Cost of living in Lisbon: Food, transport, and more

If you want a place where historic streets meet high speed connectivity, Lisbon might be exactly what you are looking for. The cost of living in Lisbon mirrors its growth as one of Southern Europe’s top destinations for remote professionals. Although prices have increased compared to ten years ago, the city remains roughly 30% cheaper than London or Paris, allowing those who earn in a foreign currency to maintain a comfortable and well balanced lifestyle.

If you want a complete picture of the cost of living in Lisbon, you’re in the right place. We’ll break down how much you need to live in central neighborhoods and enjoy the local culture without feeling limited by your budget. We’ll cover housing, which tends to be the biggest expense, as well as everyday essentials like groceries and public transportation, which remains an affordable and reliable way to get around the city.

In the sections ahead, you’ll find insights to help you decide whether you’re drawn to Alfama’s bohemian charm or the contemporary feel of Parque das Nações. You’ll also see that coffee remains a beloved and affordable daily ritual, and that Portugal boasts some of the most reliable connectivity in Europe.

Average cost of accommodation in Lisbon

Housing is the single biggest factor shaping the cost of living in Lisbon. In recent years, demand has risen significantly, driving up prices, particularly in historic districts and newly revitalized areas. And if you’re exploring where to live, be sure to check out our guide to the best neighborhoods in the city, where you’ll find helpful insights into what each area has to offer.

Compared to other European capitals, Lisbon still offers great value for both quality and location, letting you live in buildings with centuries of history that have been completely modernized inside.

Here are some examples to help you calculate a realistic budget:

Furnished apartments

If you’re looking for the convenience of a furnished one bedroom apartment in a more upscale or central area such as Príncipe Real, Chiado, or Avenida da Liberdade, you can expect to pay around $2,164 per month on average. These apartments are typically move in ready, with fully equipped kitchens and, in many cases, charming architectural details.

If you opt for a more residential but equally well-connected area, such as Arroios or Penha de França, the price drops to around $1,681.

Coliving: The best option for digital nomads

For those who prefer a more social and flexible setup, coliving has become one of the top choices in 2026. Spaces like Selina and locally run communities offer private rooms within shared apartments, often featuring built in coworking areas.

A private room in a high quality coliving space averages around $1,105 per month. This option is especially appealing because utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are usually included in a single monthly fee, and it also gives you instant access to a community of fellow remote professionals.

Airbnb

If you’re staying for just a month or want maximum flexibility, Airbnb rentals in safe, tourist friendly districts like Alfama or Baixa typically average around $3,314 per month.

While it’s the most expensive option, it offers the advantage of living in the city center without committing to long leases or hefty upfront deposits, which are typically required in Portugal.

Mid-range hotels

Finally, if you’d rather stay in a mid range hotel for your first few nights while you get to know the neighborhoods, expect to pay around $116 per night for modern, comfortable places with reliable Wi-Fi.

Food prices

Food plays a surprisingly positive role in the monthly budget for living in Lisbon. Portugal’s strong market culture and impressive local produce mean that, if you shop smart, a single person can keep grocery expenses around $233 per month.

For everyday shopping, Lisbon has a wide range of both international and local supermarkets. Chains like Pingo Doce and Continente tend to offer the best prices, with Lidl and Auchan not far behind.

Here is a list of average prices you will find on store shelves in 2026:

• Whole milk (1 liter): $1.10.
• Large eggs (dozen): $4.57.
• Chicken breast (1 kg): $8.03.
• White rice (1 kg): $1.72.
• Pasta (500 g): $1.02.
• Beef/veal (1 kg): $10.70.
• Fresh bread (500 g): $1.87.
• Bottle of good quality wine: $8.14.
• Ground coffee (250 g): $2.14.
• Chocolate bar (100 g): $1.73.

Eating out is an essential part of Lisbon’s social life. The most budget friendly option is the “tasca,” a small local spot where residents go for a meal. Here, the famous “Prato do Dia” is the star, offering a hearty, homemade lunch at a price much lower than in other European capitals or tourist cities.

