Portugal is a great destination for expats because of the country's affordable cost of living, good weather and rich culture. Find out what kind of budget is enough to live in Portugal in 2024, what are the prices of housing, food, entertainment and much more in the country

Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe and the entire European Union in terms of cost of living. Also, the state is included in the list of few countries in the world where the quality of life is highly valued by expats. Representatives from different parts of the world go here, including citizens of Bolivia, Tunisia, Cameroon and the Dominican Republic. However, even if the expenses are low, before the expat moves, it is necessary to make a list of expenses.

Estimated cost of living in Portugal in 2024 in our material.

Is it expensive to live in Portugal?

For a comfortable life, one person needs about 1,800 euros per month.

A married couple can live well on 2,500-3,000 euros per month outside the big cities. To live in the lively capital of the country - Lisbon, a city known for its port wine Porto and the Portuguese pearl of the Algarve, you need to increase your budget a little.

For a family of four, a budget of 6,200 euros per month including rent will be comfortable.

Property rental prices in Portugal

As in most European countries, a significant part of the budget in Portugal will be spent on renting housing. In big cities like Lisbon or Porto, monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment can range from €1,200 to €1,700, while in smaller cities or rural areas you'll spend much less. The rent for a one-room apartment in a small city or in the central part of the country starts from 350 euros per month, for a two-room apartment from 700 euros.

In general, the average cost of rent in Portugal is much lower than in France and the Netherlands.

Features of renting real estate in Portugal

When looking for budget housing, it is worth considering that an inexpensive apartment may not have a heat source, so the tenant will have to buy portable heaters. Independent heating will also affect the cost of utility services, in particular electricity.

It is important that not all residential complexes in Portugal are equipped with elevators, so pay attention to this if the lack of an elevator may be a problem for you.

How much does it cost to buy an apartment in Portugal?

Prices for apartments differ significantly depending on the city and neighborhood. On average, it is 3,200 euros per square meter in the central part of the city and slightly more than 2,000 euros outside it.

So, an apartment with an area of ​​85 square meters in the center will cost approximately €270,000, and on the outskirts - €175,000.

Utility costs in Portugal

In Portugal, the average cost of electricity, heating, cooling, water and garbage is about 120 euros per month. However, this amount may vary depending on where you live in Portugal.

For example, residents of southern Portugal require air conditioning in the summer, resulting in higher electricity bills. You may also need heating in Portugal during the winter, as it can be quite cold in the house at this time of year.

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited, cable/ADSL): 36 euros.

Monthly mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data: €19.

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The best cities in Portugal for expats of this gender.

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Food prices in Portugal

The cost of food in Portugal is very affordable, especially if you buy products of local origin. You will spend an average of 200 euros on food per month for one person.

A liter of milk costs EUR 0.92, 500 g of fresh white bread costs EUR 1.40, and a kilogram of white rice costs EUR 1.35. Eggs are available for €2.77 per dozen. A kilogram of local cheese costs 9.78 euros.

As for meat, chicken fillet costs 6.80 euros per kilogram, and beef - 11.66 euros per kilogram. The cost of a kilogram of the main fruits ranges from 1.20 to 1.99 euros. Vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, onions and lettuce cost between €1.34 and €2.22 per kilogram.

In a supermarket, a bottle of local wine costs 4 euros, a bottle of local beer costs 0.5-1.1 euros, and a bottle of imported beer costs 0.33-1.95 euros.

Most expats who settle in Portugal are fascinated by the low prices and high quality of the products. A healthy Mediterranean diet with plenty of fish, olive oil, fresh bread and local fruits and vegetables is common.

Where to buy food in Portugal?

Traditional markets continue to operate in many cities and towns in Portugal, including Lisbon. Many European supermarket chains are also represented in the country.

The largest food retail chain, Continente, has more than 500 stores, some of which offer non-food products such as clothing, toys, home goods, etc. Other popular chain stores are Pingo Doce, Inter Marche, Spar, Mini Preco and Auchan. Stores such as Lidl and Aldi offer a smaller range at bargain prices.

