The cost of living in Portugal in 2026

With its stunning coastline, vibrant cities, and warm Mediterranean climate, it’s no surprise that Portugal is a popular destination for expats. But how does the cost of living stack up?

From everyday expenses like groceries and utilities to housing and healthcare, this article will give you a clear overview of what it really costs to live in Portugal in 2026.

Whether you’re relocating for work or lifestyle reasons, you’ll need to manage your finances efficiently, including any international money transfers between Portugals and your home country. Multi-currency accounts like Wise can help you manage your finances easily. More on that later.

Continue reading for the following information:

Is Portugal’s economy good?

Portugal is – somewhat surprisingly – in the mid-tier of economies in the European Union (EU). Its gross domestic product (GDP) is €289 million (2024), which the European Commission predicts will grow by 2.2% in 2026 and 2.1% in 2027, above the EU average of 1.4% and 1.5%, respectively.

While €266 million sounds a lot, it’s all a matter of perspective. For example, Germany (the largest economy in the EU) has a GDP of €4.3 billion. Meanwhile, Romania, which traditionally has the reputation of having an underperforming economy, has a GDP of roughly €354 million.

Inflation and disposable income in Portugal

Portugal’s GDP works out to €26,725 per capita (2024). However, the equivalised disposable income (i.e., the total net income of all household members divided by the weighted number of household members) is even lower: around €19,500 per person. This is well below the EU average of around €21,000 per person (2024).

Around 15.4% of the Portuguese population is at risk of poverty, which is quite low for an economically mid-performing country. This is likely credited to the country’s excellent social security system. Our article on minimum wage in Portugal explains average salaries and incomes in more detail.

In terms of purchasing power, Portugal’s average headline inflation for 2025 and 2026 is projected to be 2.0%. These numbers are below the European Union’s average of 2.1% and 2.2%.

The cost of living in Portugal in 2026

According to Statistics Portugal (Instituto Nacional de Estadística –INE), the average annual expenses per household member were €23,900, or €1,992 per month in 2022/23 (latest Household Budget Survey). With an inflation rate of 2.6% in 2024 and 2.1% in 2025, and 2% in 2026, the average cost of living spending per region in Portugal will be an estimated:

	Annually 2022/2023	Annually 2026	Monthly 2026
North (Norte)	€23,245	€24,837	€2,070
Center (Centro)	€22,222	€23,744	€1,979
Lisbon Metropolitan Area (AM Lisboa)	€26,891	€28,733	€2,394
Alentejo	€21,359	€22,822	€1,902
Algarve	€24,432	€26,106	€2,175
Azores (RA Açores)	€19,431	€20,762	€1,730
Madeira (RA Madeira)	€22,605	€24,153	€2,013

Keep reading for an overview of the cost of living expenses you might come across in your daily life.

The price of groceries in Portugal in 2025

Beer, wine, and liquor

Portugal offers some great alcoholic beverage choices, from Vinho Verde to Ginja and everything in between. In 2024, the country was the fifth-largest wine exporter in the EU after France, Italy, Spain, and Germany. Portuguese drinkers consume around 8.6 liters of pure alcohol per year (2020), with most people preferring wine.

A local beer in a bar or restaurant costs between €1.20–4.00, which goes up to €5 for imported brews. A glass of wine, on the other hand, will set you back around €3–5.

Alcohol is – naturally – cheaper in supermarkets. You can expect to find a domestic beer for as little as €0.75–1.85, depending on the make and size. A decent wine will set you back €3–8 per bottle. The price of most liquor (e.g., poncha, rum, or whiskey) starts from €10–20, depending on your drink of choice.

Food and drink

Food and non-alcoholic drinks are the second-largest expenses after housing costs. Interestingly, most of the grocery money went to meat (7.1%), bread and cereals (4.6%), and fish and other seafood products (4.3%).

Portuguese households will spend an estimated €275 per month on groceries in 2026.

The average price ranges* of basic supermarket items include:

Product	Price range	Product	Price range
Apples (1 kilo)	€1.00–2.85	Potatoes (1 kilo)	€0.90–2.30
Bread (1 loaf)	€0.80–2.70	Regular milk (1 liter)	€0.80–1.20
Cheese (1 kilo)	€6.00–20.00	Rice (1 kilo)	€1.00–2.00
Coffee (1 kilo)	€12.00–23.00	Tea (per bag)	€0.08–0.15
Eggs (12)	€2.00–3.80	Tomatoes (1 kilo)	€1.20–3.00
Orange juice (1 liter)	€1.00–3.00	Water (1.5 liter)	€0.30–1.50

Hygienic and household products

Hygienic and household products include everything from toothpaste and shampoo to dish soap (or washing-up liquid) and toilet bleach. The average price ranges* of these necessities include:

