Barbara Queirós Updated: May 7, 2026
Lisbon is expensive when you compare it to many other Portuguese cities. However, the monthly living expenses remain notably cheaper than in much of Western Europe and the United States.
The cost of living in Lisbon is €750 for a single person and €2,600 for a family of four, excluding housing costs. Whether you want to relocate to Lisbon or just explore the local tourist attractions, it is important to calculate the average rental prices, dining costs, and healthcare expenses.
In this article, we provide a detailed guideline for living expenses in Lisbon. From the overall costs in the city center to those in the surrounding areas. We can help you secure the best deal for a comfortable living.
Cost of Living in Lisbon: Key Takeaways
- The monthly cost of living in Lisbon is: €750 for singles, €1,400 for couples, and €2,600 for families with four children (not including rent).
- Rent prices in Lisbon are 43.8 percent cheaper than in London (UK), 9.1 percent cheaper than in Paris (France), and 32.6 percent lower than in Amsterdam (Netherlands).
- For US citizens, living expenses in Lisbon are 42.2 percent more affordable than in Washington, DC (including rent).
- When comparing Lisbon vs Porto, the capital city is 14.1 percent more expensive overall with rent.
Is Lisbon expensive to live in?
Lisbon is an expensive city to live in for many expats and locals earning a minimum income in Portugal. Prices increased in Lisbon over the last couple of years, driven by the 17.5 percent year-on-year surge in housing prices in Q4 2025, published by Statistics Portugal (INE).
However, Lisbon is considered a more budget-friendly place to live than many Western European countries and big cities in the United States. For example, living expenses in Lisbon are generally lower than in London (UK), Berlin (Germany), Amsterdam (Netherlands), and Paris (France).
As of December 2025, Portugal is the 4th cheapest country in Western Europe, according to the Expatistan open-source cost-of-living index.
The Portuguese capital is extremely cheap if you look at the average real estate prices in US cities such as Washington DC, San Francisco, New York City, and Los Angeles.
In fact, for US citizens, the overall cost of living in Lisbon is significantly more manageable for digital nomads, retirees, foreign workers, and families earning a high income or above the Portugal’s average salary.
How much does it cost to live in Lisbon, Portugal?
So, is Lisbon cheap to live in as an expat? Lisbon is one of the largest cities in the European Union, with a population of over 3 million people across the wider metropolitan area. Therefore, you can expect the cost of living in Lisbon to be more expensive than in other big cities in Portugal, such as Porto, Faro, and Braga.
The cost of living in Lisbon per month depends on your location, spending habits, and lifestyle. But, all in all, as a single person living in Lisbon, you can spend roughly a €750, €2,600 for a family of four, and €1,400 for a couple to cover the monthly budget without including rental prices.
The average rent in Lisbon, Portugal, is around €1,050 to €1,300 for a one-bedroom apartment. A three-bedroom apartment costs anywhere from €1,600 to €2,500 and over.
However, keep in mind that Portugal has lower average salaries and purchasing power than major European cities. As of 2026, the gross minimum wage in Portugal is €920 per month (or €12,880 per year).
Ultimately, Portugal is a beautiful country where you can enjoy a coastal lifestyle, sandy beaches, a warm climate, and excellent safety standards. Lisbon is a cheap city by US standards when you compare it to its capital, Washington D.C, and you can live a good life if you earn more than the average minimum salary in Portugal.
Here is a quick breakdown of the Lisbon cost of living for different demographics.
- A single person’s average monthly expenses: €750 (excluding rent)
- A family of four’s average monthly expenses: €2,600 (excluding rent)
- A couple’s average monthly expenses: €1,400 (excluding rent)
Housing Costs in Lisbon
Lisbon is the most expensive city in Portugal, judging by the housing prices. Your daily expenses will greatly vary based on where you live and your overall spending habits. For affordable options, the best neighborhoods in Lisbon are outside the city center, in the wider Lisbon Metropolitan Area.
