If you're considering a move to Portugal, there are a few things you should know about the cost of living in this beautiful Mediterranean country. Though it's possible to live relatively cheaply in Portugal, depending on your lifestyle and where you choose to live, it's important to be aware that the cost of living has been steadily rising in recent years.
In addition to the cost of everyday necessities like food and housing, you'll also need to factor in the costs of transportation, healthcare, and education if you have children. And if you're looking for a vibrant nightlife and contemporary culture, you'll find that Lisbon and Porto are two of the most expensive cities in Portugal.
Fortunately, Portugal is home to a number of high-ranking universities, so if you're looking to study here, you'll be able to find affordable tuition rates. And although the cost of living can be high in Portugal, it's still lower than in many other Western European countries.
Cost of Studying in Portugal
If you're looking to study abroad in Portugal, you'll need to factor in the cost of tuition. International students attending the University of Lisbon can expect to pay tuition fees between €3,500 and €12,500 per year. At Portugal's Catholic University, tuition is a minimum of €6,000 annually. International students attending the University of Porto can expect to pay €3,500-€8,000 in tuition each year. Finally, tuition at the University of Minho costs €4,500 per year.
In addition to tuition, you'll also need to factor in the cost of living in Portugal. In Porto, it's €510. And in Minho, it's €450. Of course, these are just averages and your actual costs will depend on the specific apartment or house you're renting as well as your lifestyle.
So how much does it really cost to study in Portugal? It depends on which university you choose as well as your own personal spending habits. But overall, Portugal is a relatively affordable country to study abroad in compared to other popular destinations like England or France.
Cost of Living in Lisbon
If you're considering a move to Lisbon, it's important to factor in the cost of living. Dormitory options start at €160 per month, and apartments in the city center can cost up to €850. The price is usually cheaper if you are not in the city center.
Eating out is relatively affordable in Lisbon, with an average cost of €10 for an inexpensive meal. And transportation is also reasonable, with a monthly pass costing €40. Students receive a 25% discount on this price.
Utility bills can be a bit pricey in Lisbon, averaging €150 per month for a single person. But overall, the cost of living in Lisbon is quite manageable - especially when compared to other major cities.
Cost of Living in Porto
If you're considering studying abroad in Portugal, you're probably wondering what the cost of living is like. Here's a breakdown of some of the monthly expenses you can expect to incur while living in Porto.
Housing is one of the biggest expenses you'll have to account for. University housing is relatively affordable, with prices ranging from €130 to €250 per month. Private housing options are more expensive, averaging around €500 per month.
Utilities are another significant expense, costing an average of €120 per month. This includes costs for things like electricity, water, and internet.
Food is also a major expense, averaging €300 per month. However, this will vary depending on your eating habits. If you cook most of your meals at home, you can save money by buying groceries instead of dining out.
Public transportation is also relatively affordable in Portugal. A monthly pass costs only €30 and allows you unlimited travel on buses and trains within the city limits.
Overall, the cost of living in Porto is reasonably affordable. With careful budgeting, you should be able to cover all your necessary expenses without breaking the bank.
Cost of Living in Amadora
If you're considering moving to Amadora, Portugal, it's important to know what the cost of living is like. On average, you can expect to spend €1,100 per month on necessary expenses like housing, food, transportation and utilities.
Rent prices in Amadora are relatively affordable, especially if you choose to live in the city center. One-bedroom apartments in this part of town typically cost around €575 per month. You'll have easy access to commercial establishments, supermarkets and universities if you live in the central area.
Of course, the actual amount you spend each month will depend on your lifestyle and how much you're willing to splurge on non-essential items. But overall, the cost of living in Amadora is very reasonable - definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a new place to call home!
Cheapest City to Live in Portugal: Braga
If you're looking for a cheap city to live in Portugal, Braga is your best bet. A shared apartment in Braga costs an average of only €210 a month, and a one-way bus ticket costs just €2. Even a one-bedroom apartment in Braga won't break the bank, with monthly rents averaging around €450. And if you're worried about dining out being too expensive, don't be – a good meal at a restaurant in Braga will only set you back about €7.
So what's the catch? There really isn't one – Braga is simply a relatively affordable city compared to other places in Portugal. Of course, your cost of living will still be higher than in many other parts of Europe or the world, but if you're looking to live cheaply in Portugal, Braga is definitely the place to be.
Conclusion
Overall, Portugal is a great place to live. It's affordable, has great weather and is full of friendly people. So, if the cost of living is deterring you from considering a move to this beautiful Mediterranean country, don't let it! It's definitely worth it!