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Cost of Living in Portugal Compared to the U.S. and Canada 

Many Americans & Canadians are interested in moving abroad to find better quality of life for lower cost than they can in the States. Portugal is an excellent option for anyone relocating to a foreign country for lower cost of living.

 

Portugal is a diverse country and costs depend on what part of the country you're in. For example, apartment rentals can vary from €100 per month to well over €1000. Take a look at the sample budgets below for a sense of the variety. Generally, costs will be higher on the coast and in major cities (Lisbon, Porto).

Portugal Cost of Living

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Rent for a three bedroom apartment in Lisbon is 28% less than in Orlando

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Groceries are 34% less in Porto than in Houston

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Eating at a restaurant is 43% cheaper in the Algarve than in Los Angeles

data from numbeo.com

Portugal is a diverse country and costs depend on what part of the country you're in. For example, apartment rentals can vary from €100 per month to well over €1000. Generally, costs will be higher on the coast and in major cities (Lisbon, Porto).

 

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Food - Generally, food is quite affordable. A lunch menu (menu do dia) can cost under €5, and is typically between €5 and €12. A coffee might cost €0.50 in rural areas and rarely costs more than €1 in cities. Grocery shopping is also very affordable, particularly for non-imported fresh food.

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Transportation - Transportation is cheap - A metro ticket in Lisbon or Porto is under €2 and intercity train travel is typically around €20 for a 3 hour roundtrip journey. Buying a car, even a used car, can be expensive, particularly when compared with the US.

 

Utilities - Utilities are priced fairly high - a small apartment can expect to pay over €100 per month for water and electricity. Phone and internet packages are typically between €20 and €60 per month.

 

Insurance & Banking - Other major costs to consider include private health insurance, where costs can vary considerably. If you decide to open a Portuguese bank account you should expect to pay €5-10 per month in fees.

Sample Budgets

Sample Budget #1 - The Algarve

Please note that these sample budgets are directional only. The town you live in, changing prices, and your lifestyle will all influence your ultimate budget.

Living in the Algarve for Two People per Month (USD)

Rent, 2 bed house

$2000

Utilities (electric & water)

$96

Internet & phone

$73

Transportation (Transit pass)

$113

Groceries

$500

Eating out & Entertainment

$250

Gym membership for two

$113

Private health insurance for two

$312

Misc. (shopping, beauty, etc.)

$100

Total

$3457

Sample Budget #2 - Cascais

Please note that these sample budgets are directional only. The town you live in, changing prices, and your lifestyle will all influence your ultimate budget.

Living in the Cascais for Two People per Month (USD)

Rent, 2 bed condo in city center

$1475

Utilities (electric & water)

$100

Internet, phone, and cable

$80

Transportation (Transit pass)

$60

Groceries

$400

Eating out and entertainment

$300

Cleaning service (bi-weekly)

$50

Private health insurance for two

$260

Misc. (shopping, beauty, etc.)

$70

Total

$2795

Sample Budget #3 - Lisbon

Please note that these sample budgets are directional only. The town you live in, changing prices, and your lifestyle will all influence your ultimate budget.

Living in Lisbon for Two People per Month (USD)

Rent, 1 bed apartment, in suburbs

$705

Utilities (electric & water)

$100

Internet

$30

Transport (Metro + Longterm car rental & gas)

$260

Groceries

$235

Eating out and entertainment

$170

Private health insurance for two

$112

Misc. (shopping, beauty, etc.)

$50

Total

$1662

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