Cost of Living in Portugal

Updated: April 01, 2025

If you've ever considered moving to Portugal, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Portugal?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Portugal and whether the reported $1652 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $935.66.

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Childcare

Clothing

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment

Salaries

Portugal

restaurant Restaurants	Price	World Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	7.64 $
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	34.86 $
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	6.21 $
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	1.91 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	1.91 $
Cappuccino (regular)	1.39 $
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	1.31 $
Water (12 oz small bottle)	0.94 $

store Markets	Price	World Range
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	0.64 $
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	1.07 $
Rice (white), (1 lb)	0.97 $
Eggs (regular) (12)	1.84 $
Local Cheese (1 lb)	6.95 $
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	5.17 $
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	8.79 $
Apples (1 lb)	1.57 $
Banana (1 lb)	1.09 $
Oranges (1 lb)	1.21 $
Tomato (1 lb)	1.53 $
Potato (1 lb)	0.92 $
Onion (1 lb)	1.05 $
Lettuce (1 head)	0.95 $
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	0.51 $
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	3.82 $
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	1.03 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	1.79 $
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	4.78 $

commute Transportation	Price	World Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	1.53 $
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	38.2 $
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	3.1 $
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	0.76 $
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	14.33 $
Gasoline (1 gallon)	1.93 $
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	24831.93 $
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	26246.97 $

mark_as_unread Utilities (Monthly)	Price	World Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	103.69 $
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.14 $
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	32.01 $

kitesurfing Sports And Leisure	Price	World Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	32.37 $
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	11.08 $
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	6.69 $

child_friendly Childcare	Price	World Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	328.92 $
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	7018.83 $

checkroom Clothing And Shoes	Price	World Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	70.91 $
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)	28.61 $
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	63.93 $
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	73.02 $

night_shelter Rent Per Month	Price	World Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	706.02 $
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	537.54 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	1218.63 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	883.43 $

home Buy Apartment Price	Price	World Range
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre	2833.92 $
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	1910.87 $

account_balance_wallet Salaries And Financing	Price	World Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	935.66 $
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	2.15 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 7.64 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 34.86 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 0.64 USD, a loaf of bread 1.07 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.84 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 1.53 USD and a monthly pass around 38.2 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 103.69 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 32.37 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 11.08 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 328.92 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 7018.83 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 70.91 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 63.93 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 706.02 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 537.54 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 2833.92 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 1910.87 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 935.66 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 2.15% annually.

Warnings & Dangers in Portugal

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Overall, Portugal is very safe to travel to. Its crime rates are very low, and pickpockets are the biggest concern you'll have to deal with while on a holiday there. Have your wits with you and be vigilant at all times.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Transportation and taxi services are very reliable and safe in Portugal. Watch out for pickpockets in public transportation and avoid entering empty metro carriages.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

There is a high risk of encountering a pickpocket since this is a top tourist destination. You should be extremely careful when it comes to your valuables, keep them safe in your accommodation or at least don't carry them all in one place. Be especially vigilant on public transportation.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

There are no serious threats when it comes to natural disasters in Portugal. Occasional floods have been a recurring natural disaster the last century, followed by earthquakes, but those are unlikely to happen.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

When it comes to mugging, it is not common, though there is a certain degree of risk when it comes to this issue. You should avoid empty, deserted or poorly lit streets, and in such an occasion, hand over your possessions immediately and never resist.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Although there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Portugal's recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out, so be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

As in any tourist destination, and especially a top tourist destination such as Portugal, there is a heightened risk of getting scammed. Check every change twice, negotiate everything beforehand and never give your money before you receive the service you're paying for.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Portugal is, in general, very safe for women traveling solo. Apart from a few precaution rules you should apply in order to minimize your chances of something going wrong, if you avoid poorly lit and deserted streets and follow your common sense, your trip should go smoothly.

Cost of Living in Portugal

Portugal

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing