What is the cost of housing in Portuguese cities and where can I buy it cheaper?

Portugal has 155 cities, among which Lisbon stands out as the capital and the most populated, with a population of about 550,000 people. In contrast, Gandra is the smallest city, with only 1,156 residents. We conducted a study to find out where in Portugal the most affordable housing options can be found and which regions are characterized by high real estate prices. Notably, foreigners can purchase property in this country, and in 2022, they accounted for 14% of all mortgage loans. Based on data from the Numbeo service, we identified which cities in Portugal have low housing prices and where they reach high values. It is also important to consider aspects such as average income, utility costs, internet expenses, the price of a meal in inexpensive restaurants, grocery prices, and public transport fares for a more comprehensive understanding of the standard of living in these cities.

Rating of accessible cities in Portugal

We have prepared a list of ten cities in Portugal where you can find the lowest apartment prices (listed in ascending order):

• Santaren— the price per square meter ranges from €650 to €1150, with the average cost of housing at 90 m² being between €58,500 and €103,500.
• Covilhã— here, the price per square meter ranges from €675 to €1220, and 90 m² will cost between €60,750 and €109,800.
• Mash— the cost per square meter ranges from €950 to €1800, with the average price of a 90 m² apartment being between €85,500 and €162,000.
• Visa— here, the prices per square meter range from €1066 to €1400, with the average price for 90 m² varying from €95,940 to €126,000.
• Barreiro— the cost per square meter ranges from €1200 to €1600, and for a 90 m² apartment, it varies from €108,000 to €144,000.
• Viana do Castelo— the price per square meter here ranges from €1250 to €1750, with the average cost of a 90 m² apartment being between €112,500 and €157,500.
• Setúbal— The cost of housing ranges from €1320 to €1560 per square meter, and the price of a 90 m² apartment reaches between €118,800 and €140,400.
• Ponta Delgada— here the price per square meter ranges from €1370 to €1950, and apartments of 90 m² will cost between €123,300 and €175,500.
• Vila Real— the cost per square meter will range from €1370 to €1980, and for an apartment with an area of 90 m², it will be from €123,300 to €178,200.
• Vila Nova de Gaia— In this city, prices range from €1420 to €2500 per square meter, and the cost of apartments is between €127,800 and €225,000.

However, it is important to consider not only the cost of residential properties but also the average income level, which is also crucial for assessing the cost of living in the mentioned cities. Let's take a look at the key indicators for each of them:

Santaren

The average income is €700, and about €110 goes to utilities and internet. Prices for groceries:

• Milk - €0.78
• 1 kg of rice — €1.38
• 1 kg of chicken fillet — €4.95
• 1 kg of apples — €1.56

Lunch at an inexpensive restaurant will cost about €8.50. Transportation costs: a monthly pass is €40, and the price of a liter of gasoline is €1.81.

Covilhã

The average income here is €900, while the expenses for utilities and internet are €112. Prices for groceries:

• Milk — €0.69
• 1 kg of rice — €1.25
• 1 kg of chicken fillet — €4.95
• 1 kg of apples — €2.26

Lunch costs €8.00. Transportation: a monthly ticket is €39.48, and a liter of gasoline is approximately €1.81.

Mash

The average income in this city is around €1032, while utilities and internet cost about €143. Prices for groceries:

• Milk - €0.76
• 1 kg of rice — €1.16
• 1 kg of chicken fillet — €5.50
• 1 kg of apples — €1.72

Lunch at an inexpensive restaurant costs €8.00. Transportation expenses: a monthly ticket costs €26.75, and a liter of gasoline is €1.90.

Visa

The average income here is €883, and €117 goes towards utilities and internet. Prices for groceries:

• Milk - €0.57
• 1 kg of rice — €0.93
• 1 kg of chicken fillet — €5.17
• 1 kg of apples — €1.60

Lunch at the restaurant will cost €6.50.

Life in Portugal is very diverse and varies across different regions, which is also reflected in the price range of goods and services. For example, in Barreiro, a monthly public transport pass costs 27.50 euros, and a liter of gasoline is priced at 1.89 euros. In this area, the average salary is around 1,050 euros. Utility bills, including internet, reach about 145 euros. Speaking of grocery prices, a liter of milk costs 0.72 euros, 1 kilogram of rice is 1 euro, and chicken fillet is priced at 6.33 euros. You can have lunch in an inexpensive café here for 8 euros.

Viana do Castelo

As for Viana do Castelo, a monthly pass in this city costs 40 euros, and gasoline is priced at 1.82 euros per liter. The average income here is less than 1,000 euros, specifically 838 euros. Utility bills, including internet, will be around 140 euros. The prices for groceries are as follows:

• Milk - 0.68 euros
• A kilogram of rice costs 0.93 euros.
• Chicken fillet - 6.41 euros
• Apples - 1.82 euros

Lunch at a café in this region costs 6 euros.