If you decide to enjoy local cuisine outside your accommodation, these are the average costs you can expect:

• Breakfast (coffee and a famous Pastel de Nata): Between $3.50 and $8.14.
• Lunch (daily special at a local restaurant): Between $10.47 and $15.12.
• Dinner at a mid-range restaurant (per person): Between $23 and $35.
• Full dinner for two at a neighborhood restaurant: $40.

In short, if you combine shopping at supermarkets and local markets with occasional outings, you’ll find that your cost of living in Lisbon won’t skyrocket.

Transportation prices in Lisbon

Transportation has a very low impact on the cost of living in Lisbon, especially when compared to other capitals.

Lisbon promotes the use of public transport and eco friendly options, helping you save a decent amount each month if you plan with seasonal or monthly passes. The metro is also reliable, safe, and provides direct connections to the airport, making getting around the city much easier.

For everyday travel, the Navegante or Viva Viagem cards are your best allies. Here are the prices you will find in 2026:

• Single ticket (Metro/Bus/Tram): $2.15.
• Daily ticket (24 hours unlimited): $8.14.
• Zapping mode travel (prepaid): $1.93 per trip.
• Navegante Municipal monthly pass (Lisbon city only): $34.88.
• Navegante Metropolitano monthly pass (entire region): $46.51.

If you prefer the speed of ride-hailing platforms, Uber and Bolt operate very frequently.

• An average 20-minute ride within the city usually costs around $14, while a trip from the airport to the city center is around $16.30.
• Conventional taxis are also a reliable option, with a starting fare of around $3.78.

For short trips, Lisbon’s public bike system, GIRA, is excellent. With stations spread across the city, it offers very affordable rates for both residents and longer term visitors.

• GIRA annual subscription: $29.07.
• GIRA monthly subscription: $17.44.
• GIRA daily pass: $2.33.
• Note: The first 45 minutes of each trip are usually free with these subscriptions.

If you decide you need a car, gasoline in Portugal is one of the most expensive in the region, at about $7.56 per liter. Charging an electric car is much cheaper, with home off peak rates around $0.13 per kWh, and fast public charging at roughly $0.64 per kWh.

When it comes to car insurance and vehicles, basic coverage costs around $290 per year, while full coverage for an experienced driver runs about $640 annually. If you’re looking to buy a popular and practical city car, like a 2026 Fiat 500 Hybrid, the cash price starts at roughly $21,868.

Cost of living in Lisbon and the impact on the healthcare budget

Healthcare in Portugal operates as a well functioning hybrid system, with both public and private options. As a resident or a digital nomad with a residence visa, such as the D8, you’re entitled to register with the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), the country’s public healthcare system.

This system is not free, but it operates with very low copayments called “moderating fees” that make basic care extremely affordable.

However, to skip the wait times often found in the public system, most expats and remote workers choose private health insurance. In 2026, there’s a wide range of options, giving access to modern clinics that meet international standards.

Here is a reference for healthcare costs in Lisbon for this year:

• Private health insurance (basic plan for young people): Between $29 and $47 per month.
• Private health insurance (comprehensive/family plan): Between $58 and $174 per month.
• General medical consultation (private clinic): Approximately $52.
• Consultation with a specialist (private clinic): Between $93 and $110.
• Emergency treatment at a private hospital: Around $91.
• Dental cleaning and check-up: Between $35 and $58.
• Appendicitis surgery (private hospital without insurance): Between $4,650 and $7,165.
• Co-payment for consultation in the public system (SNS): Around $5.80.

When it comes to pharmacies, Portugal regulates medication prices to keep essential drugs very affordable. In 2026, medicines costing under $40 have legally remained at the same price, without increases.

For example:

• Ibuprofen (box of 20 tablets): $3.43.
• Basic paracetamol: Around $2.33.

Prices for internet and phone plans

Portugal is among the European countries with the best fiber optic infrastructure, a huge plus for any digital nomad. Connections are highly reliable, and speeds of up to 1 Gbps are standard across most of Lisbon.

The three major operators are MEO, NOS, and Vodafone, and competition between them often results in very good deals for new customers.