There are also small grocery stores in Portugal that offer a full range of products at affordable prices.

Prices in Portuguese restaurants

A trip to a cafe or restaurant will not be a problem for your budget. Lunch at a cafe in Portugal (prato do dia) usually costs 7-10 euros per person. A dinner for two in a middle-class restaurant will cost 40 euros, including wine.

In Portugal you can find local cuisine, Chinese, Mexican, Indian, Thai, Italian, vegan or whatever.

The cost of entertainment in Portugal

In Portugal, recreation and entertainment usually cost about 150 euros per month, which makes the country pleasant and affordable. Whether you're hanging out with friends, going to the movies or getting active, Portugal has something for everyone.

The average monthly subscription to a gym or fitness club per person in Portugal is €35. A ticket to the pool costs about 20 euros.

One visit to the cinema is 7 euros. A ticket to a nightclub costs 5-20 euros. The cost of renting a bicycle starts from 12 euros per day.

Transport costs in Portugal

Generally, a single bus, tram or metro ticket in Portugal can range from €1.50 to €2.00. However, buying a travel ticket will help you save significantly, its cost is 40 euros per month.

Gasoline costs about 1.5 euros per liter. The monthly cost of parking varies from 50 to 120 euros, depending on the location.

You can usually rent a car for less than 30 euros per day. However, travel on most major highways is tolled, for example, the road from Porto and Lisbon will cost around 30 euros.

Prices for health care

Portugal has a high level of healthcare. State hospitals are modern and well equipped. Many doctors in both private and public institutions speak English.

- The National Health Care System covers basic health care needs, accidents and illnesses. Medical care in Portugal is usually free, but in some cases there may be a fee. The effect of the national policy is extended to citizens and residents.

- Basic private insurance in Portugal costs 15-20 euros per month. The package of services includes: consultations, examinations, hospitalization and operations.

- Extended private insurance costs more because it covers more procedures. For example, you can include dental care, elective surgeries, or other medical services. This package costs between 30 and 100 euros per month.

Dental services are not included in public or basic private insurance. The price of the first appointment at the dentist is usually 5 euros. A regular examination costs 30 euros, a teeth whitening procedure costs 100 or more euros, and the removal of a wisdom tooth costs about 40 euros.

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You will need health insurance to safely move and find employment in a new country. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

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The cost of studying in Portugal

Public kindergartens and schools in Portugal are free and lessons are taught in Portuguese. Parents compensate only for food, which costs about 50 euros per month. Education in English is available in private institutions.

Private schools charge between €400 and €500 per month from primary to high school, which does not include admission fees and book fees. There are also English-speaking international schools in Portugal, where fees are around €9,274 per year, in addition to entry fees, books, uniforms, etc.

Citizens or residents of Portugal who have lived in the country for two years can study at a local university for free. Others must pay tuition fees of between 2,500 and 8,000 euros per year. Education at Portuguese universities is recognized in all EU countries.

Taxes in Portugal

Once you move to Portugal, your tax liability depends on your resident status. Resident status is determined by the number of days you have been in the country each year. If you reside in Portugal for 183 days or more in a calendar year, you will be considered resident and liable to pay tax on your worldwide income. Your international income includes rental income, salary and capital gains. If you live in Portugal for less than 183 days, you are a non-resident and must pay income received only in Portugal, i.e. a flat rate of 25 percent of your income.

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We talked about the labor market in Portugal and the most popular vacancies in the country earlier.

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Moving to Portugal will give you a lot of positive emotions, because it is a country on the coast of the ocean with a mild climate, wonderful landscapes, friendly people and fairly affordable prices.

We will remind you! A Portuguese D7 visa can be obtained by financially independent foreigners with passive income. This permit gained particular popularity after the abolition of the "golden visa". We have already told you what the conditions are for obtaining a Portuguese D7 visa in 2024.

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Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

For safe relocation to Portugal, obtaining refugee status and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer.

We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in Portugal.

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