Buying property
The average property prices in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area are €5,045 per square meter and €7,086 per square meter in the city itself.
To buy property in Lisbon as a foreigner, you would need a Portuguese tax number (NIF or Número de Identificação Fiscal). It is highly recommended that you open a Portuguese bank account if you plan to apply for a mortgage or take a loan to finance your purchase.
A Lisbon real estate agent, or a buyer’s agent like Goldcrest, can help you find properties in Portugal. As buyer’s agents, we focus specifically on you, the buyer, and can negotiate prices on your behalf. We can also streamline the entire property buying process from collecting documents to narrowing down the best neighborhoods to invest in.
Other options for researching the Lisbon real estate market include websites such as Imovirtual, Idealista, and Casa Sapo.
Note: If you want to obtain Portuguese residency through the Portugal Golden Visa, real estate investment options no longer qualify. For more details on the available residency options, check our ultimate guide to the Golden Visa Portugal.
Rent prices
The average rent in Lisbon is slightly cheaper than in many major European cities. The price depends on the neighborhood and area you want to live in.
According to Numbeo, the average rent in Lisbon, Portugal, is as follows:
- One-bedroom apartment in the city center (T1): €1,330
- One-bedroom apartment outside the city center (T2): €1,050
- Three-bedroom apartment in the city center (T3): €2,580
- Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center (T3): €1,670
The most popular rental apartments are in the historic city center and near the coastal areas. If you want to save on accommodation costs and reduce your monthly spending, shared room prices can reach anywhere from €350 to €550 per month.
For more details, check our article on perfect houses for rent in Lisbon, Portugal.
Check our ultimate guide to buying property in Portugal
Everyday Living Expenses in Lisbon
The Lisbon average cost of living is different for everyone. Lisbon is expensive compared to other Portuguese cities, but it remains more budget-friendly than other Western European capitals. Below, we will cover certain expenses that can affect your entire monthly budget.
Utility costs
So, is Lisbon cheap? The basic utilities will take a major chunk of your monthly budget.
Based on Numbeo, the monthly utilities are as follows:
- Basic utilities for an 85 m2 apartment (water, heating, electricity, garbage, and cooling): €156
- Mobile phone plan (10 GB+ data, unlimited): €16
- Internet bill (60+ Mbps, unlimited data): €32
You can also try to lower the overall expenses by comparing utility plans on websites, such as PoupaEnergia and Comparaja.
Food prices
Lisbon has large supermarket chains such as Auchan, Pingo Doce, Continente, and Mercadona, where you can buy food and organic products at affordable prices.
Groceries and other household essentials are not very expensive, but the living expenses in Lisbon vary based on the household. The typical monthly costs for groceries include:
- For a couple: €300–€400
- For a single person: €150–€250
- For a family of four: €600–€700
The table below provides a list of the typical grocery items that could help you estimate the Lisbon cost of living:
Item | Price |
Milk (1 liter) | €1.05 |
Loaf of fresh white bread (500g) | €1.54 |
White rice (1 kg) | €1.39 |
12 eggs | €3.51 |
Local cheese (1 kg) | €11.06 |
Chicken fillets (1 kg) | €6.88 |
Oranges (1 kg) | €1.72 |
Potatoes (1 kg) | €1.54 |
Lettuce (1 head) | €1.53 |
Dining out
You’ll find many restaurants in Lisbon, from extremely affordable eateries to mid-range and luxury Michelin-starred restaurants. A classic meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around €50 for two people.
For those interested in the traditional Portuguese cuisine, there are many tascas (inexpensive restaurants) where you can happily eat great food for between €10 and €13, often with a café and sobremesa (dessert) included. Domestic beer costs about €3 for a 0.33-liter bottle, while a mid-range bottle of wine can cost €5.