Product	Price range	Product	Price range
All-purpose cleaner (1 liter)	€0.50–2.55	Shampoo (1 liter)	€1.77–13.30
Deodorant (100 ml)	€1.60–5.50	Soap (1 liter)	€1.90–8.00
Dish soap (1 liter)	€0.90–6.30	Tampons (per tampon)	€0.06–0.23
Garbage bags (per bag)	€0.06–0.37	Toilet paper (per roll)	€0.19–0.75
Laundry detergent (per wash)	€0.07–0.63	Toothpaste (100 ml)	€1.20–6.50

2025 housing costs in Portugal

In Portugal, the average monthly housing costs will be an estimated €836 per household (2026). This includes rent and mortgage payments, water, electricity, gas and other fuels. Interestingly, INE reports that homeowners have 1.5 times higher cost of living expenses than renters in Portugal.

Using a specialized service like Wise can save you significant amounts by offering the mid-market exchange rate with transparent, low fees. 

Wise also offers automatic fee discounts on larger transfers, and has a dedicated support team for large transfers. This can be especially valuable when transferring the down payment for a property, or your deposit and monthly rent.

Rent and property prices

Housing prices vary significantly throughout Portugal. Houses in Lisbon, Porto, and other famous cities are comparatively more expensive than those in rural and less popular areas.

As of December 2025, the average monthly rent for a home in Portugal is €16.40 per square meter (typically around €1150 in total). Potential homeowners will pay an average of €3,019 per square meter for a property (or about €426,375 in total).

The average real estate prices (depending on the location) are as follows:

	Average monthly rent*	Average rent per square meter	Average property price*	Average property price per square meter
Braga	€1,092	€10.30	€198,463	€1,872
Cascais	€2,141	€20.20	€557,454	€5,259
Faro	€1,601	€15.10	€410,271	€3,870
Lisbon	€2,141	€20.20	€484,886	€4,573
Porto	€1,643	€15.50	€314,969	€3,705

The most expensive places are Lisbon, Cascais, Loulé, and the Algarve. However, if you’re looking to live in Portugal on a budget, the cheapest cities to move to are:

	Average monthly rent*	Average rent per square meter	Average property price*	Average property price per square meter
Vila Nova de Foz Côa	€220	€2.08	€54,696	€516
Vila Flor	€243	€2.29	–	–
Trancoso	€255	€2.41	–	–
Belmonte	€277	€2.61	€54,696	€516
Baião	€298	€2.81	€80,666	€761

You can learn more about the real estate market and property prices by visiting our article on buying property in Portugal. For students, cou can also check out available rentals at Uniplaces.

Our country article on where to live highlights popular residential areas for expats.

Utility bills: water, gas, electricity

Utility prices in Portugal are both higher and lower than those of other EU countries. For example, water and electricity cost less than the EU average, while gas costs more.

In April 2024, water cost an average of €1.7/cubic meter. However, there are many discrepancies between regions; one study found that the overall water bill could differ by more than €650.

During the first half of 2025, households paid €0.0880 kilowatt/hour for gas (EU average: €0.0788). The average price for electricity was €0.1590 kilowatt/hour (EU average: €0.2079).

While utility prices vary considerably from region to region, average monthly expenses range between €78 and €182, depending on your use and property size.

It’s worth noting, however, that many properties don’t have central heating and rely on space heaters or air conditioning units to keep things comfortable. As such, during extreme weather, your utility bill may double or even triple.

You can find out more about utility prices and providers in our article on utilities in Portugal.

The cost of healthcare in Portugal

Everyone living and working in Portugal must register for the healthcare system. While all medical treatment is free, prescription medication and some procedures are excluded from the coverage.

Local and expat residents often choose to take out additional private health insurance to get faster access to treatment and extra coverage. Basic insurance packages start around €30–50 a month, and costs go up with the insurance plan.

In 2026, the estimated monthly cost of healthcare in Portugal is €83 per household.

Internet and telecom prices

The cost of internet and other telecommunication services vary depending on several factors, including your location and the type of connection or service. Telecom packages typically include internet, TV, and home phone.

You can install internet for around €40–50 a month. If you choose the same provider for your mobile phone contract, you can also get a discount.

In 2026, the average monthly cost of internet and telecom is estimated to be around €82 per household.

The cost of clothing and footwear

The price of clothes and shoes is in line with other EU countries. In 2026, people will spend a monthly average of €35 per household on their wardrobe.

In Portugal, the cost of living for clothing and footwear varies greatly, depending on the type and brand. For example, underwear costs around €1–8. Dresses and jeans, on the other hand, cost between €20–120. Business shoes for men and women range from €45–150.

The cost of transportation in Portugal

In Portugal, households are estimated to spend an average of €257 per month on transportation (2026).

