Cost of Living in Lisbon

The beautiful, cosmopolitan capital of Portugal has long bewitched expats, with its intricate architecture, balmy climate, and stunning river views. The high quality of life and friendly locals are constantly referred to as major factors when it comes to relocating to Lisbon. However, what is the cost of living in Lisbon? Well, compared to most other capital cities in Europe, Lisbon is a pretty affordable city. In this article, we’ll provide you with a detailed rundown of all the major costs relating to the cost of living in the Portuguese capital.

In this article, we’ll run over the following:

• Lisbon property prices and rental prices
• Food prices
• Restaurants and eating out
• Education and healthcare expenses
• Plus much more!

Property Prices in Lisbon

So, how much is an apartment in Lisbon? In the city of Lisbon, the average asking price for an apartment in 2020 was €5139/m2. When broadening your search to look at the entire metropolitan area of Lisbon, this falls significantly to €3225/m2, highlighting the high demand in the city itself. Note that these are the average asking prices, and the transaction price can be either higher or lower than this. Lisbon has many different neighborhoods that each have their unique vibe and characteristics, with housing options for both families and single residents.

Prices will vary considerably depending on the neighborhood. To see more about the prices in different neighborhoods, you can consult our article on where to buy property in Lisbon.

Rent Prices in Lisbon

According to data from Idealista, published in April 2022, the average rent for a Lisbon apartment is €16.85 per m². To give you some indication, we’ll provide you with some price brackets below:

• A one-bedroom apartment in the city center – €855
• A three-bedroom apartment in the city center – €1,700
• A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center – €650
• A three-bedroom apartment outside the city center – €1,100

Again, the rent prices will vary depending on which neighborhood you opt for, plus the size of the apartment, the age of the apartment, and other factors. Some apartments will include utilities, while for others, you will be required to pay extra for them.

The Cost of Food in Lisbon

Daily essentials are very good indicators of the affordability of a city, and what better place to start than by checking out the food prices to get a better understanding of the cost of living in Lisbon.

You’ll be happy to know that food is, in general, pretty affordable in Lisbon. If you factor into your budget between €300-€400 per month, you should be well within your limits as meat, fish, vegetables, and fresh fruit are all relatively inexpensive and of very good quality. You’ll find much of the produce here is grown in the country. Try the oranges from the Algarve, the local cheeses, or the dourada fish and you’ll see firsthand the excellence of Portuguese produce. It is worth noting that shopping local is usually cheaper.

Prices for daily essentials are shown below, with data from Numbeo:

Cost of Utilities

It is important to understand the average cost of utilities per month. To give you an indication, basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage) for an 85m2 apartment will cost you around 115€ per month. One minute of a prepaid mobile local tariff, without any discount or plan, will cost you 0.15€. Internet (60 Mbps or more) will cost you €33.

Note that with utilities, this will depend greatly on your usage. One good thing about living in Lisbon is that the climate is very favorable, and for much of the year, you will not need to spend much on heating. However, the winters can be cold inside, so be prepared in advance.

Transportation Costs

When looking into the cost of living in Lisbon, getting around is very important. Is it going to break the bank going to work each day? Well, you’ll be pleased to know that transportation is generally very affordable.

Buses and the Metro are both inexpensive and the most popular ways to get around. The Metro, in particular, is much more convenient, and quicker in a lot of ways, than getting around by car, particularly during rush hour. A one-way ticket on local transport will cost you €1.50 and a monthly pass will cost you €40 at a regular price. You also have the iconic yellow Lisbon trams to get from place to place.

You can also get from city to city cheaply and within cities, taxis are quite affordable. However, for even cheaper prices, Uber and Bolt will usually give you better deals.

If you have a car in Portugal, gasoline will cost you €2.03 per liter.

 

Educational Costs

Public education is free for Portuguese citizens and legal residents of the country. However, if you opt for private education, then this will cost you between €800 and €1,500 per month for primary through to high school, not including book fees and enrollment fees.

You will also have the option to choose an international school in Lisbon. The capital has many outstanding options to choose from, which you can see in our article on International Schools in Portugal. The average fee is almost €1,500 a month but this will vary from school to school. Again, enrollment feeds, books, and so on will be extra costs that you will need to factor in.

When it comes to universities, private universities are more expensive than public universities. Public universities have a fee limit that can change on an annual basis. In recent times, the maximum fee is almost €900. The fees are not the same as for private universities, however, whereby they will cost, on average, €3,000 per year. You will also find that the cost of living for students in Lisbon is often cheaper than in other countries.

Healthcare costs

Healthcare in Portugal is almost completely free for Portuguese residents and citizens, with only small costs applicable. Only a couple of procedures will require fees, and these will generally be affordable. This will include paying a visit to the emergency room, taking a diagnostics exam, or getting a particular doctor’s appointment. Routine checkups will also need to be included in the cost of living in Lisbon, with a medical exam typically costing around €40, while medical procedures begin at €5.

