Cost of Living in Braga: The Ultimate Guide on Living Expenses

Located in northern Portugal, Braga has been overlooked in the past in favor of more popular destinations like Lisbon or Porto. However, in 2024, the World Travel Awards voted Braga the world’s leading emerging tourism destination, and the city has become somewhat of a tech hub.

Many international companies are opening up offices here, organically mixing modernity with the long-standing traditions of this historic city. If you are considering living in this emerging city in Portugal, the most important thing to consider is the cost of living in Braga.

In this article, we’ll provide you with everything that you’ll need to know about the cost of living in Braga, Portugal, so that you can get a head start on planning your monthly budget. This guide will cover:

• An Overview of the Cost of Living in Braga, Portugal
• Rent costs and property prices in Braga
• Food prices in Braga
• Restaurants and eating out
• Cost of utilities
• Transportation costs
• Educational costs
• Healthcare costs

An Overview of the Cost of Living in Braga, Portugal

Braga, Portugal, is generally considered an affordable city with a lower cost of living compared to larger Portuguese cities like Lisbon or Porto. However, the cost of living in Portugal, especially housing and dining costs, is on the rise, so keep in mind that living expenses may vary.

You can also use our cost of living in Lisbon and cost of living in Porto guides to compare living expenses. In the sections below, we will explore the cost of living in Braga, Portugal. These factors will be covered in more detail further down in the article.

• Monthly budget for an expat: A monthly budget for an expat in Braga can be around €654, excluding rent
• Rent: A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around €788, but you can find apartments outside the city center for closer to €613
• Transportation: A monthly public transport pass is generally €20
• Utilities: Utilities, including electricity, water, phone, and cable, can cost around €121
• Dining and leisure: Budget around €50 for a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant
• Groceries: Expect to spend around €50 per week on groceries for a single person

Other costs to consider

• Health care: EU citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card can use the public health system for free for up to 90 days while they become legal residents. Non-EU citizens who are legal residents can use the public health system or opt for private health insurance
• General Braga cost of living: The cost of living in Portugal is 31.9 percent lower than it is in the United States, including rent. A family of four in Braga can live comfortably on a monthly budget of €2,291, excluding rent

Rent costs and property prices in Braga

When deciding whether to buy or rent a house, it’s good to have some idea of the property market. In recent years, Braga has become increasingly popular among expats, students, and, increasingly, tourists who are looking to explore the north of Portugal.

If you are interested in buying property in Portugal, you could even rent it out for part of the year to secure a nice return on your investment. House prices in Braga are generally very affordable, compared with other cities in Western Europe, and therefore, it could be a good idea to consider buying instead of renting in Portugal.

Braga rent prices

According to Numbeo, rent prices in Braga are around 48 percent lower than in the capital, Lisbon, and 30 percent lower than in Porto, the second-largest city in the country. Below, we provide you with average rental prices you will have access to in Braga:

Note that the rent prices will vary depending on which part of the city you want to live in, the size of the apartment, the age of the apartment, and other factors like all the amenities available. Some properties will include utilities, while for others, you will need to pay extra for them.

Property prices in Braga

Property prices in Braga will vary greatly depending on where you live in the city, or if you live slightly out of the city center.

The cost of buying real estate in Braga will also vary on several factors, such as the location, whether the property is in or outside the city center, and of course, the condition of the property you’re interested in.

On average, property prices in Braga’s center in 2025 are between €2,258 in the city center of Braga and €1,717 per square meter outside the city center.

Household Essentials and Food Prices in Braga

Food prices will give you an insight into the everyday cost of living in Braga. Generally, food is very affordable, and the produce is of very good quality, particularly if you shop locally.

The table below will provide you with the prices for some everyday grocery items and household essentials, with the data taken from Numbeo.

Restaurants and eating out in Braga

It is said that the food in the north of Portugal is the best in the country, and we would not dispute this. With excellent family-owned restaurants, Michelin-starred establishments, and lovely cafés to discover, Braga has much to offer. Meals are generally very cheap, and a meal in an inexpensive restaurant will cost you around €9.

If you venture into more luxury-end restaurants, however, expect to pay international prices. There are 12 Michelin-starred restaurants in Braga, which include Palatial and A Cozinha.

Cost of utilities

Utility costs will depend on your usage. Winters can get cold in the north of Portugal, so make sure that you have a good heating system to get you through the cold months.

To give you an indication of the basic cost of utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage), an 85-square-meter apartment will cost around €121 per month.

A monthly plan for a mobile phone that offers calls and 10GB of data will cost around €18, and an internet offering 60 Mbps or more with unlimited data will cost around €39.

Transportation costs

If you live in Braga, you can easily get around the city by public transport. There are good bus connections both inside and outside the city, and you can travel to nearby towns. Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is also reachable by train. Porto also has an airport for international travel.

