Would you like to get a job in Portugal? Would you like to work in an international environment while enjoying all the beautiful things Portugal has to offer in your free time? It sounds like a true Portuguese dream, doesn’t it? 😜 And we can definitely confirm that: living and working in Portugal is fantastic! And it gets even better, because Portugal’s cost of living is still one of the lowest in Europe, even though it has become more expensive in recent years.
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Living and working in Portugal: How expensive is it?
Let’s see what the average prices are in Portugal. How much does a dinner cost in Portugal? How much will you spend on renting an apartment? How much money do you need for your weekly shopping in Portugal? Are you curious about the prices in Portugal? Then keep reading as we go through the average prices for food, restaurants, drinks and accommodation.
Renting an apartment in Portugal: how much does it cost?
Living and working in Portugal has many advantages, including a wonderful quality of life. However, it’s important to be aware that the cost of living, especially for housing, has increased significantly in recent years. While still more affordable than many other Western European nations, the previous budget of €750-€1000 per month is no longer realistic if it includes rent in a major city.
Rental prices have seen the steepest rise. Here’s a more accurate look at what you can expect:
Lisbon: Finding a one-bedroom apartment in the capital for less than €1,000 is now extremely difficult. A more realistic monthly budget for a one-bedroom place is between €1,000 and €1,500.
Porto: Portugal’s second city is also in high demand. Expect to pay around €800 to €1,100 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Shared Flats: For most newcomers, sharing a flat is the most economical way to start. A single room in Lisbon or Porto now typically costs between €450 and €600.
Other Cities: University cities like Coimbra or Braga offer more affordable options, where you might find a one-bedroom apartment for around €550 to €750.
The romantic idea of buying a house for the price of a new car still exists, but it comes with caveats. These properties are typically ruins or require extensive renovation and are located in remote, inland villages, far from the main job markets.
Shopping in Portugal
Shopping in Portugal remains a delightful experience, offering excellent value compared to many other Western European countries. While global inflation has impacted prices, adopting a local lifestyle allows you to manage your food budget effectively.
The best way to save is by shopping for seasonal fruits, vegetables, and bread at local mercados (markets) or the major supermarket chains like Pingo Doce, Continente, and Mercadona. These staples are still very affordable. Meat prices have seen an increase; expect to pay around €6-€8/kg for chicken or pork, while good quality beef can range from €15/kg to over €25/kg depending on the cut.
However, Portugal continues to be a paradise for wine and beer lovers. You can easily find a good bottle of local wine for between €4 and €7, and a can or bottle of a popular national beer like Sagres or Super Bock costs just over €1 in a supermarket.
Many Portuguese people still cherish their local markets for freshness and regional specialties. You’ll find a market in almost every town, offering a direct connection to local producers. In Lisbon, the historic Mercado da Ribeira is now famously split: one side is the bustling Time Out Market food hall, while the other still operates as a traditional fresh-produce market. The renovated Mercado do Bolhão in Porto is another iconic example you shouldn’t miss.
Embracing these local shopping habits is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture and enjoy the incredible quality of Portuguese food while living and working in Portugal.
Living and working in Portugal: a night out on the town
If you love vibrant nightlife and enjoy letting your hair down, Portugal will not disappoint. 💃 The Portuguese have a fantastic energy for socializing, and the country’s cities are packed with everything from traditional bars to world-class nightclubs.
In major hubs like Lisbon and Porto, the party often starts late and goes on until sunrise. While the days of guaranteed free entry are less common, many clubs still offer deals. It’s a good idea to check their social media pages for special theme nights or guest lists that grant free or reduced entry. A common practice is charging an entry fee (consumo mínimo) that includes one or two drinks, especially if you arrive earlier in the night, often before 1 or 2 a.m.
Honestly, living and working in Portugal offers a fantastic work-life balance, with a social scene that’s always buzzing! 🥳
And when it’s time to head home, getting around is easy and safe. While traditional taxi fares have increased (expect a short city ride to cost between €8 and €15), ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt are extremely popular, widely available, and often offer competitive, upfront pricing. So you can always find a reliable and affordable way to get home after a great night out.
Beverages in Portugal
Beyond the cheap beer and wine, Portugal boasts a booming cocktail scene. Craft cocktail bars have become incredibly popular, especially in Lisbon and Porto.
Lisbon celebrates this culture with events like Lisbon Cocktail Week, which typically takes place in the spring. During these types of festivals, many participating venues offer promotions, such as two-for-one cocktails, making it a perfect opportunity to explore!
As for prices, you can expect a good cocktail at a city bar to cost between €8 and €12, while signature creations at high-end hotel bars can exceed €20. You’ll always have options to fit your budget.
Local tip: Prices drop considerably outside of the major city centers. In a local tasca (tavern) or café, especially in regions like the Algarve, you can still find a glass of good house wine (vinho da casa) for about €2.50 to €4. When it comes to beer, order an imperial (a small draft beer) for around €1.50 to €2.00, or a caneca (the equivalent of a pint) for about €2.50 to €4.00. 🍺
Living and working in Portugal: The cost of eating out
We all love going out for dinner, don’t we? One of the great joys of living in Portugal is how affordable dining out can be, offering incredible value for your money.
While prices have risen, a three-course meal for two people in a good, mid-range restaurant will cost around €50-€70. Our top tip for an amazing and budget-friendly meal? At lunchtime on weekdays, look for a local restaurant offering the prato do dia (dish of the day). You’ll get a delicious, typical Portuguese meal for about €9-€13. Often, you can get a full menu (menu do dia) that includes a drink, dessert, and coffee for just a few euros more, usually totaling around €12-€16.
In Portugal, tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. For good service, it’s common to round up the bill or leave a tip of 5-10%, especially in tourist areas or more upscale restaurants.
For fast food lovers, a combo meal at McDonald’s or Burger King will cost around €8-€10 now. A simple cheeseburger is priced at over €2. It’s the perfect easy meal when you’re recovering from a night out on the town! 🍻
If you don’t already have a job abroad and would like to try the Portuguese lifestyle, take a look at our vacancies and apply! You could be taking the first step towards the best experience of your life (no pressure 😉).