It goes without saying that public healthcare is cheaper than private healthcare. You will have to pay an average of €40 to €50 for a doctor’s appointment in a private healthcare facility. On average, private instances cost a yearly fee of €400, with comprehensive healthcare cover costing around €1,000.

You can see our guide on healthcare in Portugal.

Portugal Golden Visa

If you are considering moving to Portugal, then the Portugal Golden Visa could be a good option for you. The Portugal Golden Visa allows you to reside in Portugal, with the possibility of securing Portuguese citizenship within five years through naturalization.

Here are the investment options available for the Portugal Golden Visa:

• Fund Subscription: Make a contribution to a qualified investment fund worth at least €500,000 
• Investment or donation in the arts or reconstruction of national heritage with a donation of at least €250,000 (Read more: Portugal’s Cultural Production Golden Visa)
• Scientific Research: Science or Technology research contribution of at least €500,000 
• Creation of ten jobs: Creation and maintenance of ten jobs during the required period
• Share capital and job creation: Incorporation of a company or reinforcement of a company’s share capital, in either case with an investment of €500,000, combined with the creation of five or maintaining ten jobs (5 of them permanent)

IMPORTANT UPDATE: PORTUGAL GOLDEN VISA - OCTOBER 2023

The Portugal Golden Visa program has recently undergone substantial changes. The new legislation is now in effect, and it's crucial to note that real estate investments are no longer a valid qualifying option within the program.

However, several attractive investment routes still maintain their eligibility for the program. Please refer to our comprehensive guide: Portugal Golden Visa Ultimate Guide.

 

Portugal D7 Visa

The D7 Visa is an affordable and attractive visa that allows non-EU citizens to obtain Portuguese residency as long as they have sufficient funds to sustain themselves during their stay in Portugal.

Retirees, entrepreneurs, or other expats who are living off a recognized stable income can apply for the D7 Visa. A recognized stable income includes movable property, real estate, intellectual property, pensions, or financial investments. To qualify, you’ll need to earn a minimum wage, which is dictated by the Portuguese Government.

For more information, you can see our article on the Portugal D7 Visa.

 

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 Retirement Visa (D7) is tailored for you. Digital nomads can take advantage of both short and long stay options with the Nomad Visa (D8). Meanwhile, the NHR - Non Habitual Tax regime provides significant tax benefits for new residents. 

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 Registration Number), a crucial step in any relocation process. 

Lisbon Life Cost: Conclusion

There’s no getting around the fact that Lisbon is the most expensive part of Portugal to live in. However, compared to most other Western European countries, you will find that it is relatively inexpensive. While property prices have been increasing steadily over the last few years, if you do some digging, you should be able to find an affordable property. It is worth having some inside knowledge of the market, which is where having a buyer’s agent can do wonders. Our real estate division, Goldcrest, will be more than happy to discuss your options for you to determine which neighborhoods in Lisbon to consider and help you find top properties on the market.

You can book a call with one of our consultants by contacting us.

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 Retirement Visa (D7) is tailored for you. Digital nomads can take advantage of both short and long stay options with the Nomad Visa (D8). Meanwhile, the NHR - Non Habitual Tax regime provides significant tax benefits for new residents. 

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 Registration Number), a crucial step in any relocation process. 

Global Citizen Solutions: How We Can Help You

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique residency and citizenship by investment consultancy focused on finding the perfect investment, citizenship, or residency program for individuals across the world. We work solely on behalf of our clients throughout the process for an easy and hassle-free journey to your desired route.

With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, get in touch today to see how we can understand your objectives and help you move towards becoming a global citizen.

The following articles may be useful to you:

• Cost of living in Portugal vs USA
• What is the cost of living in Portugal?
• Living in Lisbon: Everything you need to know before moving
• Is Portugal expensive for Americans?
• Moving to Portugal from the USA: The definitive guide
• Americans living in Portugal: Why you should move there right now
• Pros and Cons of living in Portugal

Also, Portugal ranks in 13th position in Global Citizen Solutions’ pioneering Quality of Life Index, part of our innovative way to uncover the true value of a passport. This index factors in the cost of living, alongside the Sustainable Development Goals, levels of freedom, happiness levels, migrant acceptance, and environmental performance.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Cost of Living in Lisbon

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Lisbon?

A family of four can live in Lisbon for approximately 2,152$ (2,045€) without rent. A single person’s estimated monthly cost is 612$ (582€) without rent. The cost of living in Lisbon for couple will be something in between. Note that the cost of living in Lisbon per month will vary depending on your lifestyle.

Is it expensive to live in Lisbon?

While Lisbon is the most expensive city to live in in Portugal, it is quite affordable when compared to other Western European Countries. Indeed, the cost of living in Lisbon for international students and expats is usually very affordable.

Is Lisbon a good place to live?

Lisbon is one of the best cities to live as an expat, with a relatively low cost of living, high quality of life, excellent weather, and welcoming locals. The city also has many excellent international schools and good healthcare.