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Portugal Cost of Living 2024: What Expats Need to Know
Updated cost of living analysis for expatriates considering Portugal, including housing, healthcare, and daily expenses across major cities.
Understanding the cost of living is essential for anyone planning to relocate to Portugal. Here’s an updated analysis for 2024.
Housing Costs
Housing has seen significant increases in recent years:
Lisbon
- 1-bedroom apartment (city center): €1,200-1,800/month
- 1-bedroom apartment (outside center): €800-1,200/month
Porto
- 1-bedroom apartment (city center): €900-1,400/month
- 1-bedroom apartment (outside center): €600-900/month
Smaller Cities (Braga, Coimbra, Setúbal)
- Generally 30-50% lower than Lisbon prices
Monthly Expenses
For a single person (excluding rent):
- Utilities: €100-150
- Groceries: €250-350
- Transportation: €40-100 (public transit pass)
- Dining out: Variable, but €10-15 for a meal
- Health insurance: €50-150 (private)
Healthcare
Portugal offers excellent healthcare options:
- National Health Service (SNS): Available to residents at low cost
- Private insurance: Comprehensive coverage from €50-150/month
- Out-of-pocket costs: Generally reasonable compared to US/UK
Income Requirements Context
These costs help contextualize visa income requirements:
- D7 visa minimum (~€870/month) is tight for Lisbon but viable in smaller cities
- D8 digital nomad visa minimum (€3,500/month) allows comfortable living anywhere
Portugal remains more affordable than Western European counterparts while offering high quality of life.