| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rental (1 bedroom in City Centre) | €600 – €800 per month |
| Apartment Rental (1 bedroom Outside of Centre) | €450 – €600 per month |
| Apartment Purchase Price (City Centre) | €2,000 – €3,000 per square meter |
| Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of Centre) | €1,500 – €2,500 per square meter |
| Public Transportation (Monthly Pass) | €40 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | €1.50 |
| Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | €100 – €150 per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | €30 – €50 per month |
| Groceries (Milk, Bread, Eggs, Fruits, Chicken, Beef, etc.) | €200 – €300 per month |
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | €10 – €15 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | €30 – €50 |
| Private Preschool Tuition (Monthly) | €300 – €500 |
| Private Elementary School Tuition (Yearly) | €4,000 – €6,000 |
| Private Middle School Tuition (Yearly) | €5,000 – €7,000 |
| Private High School Tuition (Yearly) | €6,000 – €8,000 |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Sintra
“The cost of living in Sintra is considered to be relatively affordable compared to other European cities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is moderately priced, while outside the city center, it is significantly cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also quite reasonable. Groceries in Sintra are relatively inexpensive, with local markets offering fresh produce, meat, and dairy at affordable prices. Eating out at restaurants can vary, with inexpensive meals available at local eateries and more expensive options at high-end restaurants. Public transportation in Sintra is also quite affordable, with options including buses, trams, and trains. Alternatively, owning and maintaining a car can be more expensive due to the cost of gasoline and parking. Healthcare in Sintra is of a high standard and is relatively affordable, especially if you are a resident and qualify for the national health service. Overall, the cost of living in Sintra is lower than in many other parts of Portugal and Europe, making it an attractive place to live for both locals and expats,” said one expat living in Sintra.
Can I live in Sintra on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Sintra for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. Sintra is a beautiful town with a lot of history and charm, but it’s also a popular tourist destination, which can drive up prices in certain areas. The first thing you’ll want to consider is housing. If you’re looking to live in the historic center of Sintra, you might find it a bit challenging to find something affordable. The same goes for the coastal areas like Praia das Maçãs and Azenhas do Mar, which are stunning but can be quite pricey. Instead, I’d recommend looking at neighborhoods like Rio de Mouro or Mem Martins. They’re a bit further out from the center, but they’re still well-connected by public transportation and you can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $600-$700 a month. Food is another area where you can save. Eating out in Sintra can be expensive, especially in the touristy areas. But if you cook at home and shop at local markets, you can eat quite well on a budget. I spend about $200-$300 a month on groceries. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet are relatively affordable, costing around $100-$150 a month. Public transportation is also quite cheap, and since Sintra is a small town, you can get around easily by bus or train. As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy. Sintra is known for its beautiful parks and historic sites, many of which are free to visit. There are also plenty of hiking trails and beaches nearby. The main sacrifice you’ll have to make is probably in terms of dining out and entertainment. You’ll need to avoid the more expensive restaurants and bars, and opt for more budget-friendly options. But overall, I’ve found that living in Sintra on $1,500 a month is definitely doable, as long as you’re willing to live a bit more modestly and avoid the pricier areas,” commented an expat living in Sintra.
Can I live in Sintra on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Sintra for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices. For instance, dining out at high-end restaurants or frequenting upscale bars might have to be limited. But don’t worry, there are plenty of affordable local restaurants and cafes that serve delicious Portuguese cuisine. As for housing, you might want to avoid the more touristy areas like the historic center of Sintra, as rents can be quite high there. Instead, consider neighborhoods like Portela de Sintra or Rio de Mouro. They’re a bit further from the city center, but they’re still very accessible and the cost of living is significantly lower. Transportation is another area where you can save. Public transportation in Sintra is quite reliable and affordable. If you choose to live in a neighborhood that’s well-served by public transit, you might not need a car at all. Groceries can be quite affordable too, especially if you shop at local markets. The Mercado da Vila in Cascais, for instance, is a great place to buy fresh produce, meat, and fish at reasonable prices. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy. Sintra is known for its beautiful parks and historic sites, many of which are free to visit. The beaches along the coast are also a great place to relax without spending a lot of money. All in all, while you might have to make a few adjustments, I believe it’s entirely possible to live a comfortable and enjoyable life in Sintra on $3,000 a month,” said one expat living in Sintra.
Can I live in Sintra on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Sintra for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s absolutely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. Sintra is a beautiful town with a rich history and a lot of charm, but it’s also quite affordable compared to many other European destinations. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in cities like Lisbon or Porto. For example, you can rent a nice one-bedroom apartment in the city center for around $800 to $1,000 a month. If you’re willing to live a bit further out, you can find even cheaper options. As for utilities, expect to pay around $100 to $150 a month for electricity, water, and gas. Internet and mobile phone services are also quite affordable, usually costing around $30 to $50 a month. Groceries are reasonably priced as well, with a monthly bill for two people typically ranging from $300 to $400. Eating out at local restaurants is also quite affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $15 to $20 per person. As for transportation, public transport is reliable and inexpensive, and owning a car is also quite affordable, with petrol costing around $1.50 per liter. However, if you’re looking to live in the more upscale neighborhoods like Quinta da Beloura or Vale de Lobos, you might find the cost of living to be a bit higher. These areas are known for their luxury villas and high-end amenities, so rents and property prices can be quite steep. But even in these areas, $5,000 a month should be more than enough to live comfortably. The only real sacrifice you might have to make is living a bit further from the city center or choosing a smaller apartment, but in my experience, the quality of life in Sintra is well worth it. The town is surrounded by beautiful natural parks, historic castles, and stunning beaches, so there’s always something to do and see. Plus, the local community is very welcoming and friendly, which makes living here even more enjoyable,” commented an expat living in Sintra.