Setúbal

Setúbal is also interesting from an economic perspective. A monthly public transport pass here costs 40 euros, and a liter of gasoline can be purchased for 1.89 euros. The average salary in this city is 995 euros, and utility costs are around 132 euros. The prices for groceries in Setúbal are as follows:

• Milk - 0.94 euros
• A kilogram of rice costs 1.13 euros.
• Chicken fillet - 8 euros
• Apples - 1.43 euros

Breakfast at an inexpensive restaurant will cost 10 euros.

Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada stands out for its pricing.

Cost of living in Portugal

The cost of living in Portugal varies significantly depending on the region, and let's take a closer look at some important aspects of life in the country's major cities.

Lisbon

For example, in Lisbon, to get around the city conveniently, you will need about€40to purchase a monthly transit pass. Fuel prices fluctuate and are around€1.90per liter, which can affect the budget of motorists. The average income in Lisbon is at the level of€1130, while the monthly expenses for utilities and internet access amount to approximately€160.

Prices for groceries in Lisbon

• 1 liter of milk —€0.93
• A kilogram of rice —€1.30
• A pound of chicken fillets -€7.11
• Lunch in an inexpensive restaurant starts from€12

Lagos

Let's move on to Lagos: here a monthly transit pass also costs€40However, the price of gasoline is somewhat lower —€1.81per liter. The average income in this city is€865...and the expenses for basic utilities and internet generally do not exceed...€155.

Prices for groceries in Lagos

• Milk —€1.29
• A kilogram of rice —€1.47
• Chicken fillet —€5.91
• A kilogram of apples —€2.20
• Lunch at an inexpensive place —€9.50

Maya

In May, the average salary is€883And the transit pass still costs the same.€40Gasoline here is already a bit cheaper.€1.88per liter. The expenses for utilities and internet amount to about€143.

Prices for groceries in Maya

• Milk —€0.76
• Rice —€1.16
• Chicken fillet —€5.50
• Apples —€1.72
• Lunch at an inexpensive restaurant —€7

Oeyrash

Let's take a look at the city of Oeiras, where the average income is slightly higher —€900per month. Residents will need to pay approximately for utilities and internet.€145.

Prices for groceries in Oeiras

• A liter of milk —€0.75
• A kilogram of rice —€0.94
• Chicken fillet —€6.35
• A kilogram of apples —€1.67
• Lunch at an inexpensive café —€9

Amador

In Amador, the average salary is€945The expenses for utilities and internet are slightly lower — approximately€143.

Prices for groceries in Amador

• Milk —€0.85
• Rice —€1.18
• Chicken fillet —€6.67
• A kilogram of apples —€1.64
• Lunch at an inexpensive restaurant —€8

Almeida

In Almeida, the average salary reaches€1115and the utility expenses amount to about€140.

Prices for groceries in Almeida

• Milk —€0.56
• Rice —€0.75
• Chicken fillet —€5.23
• Apples —€1.71
• Lunch at an inexpensive restaurant —€9

Carvoeiro

The city of Carvoeiro shows an average income of€1000and the utility expenses amount to€143.

Prices for groceries in Carvoeiro

• Milk —€0.74
• Rice —€1.04
• Chicken fillet —€4.45
• Apples —€1.60
• Lunch at an inexpensive place —€7.50

Porto

In Porto, the average salary is€1150...and the expenses for utilities and internet are about...€150.

Prices for groceries in Porto

• Milk —€0.90
• Rice —€1.32
• Chicken fillet —€6.45
• Apples —€1.91
• Lunch at the restaurant —€10

Alkabidesh

At the final stage, it is worth paying attention to Alqabidesh, where the average income is€1200and the utility expenses are approximately€140.

Prices for groceries in Alcañiz

• Milk —€0.56
• Rice —€0.75
• Chicken fillet —€3.00per kilogram
• Apples —€1.50
• Lunch at an inexpensive restaurant —€8.50

Conclusions

In summary, it can be confidently said that each of these towns has its unique characteristics related to salary and living standards. Each place has its own features, allowing residents and newcomers to choose the region that suits them best.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while studying the real estate market in Portugal, I came to the conclusion that this country offers a wide range of housing prices, allowing everyone to find an option that suits them.

On one hand, we see cities likeSantarenandCovilhãwhere you can purchase housing at very affordable prices, making them attractive to investors and those looking for a place to live. On the other hand, cities likeCascaisandLisbonThey present a completely different picture — here, property prices are significantly higher, which, however, does not stop people from their plans to move.

Factors to consider

It is equally important to consider other aspects of life in these cities:

• Average salaries
• Living expenses
• Utilities
• Prices for groceries

All of this plays a role in the decision to move or invest in real estate. For foreigners, who are increasingly present in Portugal, the conditions for purchasing property are quite attractive, as confirmed by the statistics: almost14%Mortgage loans have been issued specifically to non-residents.

Your path to new opportunities

Studying these parameters allows for a more comprehensive understanding of how to make the most of the opportunities that Portugal offers. I hope this information helps those who are considering relocating or investing in Portuguese real estate to make an informed decision.

Portugal, with its rich culture, warm climate, and diverse opportunities, can truly be a wonderful place to live and work. Find your ideal city, and perhaps your life in this amazing country will mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter.