What are the costs of housing and living in Portugal?

Availability of housing in Portugal

Housing costs in Portugal are quite moderate. After the financial crisis in 2014, the real estate market began to recover and has shown stable price growth since then; however, housing prices remain affordable for many. The average price per square meter of housing in the country is around 1200 euros.

In Lisbon, the capital of the country, the price per square meter is slightly higher, ranging from 1300 to 1500 euros. This means that with a budget of 100,000 to 150,000 euros, you can purchase a one-bedroom apartment in the very center of the capital. This price level makes real estate in Lisbon one of the most affordable among major global cities.

Housing rental

Not everyone needs to own their own home. If you are planning a short visit, for example, for work or leisure, renting an apartment would be a more convenient option. The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in central areas is around 500 euros per month, while in the suburbs, you can find options for 350 euros.

If you are interested in renting resort apartments for a few days, during the season, prices can reach up to 1000 euros per week and may even exceed that amount.

Culinary delights

When it comes to cuisine, Portuguese gastronomy is quite diverse, with seafood taking center stage. Portugal, with its location on the Atlantic Ocean coast, offers a unique opportunity to enjoy fresh fish and other marine bounty. Delicious dishes can be found not only in expensive restaurants but also in small cafes that are widespread throughout the country.

If your budget allows, it's worth visiting establishments with a good reputation where you'll be offered a rich selection of local dishes. For example, one of the most famous fish components of Portuguese cuisine is...codThere are over 300 recipes for its preparation. However, a meal in such a restaurant can cost between 50 to 80 euros per person.

Options for budget travelers

• In lesser-known restaurants, prices will be more reasonable, ranging from 20 to 30 euros for lunch.
• If you want to enjoy the richness of Portuguese cuisine without taking on extra financial commitments, choose small cafes and snack bars.
• In such establishments, a meal for two can cost around 30 euros, including wine and bread.

To save money when visiting cafes, try to avoid places located on popular tourist routes, and also order just one dish, for example,grilled fishEither share between two or skip the extra appetizers. Portions in Portuguese cuisine are usually quite large, and one dish can be enough for a full dinner.

It's important to remember that drinks are usually paid for separately, and this should be taken into account in your budget.

You can buy a bottle of Madeira for about €10-15. A cup of cappuccino in a café costs around €0.7-2, and a small bottle of water (0.33 l) will be in the range of €0.5-1. If you want to drink cola or Pepsi (also 0.33 l), be prepared to part with an amount from €1 to €1.5. As for local beer with a volume of 0.5 l, its price ranges from €1-2.

Snacks in restaurants

In most restaurants, after placing your order, you may be offered cold appetizers such as ham, vegetable salads, olives, or even something more original. You shouldn't expect them to be free — you will have to pay extra for all the appetizers you try. So if you're interested in something, it's worth checking the price in advance.

Fast food lunch

A meal at a popular American fast food chain will cost you €5-6, but we recommend checking out local snack bars. Here you can enjoy fried sardines or tuna for €4-5, as well as try the signature hot bun with butter and filling, which is grilled, for €1-2. It's not only inexpensive but also quite filling.

Prices for groceries in supermarkets

The usual prices for groceries in supermarkets can vary significantly.

• Milk (1 liter) — from €0.5 to €0.75
• White bread (500 g) — from €0.7 to €1.5
• Rice (1 kg) — from €0.6 to €1
• Pasta (1 kg) — approximately €1.5
• Eggs (12 pcs) — from €1.2 to €2
• Local cheese (1 kg) — from €5 to €10
• Olive oil (1 liter) - about €5
• Chicken breasts (1 kg) — from €3.5 to €7
• Beef (1 kg) - from €6 to €12
• Ham (1 kg) — from €15 to €30
• Octopuses/squid (1 kg) — from €8 to €10
• Tuna (1 kg) — from €8 to €10
• Dorade (1 kg) — €5
• Eshpada (1 kg) - from €3.5 to €4
• Apples (1 kg) — from €1 to €1.9
• Bananas (1 kg) — from €0.9 to €1.5
• Oranges (1 kg) — from €0.9 to €1.5
• Tomatoes (1 kg) — from €0.9 to €2
• Potatoes (1 kg) — from €0.5 to €1.1
• Onions (1 kg) — from €0.5 to €1.35
• Lettuce (head) - from €0.5 to €1.4
• Water (1.5 L) - from €0.2 to €1
• A bottle of wine costs between €3 and €5.
• Local beer (0.5 L) - from €0.6 to €1.5
• Cigarettes (a pack) — from €4.5 to €5

Supermarkets and markets

The most widely spread supermarkets, such as Pingo Doce, Continente, Bom Dia, Alisuper, Mini Preço, and Lidl, usually operate until 7-9 PM; less frequently until 10-11 PM. Prices for seafood, meat products, and cheeses in supermarkets and at vegetable markets are almost identical. Supermarkets offer various discounts, while at markets you can sometimes negotiate. It's definitely worth visiting a local market at least once, where you can buy freshly caught seafood that will be prepared for you right away — this will undoubtedly leave unforgettable impressions.