Transportation in Braga is quite affordable. A one-way ticket on local transport costs €1.55, and a monthly pass costs €20.

Taxis are also an affordable option, but for even better deals, check out Uber. If you are driving, gasoline will cost you €1.69 per liter.

Childcare and Educational Costs in Braga

If you are moving to Portugal with your family, you have the option to send your children to a public school, a private school, or an international school. Public education is free for all Portuguese citizens and legal residents.

Childcare

Childcare costs vary depending on the type of service and the family’s specific needs. Hiring a babysitter typically costs between €10 and €12 per hour, and rates are influenced by factors such as experience, the time of day, and the number of children.

Evening and weekend services may be slightly higher priced, particularly for specialized care. A full day in a private preschool will cost around €300 per month per child in Braga.

Educational costs

If you decide on private education, you will have to pay a fee, which will range between €800 and €1,500 per month for primary through high school. There will also be extra costs to factor in, including enrollment fees, book fees, and, if applicable, school uniforms.

International schools in Portugal cost about €1,500, although this will vary from school to school. Portugal’s universities are well known internationally for their excellence and traditions. Public universities have a fee limit that changes annually but has recently been fixed at €900. Private institutions, however, cost an average of €3,000 per year.

Healthcare costs

Portugal ranks in 6th position in Global Citizen Solutions’ pioneering Quality of Life Index. This index factors in the cost of living, alongside the sustainable development goals, levels of freedom, happiness levels, migrant acceptance, and environmental performance.

For Portuguese residents and citizens, Portugal healthcare is almost completely free, with only small costs applicable. However, a few procedures require a fee, such as visiting the emergency room, taking a diagnostic exam, or getting a specific doctor’s appointment.

Routine checkups will typically cost €40, while medical procedures start at €5. The cost of living in Braga, with regard to healthcare, is pretty affordable, particularly when compared with the USA. Private healthcare will cost around €40 to €50 for a doctor’s appointment. Private insurance will cost a yearly fee of €400, while comprehensive healthcare cover will cost approximately €1,000.

Clothing and Personal Care Costs in Braga

Personal care products are generally in line with European averages, making them a manageable expense. However, as with all living costs, prices must be considered in relation to local salaries. Braga’s fashion scene caters to a variety of styles and budgets, offering diverse choices to match personal preferences.

According to Numbeo, branded jeans such as Levi’s cost around €61, while a mid-range running shoe from brands like Nike costs approximately €74. For formal wear, a pair of men’s leather shoes costs around €85. Compared to other major cities in Portugal, clothing in Braga is fairly affordable, allowing you to save money while maintaining a good quality of life.

Exploring Visa and Immigration Options for Portugal

If you're considering making the move to Portugal, it's essential to be informed about the various visa and residency options available. The Golden Visa Portugal program is an attractive option for many, offering residency to investors and their families. For those eyeing retirement in this beautiful country, the Portugal D7 Visa is tailored for you. Digital nomads can take advantage of both short and long-stay options with the Digital Nomad Visa (D8). 

For the entrepreneurial spirit, Portugal offers the Entrepreneurship/startup Visa (D2) - Start-up Visa (open company) tailored for those looking to establish their businesses in the country. Those with specialized skills can explore the Work visa for highly qualified employees (D3). Additionally, if you have Portuguese ancestry, you might be eligible for Citizenship by descent. 

However, moving to a new country isn't just about visas. If you're thinking of buying property, our guide on Buying Property in Portugal can offer invaluable insights. Dive deeper into the immigration process with our comprehensive Portugal immigration guide. For Americans specifically looking to relocate, we have curated information on Americans moving to Portugal. Lastly, one can't forget the importance of the NIF (Tax Identification Number), a crucial step in any relocation process. 

Frequently asked questions about the cost of living in Braga:

Is Braga expensive to live in?

Braga is a very affordable city to live in when compared to other cities in Western Europe and even the cost of living in Portugal.

Is Braga a good place to live?

Yes, Braga is an excellent choice of living location and was voted the leading emerging tourism destination in 2024 by the World Travel Awards.

Is Braga cheaper than Porto?

Living in Braga vs Porto, you will find the former more affordable, in terms of consumer prices, rent, and restaurant prices.

Where should I live in Braga?

There are many great options for living in and around Braga, including the university quarter, Bom Jeses do Monte, Maximinos, Sé e Cividade, Briteiros, Vila Verde, or Espinho. Our article Living in Braga explains these locations in more detail.

Can you live comfortably in Braga on €1,000 per month?

Yes, according to Numbeo, the estimated monthly costs for a single person are €654.3 excluding rent.

How much do expats typically spend on entertainment and leisure in Braga?

The cost for entertainment and leisure will vary according to personal preferences and your lifestyle. According to Numbeo, one seat in a cinema to watch an international movie release will cost around €8, a monthly fee for a fitness club for one adult will cost €41, and renting a tennis court for one hour over the weekend will cost €8.