Public transport

All major cities in Portugal have a convenient public transportation network of buses, metros, trains, and, in some places, trams. These are run locally, so fares and availability differ on where you are.

According to Numbeo’s cost of living in Portugal, a single bus fare costs €3.00 in Faro, €2.00 in Lisbon and €1.50 in Porto.

If you are planning to commute to work, it’s recommended to get a monthly or yearly plan to travel at a discounted cost. You can also explore and book your travel options on online platforms such as Omio.

Driving and vehicle costs

Having a vehicle is a costly business in Portugal. According to the 2025 Car Cost Index, it is the second most expensive country in Europe for vehicle costs after Switzerland. Portuguese drivers paid an average of €1,230 a year.

Beyond the costs of lessons, a driving license, and the actual purchase of the vehicle, you’ll need to budget for:

• Car insurance – the mandatory Third Party Liability insurance cost between €150 and €350 a year
• Annual Road Tax – the amount is largely based on your vehicle, fuel type, and your region
• Fuel costs – as of January 2026, gasoline costs €1.66 per liter, and diesel costs €1.54 per liter
• Maintenance – cars must periodically pass inspection, which usually costs around €18-36 depending on the vehicle type

Learn about the costs, mandatory insurance, and driving regulations by reading our article on driving in Portugal.

If you’re bringing money from abroad to purchase a vehicle in Portugal, factor in the cost of currency exchange. On a €15,000 car purchase, unfavorable exchange rate markups could add €450-750 to your total cost.

Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate with transparent fees, helping you keep more money for other moving expenses when transferring larger sums for vehicle purchases.

How much does leisure and entertainment cost?

In 2026, Portuguese households will spend roughly €70 per month on leisure, recreation, sports, and culture, and €183 per month on restaurants and hotels.

Movie theaters and cinemas

The average cinema ticket in Portugal costs around €7–12, depending on the location. Some movie theaters also have discounted days and tickets, offering a screening for as low as €6.

Restaurants

Depending on your tastes and night, dining out doesn’t have to be expensive. An inexpensive restaurant will charge you €8–€15 for a meal, while a three-course meal will set you back about €40–€70.

Of course, restaurants are more expensive in heavily touristed areas.

Sports

Gym memberships cost around €25–50 per month, depending on the club and location. It’s worth trying out different gyms before signing up for a membership.

The cost of Portuguese education and childcare

On average, Portuguese households will spend roughly €30 per month on education.

Childcare

Working parents with (young) children may need to arrange for childcare from time to time. In Portugal, options include daycares, independent childminders, nurseries, and preschools.

Residents can send their offspring to free public childcare facilities, which usually charge only for meals and outings. However, places are sparse, and many families opt to enroll their kids in private (international) childcare, costing from €350 to €1,800+ a month.

Non-resident expats may also hire a nanny or au pair. Nannies have an average hourly rate of €9, whereas au pairs require room and board, as well as a minimum salary of €200–400 a month.

Children’s education

Public schools in Portugal are funded by the government. There are no tuition fees, and parents only pay for books, materials, and outings.

If you prefer to send your children to an international or private school, you will need to pay school fees. These vary greatly depending on the school’s location and curriculum. For example, the cost of international primary and secondary schools ranges from €8,400–€20,000+ per year.

Discover more about school curriculums and fees by reading our article on international schools in Portugal.

University tuition fees

While not completely free (like those in Austria or Germany, for example), Portuguese universities are much more affordable than elsewhere around the world.

Public universities generally charge less than €1,500 a year for a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Tuition fees at private universities are a bit higher and can reach up to €4,000 per year.

Our article on studying in Portugal explains more about the topic, including degree programs and costs.

How does Portugal compare to the rest of the world?

Portugal scores relatively low on the OECD Better Life Index, especially when it comes to social support and work-life balance. However, employment rate, housing, and safety score well.

Despite these low scores, Lisbon comes in at 27^th on the 2024 Mercer’s quality of living index. This is below Amsterdam (6^th) but above Paris (34^th), London (40^th), and Milan (42^nd).

Earnings may be lower in Portugal than in other comparable West-European countries, but the cost of living is substantially lower, too.

The cost of living in Lisbon

The cost of living in Lisbon is cheaper than many other capital cities. The metropolis ranks 27^th on the 2024 Mercer’s cost of living index, meaning it is considerably more comfortable to live in than Barcelona (Spain), Tokyo (Japan), and Prague (Czechia).

