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Cost of Living in Portugal for Single Person & Family

Portugal could be an excellent choice for those seeking a fulfilling lifestyle without worrying about burning a hole in their pockets. It has ranked among one of the most highly-coveted cities in the world for its lowest cost of living in all of Europe, with a side of balmy weather and vibrant culture.

Even though the cost of living in Portugal is considered one of the lowest, it is always advised to know the expenses before departing from your home country to plan better.

This article will primarily focus on the cost of living in Portugal.

Disclaimer: This article contains information gathered from online platforms as of September 2024. The sources are provided below.

Team Digit

Living Cost for Students
Living Cost for Bachelors, Couples & Families
Living Cost in Top Cities of Portugal
Factors Impacting the Cost of Living in Portugal
What is the Average Income in Portugal?
How Expensive is Portugal Compared to Other Countries?
Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living in Portugal
Frequently Asked Questions

Average Cost of Living in Portugal for International Students

In the recent past, Portugal has become one of the highly coveted destinations for international students. Below is a breakdown of the typical living costs for international students in Portugal.

Area of Expense	Monthly Expenses (in Eur)
Accommodation	EUR 150 – EUR 550
Food & Groceries	EUR 150 – EUR 200
Transportation	EUR 20 – EUR 40
Utilities	EUR 80 – EUR 110
Entertainment	EUR 120 – EUR 150
Personal Expenses	EUR 25 – EUR 65

Average Cost of Living in Portugal for Bachelors, Couples & Families

Taking a sneak peek into Portugal’s average cost of living is the key to effective financial planning. Whether you’re single, a couple, or maybe someone who’s thinking of raising a family anytime soon – this table below will come in handy and help you plan your finances accordingly.

Area of Expense	Bachelors	Couples	Families
Accommodation	EUR 780 – EUR 1500	EUR 2000 – EUR 2200	EUR 3000-3900
Food & Groceries	EUR 30 – EUR 50 / week	EUR 60 – EUR 100 / week	EUR 100 – WUR 150/ week
Transportation	EUR 20 – EUR 30 / week	EUR 40 – EUR 60 / week	EUR 60 – EUR 100 / week
Utilities	EUR 80 – EUR 90	EUR 120 – EUR 130	EUR 150 – EUR 200
Entertainment	EUR 50 – EUR 100	EUR 100 – EUR 200	EUR 150 – EUR 300
Personal Expenses	EUR 100 – EUR 200	EUR 200 – EUR 400	EUR 300 – EUR 600

Cost of Living in Major Cities in Portugal

Here’s an overview of the average cost of living in the top cities of Portugal.

Cost of Living in Lisbon

The average cost of living in Lisbon is as follows:

Area of Expense	Students	Bachelors	Couples	Families
Accommodation	ER 250 – EUR 400	EUR 1015 – EUR 1500	EUR 1200 – EUR 1800	EUR 1300 – EUR 1700
Food & groceries	EUR 90 – EUR 150	EUR 150 – EUR 200	EUR 300 – EUR 400	EUR 400 – EUR 600
Utilities	EUR 50 – EUR 80	EUR 80 – EUR 130	EUR 80 – EUR 130	EUR 110 – EUR 150
Transportation	EUR 30	EUR 40	EUR 60 – EUR 80	EUR 120 – EUR 160
Entertainment	EUR 50 – EUR 100	EUR 100 – EUR 150	EUR 150 – EUR 250	EUR 200 – EUR 400

Cost of Living in Porto

The average cost of living in Porto is as follows:

Area of Expense	Students	Bachelors	Couples	Families
Accommodation	EUR 450	EUR 780 – EUR 1300	EUR 1340	EUR 1450
Food & Groceries	EUR 35 – EIR 50/ week	EUR 40- EUR 60 / week	EUR 70 – EUR 100 / week	EUR 100- EUR 150 / week
Transportation	EUR 5.60 / week	EUR 15 – EUR 20 / week	EUR 30 – EUR 40 /week	EUR 60 – EUR 80 (Monthly Adante Family Pass)
Utilities	EUR 30 –EUR 50	EUR 60 – EUR 100	EUR 105 – EUR 200	EUR 150 – EUR 250
Entertainment	EUR 50 – EUR 100	EUR 100 – EUR 150	EUR 150 – EUR 250	EUR 200- EUR 300

Cost of Living in Braga

The average cost of living in Braga is as follows:

Area of Expense	Students	Bachelors	Couples
Accommodation	EUR 300 – EUR 500	EUR 500 – EUR 800	EUR 700 – EUR 1000
Food & Groceries	EUR 150 – EUR 200	EUR 200 – EUR 250	EUR 300 – EUR 400
Transportation	EUR 26 – EUR 35	EUR 26 – EUR 45	EUR 50 – EUR 70
Utilities	EUR 50 – EUR 80	EUR 80 – EUR 120	EUR 150 – EUR 200
Entertainment	EUR 50 – EUR 100	EUR 100 - EUR150	EUR 150 – EUR 200 EUR 200 – EUR 300

Cost of Living in Aveiro

The average monthly cost of living in Aveiro is as follows:

Area of Expense	Students	Bachelors	Couples	Families
Accommodation	EUR 300 - EUR 500	EUR 400 - EUR 700	EUR 600 - EUR 900	EUR 900 - EUR 1200
Food & groceries	EUR 100 - EUR 150	EUR 150 - EUR 250	EUR 200 - EUR 300	EUR 300 - EUR 450
Transportation	EUR 30 - EUR 50	EUR 50 - EUR 70	EUR 70 - EUR 100	EUR 100 - EUR 150
Utilities	EUR 50 - EUR 80	EUR 70 - EUR 100	EUR 100 - EUR 150	EUR 120 - EUR 250
Entertainment	EUR 50 - EUR 100	EUR 100 - EUR 150	EUR 150 -EUR 220	EUR 200 - EUR 300

