Cost of Living in Portugal

Summary: The cost of living in Portugal is generally considered to be quite reasonable. A nice one bedroom apartment in Portugal can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per month, while a nice two bedroom apartment can cost from $800 to $1,500 per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Portugal is usually around $15 to $20 per person.

Is the cost of living in Portugal high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Portugal, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Portugal is generally considered to be reasonably affordable. The cost of basic food items, such as milk, bread, and cheese, is quite cheap. Utility bills such as water, electricity, and gas are also relatively affordable. Housing costs can vary depending on the location and type of accommodation, but furnished apartments and houses are available at reasonable prices. Public transportation is also affordable as tickets are very inexpensive. Entertainment and leisure activities can be more expensive, but there are numerous inexpensive options available," remarked one in Portugal.

"I think one could live quite well, everything included, for around $3000 per month, and if one were to budget a bit, probably even less than that," explained one expat.

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Will I save money living in Portugal?

"Everything is quite a bit cheaper here. Supplemental health insurance for example, via the local bank, is just 48 Euros per month! at age 70. Dentistry is much much cheaper and the care is superb. Medications cost a fraction of what they cost in the States. Food is cheaper, eating out is much cheaper - A good bottle of wine costs about $5. Publis transportation is very cheap for the over 65 crowd. We're pleased," explained one expat.

"The cost of living is quite low, but the standard of living is high. That is, for very little money, one can rent a nice home, buy a nice car, enjoy travel and local culture and receive medical treatment pennies on the dollar," said one person in Tavira .

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What is the average cost of housing in Portugal?

If you are thinking about moving to Portugal, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The average cost of housing in Portugal is generally considered to be quite reasonable. Prices vary depending on the location, size and quality of property, but most one bedroom apartments in the city centre cost between 500 and 700 euros per month, while larger family homes can start at around 1000 euros. Rent prices are generally cheaper outside the cities, and Portugal's extensive coastline means that beachfront properties can be slightly more expensive than inland properties," said one person in Portugal.

"Housing cost is less than half of what we were paying in Denver, Colorado. Depending on the size of place you need and location, $700-1200/month can be average. Porto is more affordable than Lisbon and Vila Nova de Gaia, which is a 10 minute drive from Porto, across the river can be several hundred dollars cheaper than Porto. Neighboring smaller cities are even more affordable," remarked one expat in Porto.

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What are typical rental prices for expats in Portugal?

"The cost of renting a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Portugal can vary widely depending on the precise location and amenities offered. Generally, you can expect to pay anything from around $500-$1200 per month for a standard 1 bedroom apartment. For a nice 2 bedroom apartment, you can expect to pay from around $750 up to around $1800 per month," commented one expat who moved to Portugal.

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What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Portugal what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"Many rental properties in Portugal come with a range of appliances to make life more comfortable, such as a refrigerator, stove, and washing machine. The kitchen may also include a dishwasher, cooktop, and oven to make cooking and entertaining more enjoyable. Depending on the property, air conditioning and central heating may also be included. Other common appliances typically found in rental homes in Portugal include a fan, television, microwave, toaster, and coffee machine," mentioned one expat in Portugal.

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Cost of Living in Portugal

Is the cost of living in Portugal high?

Will I save money living in Portugal?

What is the average cost of housing in Portugal?

What are typical rental prices for expats in Portugal?

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

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