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Cost of living in Portugal: Food, transport, and more
The cost of living in Portugal is one of the lowest in Europe. This country offers savings and a high quality of life!
If you’re searching for a new European country to live in, with great quality of life and moderate prices, we’ve the perfect destination for you. The cost of living in Portugal is quite affordable compared with neighbouring countries, being about 14% lower.
Discover rental prices, food expenses, transport, medical services, internet connection, and of course, leisure activities that will let you fully enjoy this country while having fun. Live in Europe’s most affordable destination!
Average cost of accommodation in Portugal
Although rent increased in recent years, the cost of living in Portugal regarding housing remains below the European average. You can rent a flat, book a hotel, or try coliving spaces. Let’s check the rates:
- Hotels: A double room in a mid-range hotel in Porto or Lisbon costs about $100 (€95.42) per night.
- Furnished flats: Renting a one-bedroom flat in the city centre costs around $1,000 (€954.21) monthly, while outside, prices drop to about $800 (€763.37).
- Colivings: This modality, well known among professionals and digital nomads, offers private rooms with shared common areas for remote work. Private rooms with shared coworking areas cost between $700 (€667.95) and $1,200 (€1,145.05) monthly.
- Airbnb: For short stays, entire flats on Airbnb range between $60 (€57.25) and $150 (€143.13) per night.
Food costs in Portugal
Portugal’s cost of living regarding food is defined by moderate prices and excellent gastronomy. You can shop in supermarkets like Continente, Lidl, or Auchan without spending too much, or enjoy meals in local restaurants at fair prices. Here’s a sample shopping list:
- Milk: One-litre carton for $0.97 (€0.93).
- Eggs: A dozen for $2.84 (€2.71).
- Chicken breasts: One kilo tray for $7.05 (€6.72)
- Beef: One kilo rump for $11.47 (€10.94).
- Rice: One kilo for $1.45 (€1.38)
- Apples: One kilo for $2.08 (€1.98)
- Cappuccino coffee: One kilo pack for $1.75 (€1.67).
- Water: 1.5-litre bottle for $0.65 (€0.62).
To save money eating out, choose local restaurants outside tourist areas. They usually offer cheaper menus. Examples:
| Type of Meal | Restaurant | Dish | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Café A Brasileira, Lisbon | Coffee with milk and a custard tart | $3.15 (€3.01). |
| Food | Restaurante O Cantinho, Porto | Soup, shredded cod, chips, scrambled eggs, and onion | $10.50 (€9.69). |
| Dinner | Taberna da Rua, Faro | Baked rice with shredded duck, chorizo, and spices | $21.00 (€20.04) |
Prices in local Portuguese restaurants
Transport prices in Portugal
Let’s explore the cost of living in Portugal related to transport. Discover the vehicles available and current rates. Prices are similar to other European destinations.
Public transport
In Lisbon and Porto, you can use the metro where a single ticket costs about $1.65 (€1.57). Buses connect districts, towns, and villages, starting from $1.80 (€1.73).
Taxis start with a $3.50 (€3.33) base fare, plus $0.50 (€0.48) per kilometre. A 15 km ride costs $11.00–$15.00 (€10.50–€14.31).
Private transport
The company Uber operates in Portugal with cheaper rates than public taxis for short distances. The company Uber operates in Portugal with cheaper rates than public taxis for short distances. For example, an 8 km trip costs $7.00–$10.00 (€6.68–€9.54).
Bike rentals
In Lisbon, Gira offers e-bike rentals at $3.00 (€2.86) per hour. A monthly pass costs $15.00 (€14.25) for unlimited use.
Fuel and energy
If you own a car, fuel and charging costs become part of Portugal’s living expenses. Prices vary by region and market. With Petroprix’s arrival, fuel may soon get cheaper. Current rates:
- Petrol: Average price is $1.83 (€1.75) per litre.
- Electric vehicles: Average electricity cost is $0.20 (€0.19) per kWh.
New vehicle and driving insurance
You can buy a new car like a Volkswagen Golf for around $25,000 (€23,855). Add insurance costs to your budget:
- Mandatory insurance: Civil liability cover for a standard car costs about $300 (€286.26) yearly.
- Comprehensive cover: For broader protection, premiums can reach $800 (€763.37) yearly.
Healthcare costs in Portugal
Portugal’s National Health Service (SNS) provides free healthcare for citizens and legal residents. Foreigners with legal status must register to get a user number for services.
In 2024, the government restricted free SNS access for undocumented immigrants and non-residents. So, getting foreign medical insurance is essential.
Private healthcare costs in Portugal are not as high as in other European countries. Still, buying medical insurance is wise to reduce emergency expenses. Here’s a price guide:
| Medical services | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Hospitalisation (per day) | $500–1,500 (€476.82–1,431.32) |
| General medical consultation | $45 (€42.94) |
| Consultation with a specialist | $100–300 (€95.42–286.26) |
| Emergencies | $150 (€143.05) |
| X-ray | $50–$200 (€47.68–190.84) |
| Appendicitis surgery: | $2,000–3,000 (€1,908.42–2,860) |
| Paracetamol (500 mg): | $2.00 (€1.97) |
| Ibuprofen (400 mg): | $3.00 (€2.86) |
Private healthcare costs in Portugal
Internet and call plan prices
Portuguese telecom companies offer varied plans to suit all users, with mid-range prices for most budgets. Here are some home fibre and mobile plans:
- MEO fibre: 200 Mbps download for $28.63 (€30.00) monthly. Mobile plan: 5 GB, 500 mins, 500 SMS for $14.31 (€15.00).
- NOS fibre: 400 Mbps at $38.17 (€40.00) monthly. Mobile: 10 GB, unlimited calls and texts for $19.08 (€20.00).
- Vodafone fibre: 500 Mbps for $33.40 (€35.00). Mobile: Unlimited data, calls, and texts for $28.63 (€30.00).
If you need stronger coverage everywhere, choose Holafly’s new plans. Enjoy secure 5G in 170+ destinations without swapping SIMs. Activation is quick via the app. Available subscriptions:
| Subscription | Details | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Light Plan 25 GB | Perfect for video calls, teamwork, and file downloads. | $49.90 |
| Unlimited Plan | The best option for remote workers and heavy users. | $64.90 |
Holafly monthly plans
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Leisure activity costs in Portugal
Portugal’s cost of living also includes leisure such as cultural activities and tourist sites. Prices vary by season. Here are some examples:
- Cinema: About $10.00 (€9.54) per ticket.
- Zoo: Lisbon Oceanário tickets cost about $26.00 (€24.81).
- Theatre: Tickets start from $40.00 (€38.17).
- Streaming: Netflix monthly subscription is around $9.42 (€8.99).
- TV packages: Cable services cost about $50.00 (€47.71) monthly.
- Palácio da Pena, Sintra: Entry is $17.00 (€16.22).
- Castelo de São Jorge, Lisbon: Entry is about $27.00 (€25.76).
- Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra: Adult tickets cost $15.00 (€14.31).
- Gruta da Moeda, São Mamede: Entry costs $9.00 (€8.59).
After reviewing Portugal’s cost of living, we can conclude this destination is possibly the most affordable European country, with monthly expenses around $1,500 (€1,431).
On the other hand, salaries are relatively lower than in other countries. But if you earn more from a foreign company and move here to work remotely, it’s a great decision. You’ll live comfortably while being just hours away from the rest of Europe.