Compared to other capital cities, Lisbon’s cost of living is (as of January 2026):

• 55% cheaper than New York (the US)
• 43% cheaper than London (the UK)
• 35% cheaper than Amsterdam (the Netherlands)
• 34% more expensive than Luanda (Angola)
• 99% more expensive than Brasília (Brazil)
• 143% more expensive than Praia (Cape Verde)
• 190% more expensive than Delhi (India)

The cost of living in Porto

Mercer ranks Porto 51^st in its charts, just above Madrid (Spain). Compared to major cities around the world, Porto’s cost of living is (as of January 2026):

• 61% cheaper than New York (the US)
• 50% cheaper than London (the UK)
• 44% cheaper than Amsterdam (the Netherlands)
• 16% more expensive than Luanda (Angola)
• 73% more expensive than Brasília (Brazil)
• 103% more expensive than Praia (Cape Verde)
• 153% more expensive than Delhi (India)

The cost of living in Coimbra

Coimbra is Portugal’s fourth-largest city, with a total population of its metropolitan region is around 140,800 people. It’s home to the oldest academic university in Portuguese-speaking countries and is currently a major attraction among tourists for its monuments and history.

The cost of living in Coimbra is typically cheaper than in Lisbon or Porto (as of January 2026):

• 66% cheaper than New York (the US)
• 57% cheaper than London (the UK)
• 51% cheaper than Amsterdam (the Netherlands)
• 1% cheaper than Luanda (Angola)
• 50% more expensive than Brasília (Brazil)
• 78% more expensive than Praia (Cape Verde)
• 120% more expensive than Delhi (India)

The cost of living in Braga

Braga is an attractive destination for expats located in northern Portugal. Its growing international community enjoys excellent public transportation, green spaces, and a mild climate, contributing to a high quality of life.

As of January 2026, the cost of living in Braga is:

• 66% cheaper than New York (the US)
• 57% cheaper than London (the UK)
• 51% cheaper than Amsterdam (the Netherlands)
• 1% cheaper than Luanda (Angola)
• 50% more expensive than Brasília (Brazil)
• 74% more expensive than Praia (Cape Verde)
• 119% more expensive than Delhi (India)

Financial support for the cost of living in Portugal

Portugal’s high cost of living is a major point of concern, especially among the younger generation.

Portuguese workers are increasingly holding down multiple jobs or leaving the country altogether. It’s also been reported that “the rising house prices and inflation are creating a new type of homeless person in Portugal: socially integrated people who are being pushed towards exclusion”.

There are several options for financial aid that can help you with the cost of living in Portugal. For example, low-income households can apply for Social Integration Income (Rendimento Social de Inserção – RSI) if they earn less than €522.50 a month.

Other social security benefits include:

• Child benefits or family allowance – Portugal offers several child benefits to help with the cost of raising a child
• Disability pension – available to low-income people living with invalidity or an occupational disease
• Informal carer allowance – for primary caregivers who look after a dependent family member
• Unemployment benefits – for previously-employed workers

If you are unable to pay for food and groceries, you can contact your local social services. They will assess your situation and may register you with a food bank (Banco Alimentar) in your area.

Tips on how to save money in Portugal

All affordability is relative to your household income and size. A single bachelor may have more to spend than a family of four. Here are some tips for saving money while living in Portugal:

• Shop smartly at local markets – local markets often have fresh produce, bread, and other goods at a lower price than supermarkets. Time your visit well: there are better deals around closing time when vendors try to clear their stock.
• Dine out strategically – when you are eating out, look for pratos do dia specials, as these are often more affordable than other food dishes. There are also many discount platforms (such as TheFork) that offer bargain outings.
• Embrace cycling, public transport, and ride-sharing services – Portugal has a well-connected public transport system and is bike-friendly. Opt for a monthly or yearly transport pass or use a bike instead of driving. For longer commutes, consider carpooling with colleagues or friends or using a ride-sharing app to lower your travel costs.
• Avoid hidden currency exchange fees with Wise – If you’re sending money to Portugal from abroad or need to convert currencies, be aware that most providers often add a markup to the exchange rate on top of transfer fees. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate with transparent, upfront fees, which could save you money on transfer costs.
• Shop at second-hand stores – Portugal has many charity shops (Lojas de Caridade) and second hand stores (Segunda Mão) where you can find affordable clothing, furniture, and household items. It’s also eco-friendly!
• Use energy wisely – save on heating and electricity by insulating your home, using energy-efficient appliances, and taking advantage of off-peak energy tariffs (e.g., to do your washing). You can also lower the thermostat a little and wear double layers inside the home.
• Review your contracts – regularly compare energy, internet, and phone plans to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Useful resources

• Portuguese Association for Consumer Protection (Associaçáo Portugesa para a Defesa do Consumidor – DECO) – website of the largest consumer association in Portugal
• Portuguese Federation of Food Banks (Federação Portuguesa dos Bancos Alimentares) – website with information on food banks in Portugal
• Numbeo – information on the cost of living in Portugal.