For your home office and mobile connectivity, these are the average prices in 2026:

• Fiber fixed internet (200 Mbps – 500 Mbps): $48.80 per month.
• Fiber fixed internet (1 Gbps): Approximately $53.50 per month.
• Mobile plan (100 GB of data and unlimited calls): $17.40 per month.
• Mobile plan with unlimited data and 5G: Between $23.25 and $29.
• TV + Fiber Internet + Landline package: Around $58 per month.

If you want the flexibility of an eSIM without being tied to a contract, Holafly’s monthly plans offer either 25 GB or unlimited data that works in Portugal and over 160 other countries. You can also use your phone as a hotspot to share data with other devices.

If you’re a digital nomad, student, or traveler planning an extended stay in Lisbon, Holafly’s monthly plans are a great companion. Unlimited data costs $64.90, while 25 GB is $49.90. Either way, you can save 22% by signing up for a full year.

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Entertainment and leisure activities

Lisbon is full of color and character, from its tiled façades and cobbled streets to the soft strains of fado drifting through Alfama. Its appeal comes from the mix of timeless charm and contemporary style. When budgeting for life in the city, be sure to set aside some funds to truly experience all it has to offer.

Some places you have to discover if you want to immerse yourself fully in Portuguese culture are:

• The Castle of São Jorge, which offers the best views of the city. Admission: $29.
• The Jerónimos Monastery, a gem of Manueline style. Admission: $21.
• The iconic Belém Tower. Admission: $17.40.
• The Lisbon Oceanarium, considered one of the best in the world. Admission: $29.
• A night of Fado in Alfama, the purest expression of the Portuguese soul. Approximately $56.

For your daily plans, these are the average prices you will find this year:

• Movie ticket (regular screening): Between $8.32 and $9.30.
• Theater ticket (best seats): From $32 to $65 per couple.
• Visit to the zoo: Approximately $31 for adults.
• Monthly subscription to streaming platforms (Netflix/Disney+): Between $12.99 and $18.99.
• Museum admission (MAAT or Tile Museum): Between $7 and $11.

The great news is that Lisbon offers plenty of ways to have fun without spending a euro, as long as you know the right spots and timing. Here’s a roundup of the top free activities.

Lisbon is famous for its “miradouros”. Almost all of them are free and perfect for watching the sunset:

• Miradouro de Santa Luzia: With its iconic tiles and flower-covered pergolas.
• Miradouro das Portas do Sol: Right next to the previous viewpoint, it offers a picture-perfect view of the Alfama neighborhood.
• Miradouro da Senhora do Monte: This is the highest point and offers a complete panoramic view of the city and the castle.
• Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcántara: Ideal for seeing the Castle of São Jorge lit up at night.

Many of Lisbon’s major national monuments have updated their policies for 2026. Keep in mind that free entry is typically available on Sundays for both residents and tourists.

• Calouste Gulbenkian Museum: Free admission every Sunday from 2:00 p.m. Its gardens are free to visit every day.
• MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology): Free admission on the first Sunday of every month.
• Museu do Oriente: Free on Fridays from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• MUSEU DO DINHEIRO (Money Museum): Always free (located in a former church in Baixa).
• MUDE (Design Museum): Recently reopened and free admission at selected times.

And the list doesn’t end there. There are three other activities you can do in Lisbon without spending a penny:

• Explore the Alfama district: Walking through its labyrinthine streets is like stepping into a living museum.
• Visit LX Factory: A former industrial complex converted into a creative hub. Admission is free, and you can visit the famous Ler Devagar bookstore.
• Browse the Feira da Ladra flea market: Lisbon’s oldest flea market takes place every Tuesday and Saturday at Campo de Santa Clara with free entry. Bring some cash because it is easy to end up buying something once you are there.

So, how high is the cost of living in Lisbon?

In 2026, Lisbon continues to offer great value for food and services, making it an appealing destination even though housing costs have risen to match those of major European cities. Overall, the cost of living in Lisbon is still lower than in other Western European capitals, though the gap is gradually narrowing.

Lisbon is a city where the weather, safety, and cultural offerings more than justify the monthly expenses. If you are a digital nomad planning to rent a central studio, enjoy local cuisine, and cover insurance and connectivity, you can expect to spend around $2,300 per month.

Frequently asked questions about the cost of living in Lisbon

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Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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