |
| Vehicle inspection (annual IPO test) | €20–€35 (USD 22–38.50) |
| Highway tolls (Lisbon to Porto, one-way) | ~€20 (USD 22) |
| Intercity train/bus ticket (Lisbon–Porto) | €20–€40 (USD 22–44) |
| Regional rail unlimited monthly pass | €20 (USD 22) |
Data sourced from Expatica
Education Costs in Portugal
Education options in Portugal range from free public schools to private and international institutions with varying costs. The table below outlines average annual tuition fees for different school types, helping families budget effectively for their children’s education.
| School Type | Annual Cost (€ / USD) |
|---|---|
| Public Schools | Free |
| Private Portuguese Schools | €5,000–€10,000 (USD 5,500–11,000) |
| International Schools | €8,000–€20,000 (USD 8,800–22,000) |
| University Tuition | €1,000–€4,000 (USD 1,100–4,400) |
Data sourced from Cloudinary and the International Schools Database
Healthcare Costs in Portugal
Portugal offers an affordable and high-quality healthcare system, consistently ranked among the best in Europe. The country invests significantly in healthcare, spending approximately 9.1% of its GDP, making it the 12th largest healthcare spender among EU/EFTA countries. Residents, including expats with valid residence permits, benefit from both public and private healthcare options.
Public vs. Private Snapshot
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Public care: GP visit under €60 (USD 68); longer waits for specialists.
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Private care: Faster service; health-insurance premium averages €400 (USD 455) per year.
Sample Healthcare Costs
To give you an accurate idea of typical medical expenses, the table below summarizes average costs for common healthcare services in Portugal:
| Medical Service | Average Cost (€ / USD) |
|---|---|
| General Practitioner (GP) Visit | €50–€75 (USD 55–82.50) |
| Specialist Consultation | €80–€120 (USD 88–132) |
| Dental Cleaning | €50–€75 (USD 55–82.50) |
| MRI Scan | €150–€300 (USD 165–330) |
| Hospitalisation (per day) | €200–€400 (USD 220–440) |
| Private Health Insurance (annual, per person) | €400–€1,000 (USD 440–1,100) |
Data sourced from Wise
Utilities and Other Costs in Portugal
Besides housing costs, monthly utilities and services are essential parts of your budget when living in Portugal. While Portugal generally offers competitive utility pricing compared to other European countries, usage habits and specific choices (such as premium packages or heavy appliance usage) can affect your monthly expenses. Below is a detailed breakdown of average monthly utility and service costs:
| Utility or Service | Average Monthly Cost (€ / USD) |
|---|---|
| Electricity, Gas, Water, Rubbish (combined) | €100–€120 (USD 110–132) |
| Electricity only (moderate usage) | €50–€80 (USD 55–88) |
| Water only (monthly average) | €15–€30 (USD 16.50–33) |
| Natural Gas (monthly average) | €20–€30 (USD 22–33) |
| Heating/Cooling (seasonal variation) | €30–€70 (USD 33–77) |
| Internet (Fiber broadband, 100 Mbps) | €30–€40 (USD 33–44) |
| Mobile Phone (monthly plan, calls & data) | €15–€20 (USD 17–22) |
| Netflix or similar streaming subscription | €8–€15 (USD 8.80–16.50) |
| Landline telephone (optional) | €10–€20 (USD 11–22) |
| Building maintenance fees (condominium fees) | €20–€50 (USD 22–55) |
Data sourced from Expatica
Leisure and Entertainment Costs in Portugal
Portugal provides an abundance of affordable activities for entertainment and leisure, allowing you to enjoy a rich and vibrant social life without overspending. Below you’ll find typical monthly expenses for leisure and recreational activities:
| Activity or Service | Average Cost (€ / USD) |
|---|---|
| Gym Membership (monthly) | €25–€50 (USD 28–55) |