Cost of Living in Coimbra

The monthly cost of living in Coimbra is as follows:

Area of Expense	Students	Bachelors	Couples	Families
Accommodation	EUR 300 - EUR 500	EUR 400 - EUR 600	EUR 600 - EUR 800	EUR 800 - EUR 1000
Food & Groceries	EUR 80 - EUR 130	EUR 150 - EUR 200	EUR 250 EUR 300	EUR 400 - EUR 500
Transportation	EUR 30 - EUR 50	EUR 30 - EUR 50	EUR 50 - EUR 70	EUR 70 - EUR 100
Utilities	EUR 50 - EUR 100	EUR 100 - EUR 130	EUR 130 - EUR 150	EUR 150 - EUR 200
Entertainment	EUR 40 - EUR 100	EUR 100 - EUR 150	EUR 150 - EUR 200	EUR 200 - EUR 300

Factors Impacting the Cost of Living in Portugal

It’s always better to prepare yourself for what’s to come and consider a certain factor that may impact the cost of living in Portugal.

Location

The cost of accommodation can be a key determining factor when considering a new location. However, the cost of living can differ widely depending on the location, with urban areas like Lisbon and Porto being more expensive than rural areas.

Lifestyle

Personal expenses like dining out or indulging in leisure activities also play a crucial role in determining the cost of living in Portugal.

Housing

Rent is one of the biggest expenses and crucial factors to consider when evaluating the cost of living in Portugal, as it can make or break your standard of living.

Transportation

Portugal’s public transport system is well-developed and affordable. However, owning a car can be expensive.

Utilities and Groceries

Basic utilities, including heating, would depend on the size of the property and how you use it.

What is the Average Income in Portugal?

As of 2025, the average income of Portugal’s monthly salary is 2750 Euros per month. However, the income needed to live comfortably in Portugal differs based on the city, location, and lifestyle:

Student: An income of around EUR 300 – EUR 400 per month is a good amount to live comfortably as a student.
Bachelor: A single person in Portugal generally needs somewhere between EUR 900 – EUR 1200 to live comfortably in major cities like Lisbon and Porto.
Couple: With an earning of around EUR 1600 – EUR 2000 / month a couple can plan a super comfortable life in Portugal.
Families: Families with a combined income between EUR 5900 – EUR 6193 to live comfortably in Portugal.

How Expensive is Portugal Compared to Other Countries?

If we compare Portugal to the US or other Western European nations, we can notice that the cost of living is significantly lower. Also, relatively cheaper transportation and dining expenses make Portugal an attractive choice for those seeking to settle down.

The following table compares the cost of living in Portugal with other major countries worldwide.

Category	United States	United Kingdom	France	Germany	Spain	Portugal
Groceries	EUR 300	EUR 250	EUR 270	EUR 260	EUR 240	EUR 200
Restaurants	EUR 250	EUR 220	EUR 200	EUR 180	EUR 170	EUR 150
Housing	EUR 1500	EUR 1200	EUR 1000	EUR 900	EUR 800	EUR 600
Transportation	EUR 100	EUR 90	EUR 70	EUR 80	EUR 60	EUR 40
Utilities	EUR 150	EUR 130	EUR 120	EUR 110	EUR 100	EUR 100
Entertainment	EUR 200	EUR 180	EUR 160	EUR 150	EUR 140	EUR 100

Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living in Portugal

Here are some tips that can help you plan better financials and calculate the cost of living in Portugal based on your income.

Long-term rentals: Opt for long-term rentals to avail properties at discounted prices.
Share accommodation is one of the best ways to cut extra expenses, as it can significantly reduce your housing costs.
Stay away from the city centre: Choosing locations away from the city centre can help reduce your overall expenses.
Cook at home: Try to cook your meals at home to avoid impulsive spending, as eating out can quickly add up to costs.

With the lower cost of living, Portugal stands out as a budget-friendly destination for those seeking a higher standard of living with a slice of sublime natural beauty and cultural heritage. That’s why Portugal is an excellent place for expats, digital nomads, and retirees to settle down.

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FAQs about the Cost of Living in Portugal

All

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Portugal?

To live comfortably in Portugal, one needs between EUR 2332 and EUR 2798 a month. However, in big cities, especially around the city centre, you may expect the prices to go higher.

Is Portugal expensive for Indians?

Yes, Portugal is expensive for Indians. The cost of living in Portugal is 101% higher than in India.

Is 1200 Euros a good salary in Portugal?

The average salary in Portugal is around EUR 2,741 per month, but it may vary depending on location, experience, and the type of job.

What is a good salary in Portugal?

Around EUR 2100 per month is a decent salary in Portugal for living a comfortable life.

How much does a 1-bedroom apartment cost in Portugal?

The monthly rental for a one-bedroom apartment in Portugal costs between EUR 1200 and EUR 1700. The cost of accommodation may decrease if you move to smaller towns.

Is it cost-effective to have travel insurance for short-term assignments in Portugal?

Portugal’s welcoming environment and moderate living costs make it a top choice for short-term work assignments. However, unexpected expenses like emergency medical care or travel delays can still affect your budget. That’s why having overseas trip insurance is cost-effective, it protects you from sudden financial burdens, ensuring that your stay remains smooth and within your planned expenses.