Cost Guide 2025
Cost of Living in Portugal: Complete Budget Guide 2025
Portugal offers excellent value for expats. Living costs are 40% lower than Northern Europe, with high quality of life, great weather, and welcoming communities. Here's everything you need to budget for your move.
City Cost Comparison
Monthly costs for single person (basic lifestyle)
| City | Rent (1BR) | Utilities | Food | Transport | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lisbon Capital city, vibrant nightlife, tech hub | €900 | €100 | €300 | €40 | €1,340 |
Porto Historic charm, affordable, wine culture | €700 | €90 | €250 | €35 | €1,075 |
Algarve Beach lifestyle, 300+ days sunshine | €750 | €95 | €280 | €50 | €1,175 |
Braga Most affordable, university town | €550 | €85 | €220 | €30 | €885 |
Detailed Cost Breakdown by Category
Housing
| Item | Lisbon | Porto | Algarve | Braga |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent - 1BR apartment (city center) | €900 | €700 | €750 | €550 |
| Rent - 3BR apartment (city center) | €1,600 | €1,200 | €1,400 | €950 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, gas) | €100 | €90 | €95 | €85 |
| Internet (100Mbps) | €35 | €30 | €30 | €30 |
Food & Dining
| Item | Lisbon | Porto | Algarve | Braga |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly groceries (single person) | €250 | €200 | €230 | €180 |
| Meal at inexpensive restaurant | €10 | €8 | €9 | €7 |
| Cappuccino | €1.50 | €1.20 | €1.40 | €1.10 |
| Bottle of wine (mid-range) | €5 | €4 | €5 | €4 |
Transportation
| Item | Lisbon | Porto | Algarve | Braga |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly public transport pass | €40 | €35 | N/A | €30 |
| Taxi (1km) | €1 | €0.90 | €1.10 | €0.85 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | €1.70 | €1.70 | €1.70 | €1.70 |
| Car insurance (annual) | €400 | €350 | €400 | €320 |
Healthcare
| Item | Lisbon | Porto | Algarve | Braga |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private health insurance (monthly) | €50 | €45 | €50 | €40 |
| Doctor visit (private) | €60 | €50 | €55 | €45 |
| Prescription medication (avg) | €15 | €15 | €15 | €15 |
Budget Templates by Lifestyle
Single Person - Modest
€1,000-€1,400
- Rent (studio/1BR outside center): €500-€700
- Groceries & eating out: €250
- Utilities & internet: €80
- Transport: €40
- Health insurance: €50
- Entertainment: €100
- Miscellaneous: €100
Single Person - Comfortable
€1,600-€2,200
- Rent (1BR city center): €800-€1,000
- Groceries & dining out: €400
- Utilities & internet: €100
- Transport/car: €150
- Health insurance: €70
- Entertainment & travel: €250
- Savings: €200
Couple - Comfortable
€2,000-€2,800
- Rent (2BR apartment): €1,000-€1,400
- Groceries & dining: €500
- Utilities & internet: €120
- Transport: €150
- Health insurance (both): €100
- Entertainment: €300
- Savings: €300
Family of 4 - Comfortable
€3,000-€4,000
- Rent (3BR apartment): €1,400-€1,800
- Groceries & dining: €800
- Utilities & internet: €150
- Transport/car: €250
- Health insurance: €150
- School fees (if private): €400
- Entertainment: €300
- Savings: €400
Visa Income Requirements vs. Actual Living Costs
Match your income to the right visa type
| Visa Type | Minimum Required | Recommended Budget | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| D7 Passive Income | €760/month €1,140/month | €1,200-€1,800/month | |
| D8 Digital Nomad | €3,040/month | €3,500-€4,000/month | |
| Golden Visa | €500K investment Same | No minimum income |
Ready to Plan Your Portugal Budget?
Book a free consultation to discuss your budget and find the best visa option for your situation