| Yoga or fitness classes (per session) | €8–€15 (USD 8.80–16.50) |
| Cinema ticket | €7–€14 (USD 7.70–15.40) |
| Theatre or concert ticket (mid-range) | €15–€40 (USD 16.50–44) |
| Football match ticket (local team) | €15–€30 (USD 16.50–33) |
| Museum entry (standard ticket) | €5–€10 (USD 5.50–11) |
| Nightclub entry (weekend) | €10–€20 (USD 11–22) |
| Cocktail at bar or nightclub | €6–€10 (USD 6.60–11) |
| Weekend getaway (hotel, per night) | €60–€150 (USD 66–165) |
| Golf (green fees per round) | €50–€100 (USD 55–110) |
| Tennis court rental (per hour) | €10–€15 (USD 11–16.50) |
| Public swimming pool entry (per session) | €2–€5 (USD 2.20–5.50) |
Data sourced from Numbeo
Pet-Related Costs in Portugal
Owning a dog or cat in Portugal is generally affordable, but it does add a line or two to your monthly budget:
| Cost Item | Typical Price (€/USD) |
|---|---|
| Routine vet visit (annual check-up) | €30–€45/USD 33–50 |
| Core vaccinations (yearly) | €40–€60/USD 44–66 |
| Microchipping & EU pet passport (one-time) | €15–€25/USD 17–28 |
| Monthly flea / tick / heartworm prevention | €10–€15/USD 11 – 17 |
| Pet insurance (optional, accident-only, monthly) | €12–€25/USD 13–28 |
| Pet rent (if charged by landlord, monthly) | €15–€30/USD 17–33 |
| Pet deposit (one-off, refundable) | ½–1 month’s rent |
Data sourced from PetDoctors and Angloinfo
Overall, budgeting €40–€60 (USD 44–66) a month for routine pet expenses—plus any pet rent—covers most owners’ needs.
Average Salaries in Portugal
Now that we know how much it costs to live in Portugal, let’s see what the average salaries in Portugal are.
| Metric | 2025 Estimate (€ / USD) |
|---|---|
| National minimum wage (gross, monthly) | €820/USD 902 |
| National average gross salary | €1,450/USD 1,595 |
| National median net salary (take-home) | €1,050/USD 1,155 |
| Lisbon average gross salary | €1,700/USD 1,870 |
| Porto average gross salary | €1,450/USD 1,595 |
Data sourced from Trading Economics
Key takeaways
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Tech, finance, and engineering roles in Lisbon often exceed €2,000 (USD 2,280).
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Service-sector wages (hospitality, retail) sit closer to the minimum wage.
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Many expats rely on foreign or remote income, which travels well in Portugal’s lower-cost environment.
Case Studies: Monthly Budget Examples in Portugal (2025 Prices)
To put all the numbers together, here are two realistic scenarios showing how much income is needed for a moderate, comfortable lifestyle—neither ultra-luxury nor bare-bones—in different Portuguese cities.
1. Single Remote Worker in Coimbra
A 28-year-old software developer working fully remote, renting a one-bedroom apartment in Coimbra—a lively university city with lower housing costs than Lisbon or Porto.
| Expense Category | Monthly Estimate (€ / USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (~46 %) | €500/USD 550 | 1-bedroom in central Coimbra, modern but modest. |
| Utilities & Internet (~10 %) | €110/USD 121 | Electricity, water, gas €80; fiber internet €30. |
| Groceries & Eating (~23 %) | €250/USD 275 | Home-cooked meals + one inexpensive restaurant lunch per week. |
| Transport (~4 %) | €40/USD 44 | Monthly bus pass; occasional train to Porto. |
| Healthcare (~3 %) | €30/USD 33 | Public co-pays + basic private insurance top-up. |
| Pet Costs (~4 %) | €45/USD 50 | Cat food, annual vet fund, no pet rent (pet-friendly lease). |
| Leisure & Misc (~10 %) | €120/USD 132 | Gym membership, cinema, mobile phone, small savings. |
Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: €1,095 (USD 1,205)
Suggested Net Income: €1,300–€1,400 (USD 1,430–1,540) to stay comfortable and save a little each month.