Transportation costs

It is also important to remember that in addition to food prices, there are transportation costs. Portugal has a well-developed public transportation system that includes subways, trams, buses, taxis, and even funiculars in some cities. The cost of a bus or tram ride varies depending on the payment method (cash or a special card) and ranges from €1.25 to €2.85. Typically, a tram ride costs about €2.85, while a bus ride is around €1.80. If you choose the subway, be prepared to pay about €1.40 for a single trip.

Savings on transportation in Portugal

In Portugal, travelers can significantly reduce their expenses by using a single ticket that allows unlimited travel on various types of public transport for a day. In port cities, the price is around €7, while in Lisbon, the same ticket will cost you only €5. If you're looking for a longer option, a monthly pass is a great choice, with prices ranging from €30 to €45, depending on the region.

Bicycle rental

For active leisure enthusiasts, renting a bicycle will be an excellent solution. Rental prices can range from €15 to €20 per day. Rental points are available in almost every major city in the country. However, it is important to remember that the roads in Portugal can be challenging for various routes, with steep climbs and descents, which may pose difficulties for unprepared cyclists.

Taxi as a convenient option

If you need comfortable transportation, taxis can be a great option. The fare is approximately €0.5 per kilometer, and the base price for a ride starts at €2.5. For example, a trip from the airport to the center of Lisbon will cost around €10.

Renting or buying a car

For more independent travel around the country, you might consider renting or even buying a car. Renting a Peugeot 107 will cost you between €35 and €40 per day, while a Volkswagen Polo will range from €45 to €50, and an Opel Astra will be priced from €55 to €60.

If you are looking to purchase your own vehicle, for example, a Volkswagen Golf 1.4 (90 kW), its price will be around €25,000, while a Toyota Corolla 1.6 (97 kW) is priced at about €24,000. Gas prices in Portugal fluctuate around €1.5 per liter.

Car rental terms

To rent a car in Portugal, you must be at least 21 years old, although some companies may offer services to drivers as young as 19. However, in this case, you will have to pay an additional fee for the "young driver" status.

An alternative in the form of trains and buses

If driving a car doesn't appeal to you, you can take advantage of intercity trains and express buses. The prices for tickets on high-speed trains with enhanced comfort range from €40 to €65, while regular trains offer tickets priced from €24 to €40.

For traveling around the region, it's convenient to use suburban trains, which cost only €3-7. Although express buses are more expensive than trains, they are still a cheaper option compared to trains, with prices starting from €20 to €35 for a one-way ticket.

Mistakes in shopping planning

When it comes to clothing purchases, tourists should also consider the prices for standard items. For example, classic Levi's jeans or their equivalents can cost between €50-100. A summer t-shirt will be around €10, a swimsuit can be found for €20, and a summer dress will be priced from €20 to €40.

• Sports sneakers from well-known brands range from €50 to €90.
• Classic leather shoes range from €50 to €120.
• A women's leather bag — around €100.

Lisbon as a shopping hub

If your goal is shopping, be sure to visit Lisbon, which is a true paradise for lovers of quality shoes and clothing, as well as exquisite gold and ceramic products. This place attracts shoppers from all over the world, ready to appreciate the variety of offerings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to note that life in Portugal can offer many opportunities for both acquiring property and comfortable living, even on a limited budget. Although real estate prices are gradually rising, they remain competitive compared to other European capitals. Additionally, the availability of rental apartments makes the country attractive to tourists and short-term residents.

Food in Portugal

When it comes to food expenses, Portugal delights with a wide variety of local cuisine. I personally had the opportunity to enjoy a range of dishes, from fresh seafood to traditional snacks that don't require huge spending. Knowing how and where to look, you can ensure yourself delicious and hearty meals within a reasonable budget. I especially want to highlight the local markets, where you can not only buy the freshest products but also feel the atmosphere of authentic Portuguese life.

Transport in Portugal

Transportation in Portugal is also quite convenient and accessible. Various forms of public transport provide easy access to major attractions and make getting around the cities comfortable. I personally enjoyed using the local trams and buses, taking in the views along the way.

Key points

• Competitive housing prices:compared to other capitals in Europe.
• Availability of rental:An attractive option for tourists and short-term residents.
• A wide selection of local cuisine:the opportunity to enjoy delicious dishes at reasonable prices.
• Convenient transportation:a variety of options for comfortable travel around cities.

Overall, Portugal is a country that delights not only with its beautiful landscapes and cultural heritage but also with its reasonable pricing in real estate, food, and transportation. I can confidently say that when planning a trip or a move, you won't go wrong choosing this wonderful country. I hope this review has helped you better understand what to expect from life in Portugal and has inspired you to make a decision about your next step.