2. Young Professional Couple in Lisbon (Alcântara)
Both partners (30 & 32) work in tech and marketing, sharing a modern one-bedroom in Alcântara—an up-and-coming riverside district cheaper than downtown yet close to the action.
| Expense Category | Monthly Estimate (€ / USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (~52 %) | €1,350/USD 1,485 | 1-bedroom, new build with garage. |
| Utilities & Internet (~6 %) | €150/USD 165 | Electricity €90, water €20, gas €20, fiber internet €20. |
| Groceries & Dining (~18 %) | €550/USD 605 | Groceries €350; dining out twice a week €200. |
| Transport (~8 %) | €220/USD 242 | One car (fuel, insurance) €160; two monthly Metro passes €60. |
| Healthcare (~3 %) | €80/USD 88 | Joint private plan topping up public SNS access. |
| Leisure & Fitness (~7 %) | €200/USD 220 | Two gym memberships, concerts, streaming services. |
| Pet Costs (~2 %) | €60/USD 66 | Small dog: €30 pet rent + €30 vet/food fund. |
| Miscellaneous & Savings (~4 %) | €100/USD 110 | Clothing, gifts, travel pot. |
Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: €2,710 (USD 2,981)
Suggested Combined Net Income: €3,200–€3,400 (USD 3,520–3,740) for comfort, savings, and occasional weekend trips.
Balancing Cost and Comfort: Your Life in Portugal Awaits
Portugal continues to strike a rare balance between affordability and quality of life. With its low housing costs, world-class yet inexpensive healthcare, and abundant sunshine, many expats discover they can live better for less here than in most Western nations.
If you’re considering relocating or putting down permanent roots, Portugal’s visa pathways—whether the Digital Nomad Visa (D8), D7 passive-income route, or Golden Visa investment option—can all lead to permanent residency (PR) and, eventually, EU citizenship. Securing PR not only locks in long-term stability but also grants full access to Portugal’s generous public services and the wider Schengen Area.
Ready to calculate your own Portugal budget—or explore which residency route best suits you?
Book a free consultation with our advisors today and get personalized guidance on visas, permanent residency, and every cost in between.
FAQs
How Much Does Domestic Help Cost In Portugal?
Part-time housekeepers or cleaners usually charge €8–€12 an hour (USD 9–13). A live-in housekeeper or nanny typically earns €800–€1,100 a month (USD 880–1,210) plus room and board.
What Up-Front Costs Should I Expect When Renting?
Most landlords ask for one month’s rent in advance plus one month’s security deposit. If you go through an agency, budget an additional month’s rent as a fee. Connecting electricity, water, and internet generally costs under €50 (USD 55) per service.
Do I Need Private Health Insurance To Obtain A Residence Visa?
Yes. Long-stay visas such as the Digital Nomad or D7 require proof of private health insurance with at least €30,000 of medical coverage. Basic annual premiums start around €400 (USD 440) per adult.
How Are Foreign Pensions And Remote Income Taxed?
Under NHR 2.0, most foreign pensions are taxed at 10 %, and qualifying “high-value” remote income can be taxed at a flat 20 %. Outside the NHR regime, worldwide income is taxed at progressive rates up to 48 %. Always consult a professional tax adviser.
What Does Ultra-Fast Internet Cost For Remote Workers?
Fiber plans up to 1 Gbps are widely available in major cities for €45–€60 a month (USD 50–66). Installation is often free during promotions, and speeds are reliable enough for video conferences and large file uploads.
Is It Pricier To Live In Madeira Or The Azores Than On The Mainland?
Groceries and fuel run 5–10% higher due to shipping, but rents are often lower than in Lisbon or Porto. Many expats find their overall monthly budget similar—or even cheaper—once lower housing costs are considered.