Transportation costs
In Portugal, public transportation is relatively cheap, even for long-distance travel. You can buy a one-way ticket for €2 with local buses or metros, or get yourself a monthly pass for €40 at a regular price if you are traveling more frequently for work or other reasons.
Many people like to own a car as the gasoline costs are reasonable (€1.84 per liter). That being said, taxis, Uber, and Bolt are also convenient and very inexpensive for traveling in Lisbon or anywhere in Portugal. Just to give you a broader example, the standard taxi tariff is €3.55, and if the taxi waits for an hour, it would cost €14.80.
Healthcare
Portugal offers a high standard of healthcare and universal coverage for its citizens and Portuguese residents. This is provided by the public National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS).
Compared to countries like the United States, the cost of living in Lisbon per month is drastically cheaper when it comes to its public and private healthcare.
According to the World Health Organization, Portugal’s healthcare system ranks 12th worldwide, placing it ahead of the US and a number of Western and Northern European countries. For foreigners, some services do come with small out-of-pocket charges, but there are no deductibles and hidden costs.
You can pay a small fee for services like emergency room visits, diagnostic tests, or specialist appointments. Routine checkups are also part of everyday expenses: Basic exams cost €40 and certain procedures start from as little as €5.
When it comes to private health insurance, Portugal is budget-friendly. A consultation at a private clinic can cost between €20 and €30, while annual private health insurance plans start at about €400, with more comprehensive coverage reaching around €1,000 per year.
Our guide for healthcare in Portugal takes a closer look at the potential expenses for various services.
Sports and leisure
There are many things to do in Lisbon, from swimming in the Atlantic Ocean to exploring the historic landmarks. You can expect to spend about €8 for a seat at the cinema for an international release movie.
Various Lisbon tourist attractions are reasonably priced compared to other European capitals. If you play tennis and want to rent a court for an hour on the weekend, it can cost you €16.57.
Gym memberships are very affordable, with an average monthly cost of €41.29. The most popular major gym brands in Lisbon are Solinca, Holmes Place, and VivaGym, where the average gym memberships cost €12–€20, €90–€150, and €30–€40, respectively.
Shopping
Discount chains such as Aldi, Lidl, and Minipreço are very popular with foreigners and Portuguese people. Here, consumer prices are reasonable.
Childcare and schooling
Public schools are free in Portugal, but remember that the lessons will be taught in Portuguese. If your children are young, they will pick up the language quickly.
There are 36 international schools in Lisbon with English-speaking studies and nationally recognized curricula.
The average living expenses in Lisbon for childcare are:
- International primary school (annual tuition per child): €15,939
- Private full-day pre-school or kindergarten (monthly cost per child): €530
Cost of Living in Lisbon for Retirees
The cost of living in Portugal for retirees is quite reasonable and affordable. Although Lisbon is expensive by the average Portuguese standards, mainly when you compare it to other major cities like Porto, Faro, or Braga, seniors can live a comfortable life.
Retiring in Lisbon, as an expat who earns a stable passive income from foreign pensions or rental income, can be very manageable.
For example, a retired couple can live comfortably on €1,400 per month, excluding rent. Many American retirees earn more than that and often buy their own property or purchase land for sale in Lisbon and then build on it.
Other seniors prefer to connect with expats and locals by choosing to settle in retirement homes in Lisbon, Portugal. Whatever the choice may be, the cost of living in Lisbon for high- to medium-earning seniors can be easy to manage.
Cost of Living in Lisbon Compare to Other region in Portugal
Lisbon is Portugal’s economic and cultural center, and that positioning comes with higher day-to-day costs. The average cost of living in Lisbon varies for everyone, but overall, housing is the biggest expense. When you compare the total costs, it can be useful to take a look at other areas in Portugal before you settle.
Lisbon vs Porto
Porto is Portugal’s second-most expensive city, although still substantially cheaper than Lisbon. Housing costs can be 19.8 percent lower, and day-to-day expenses follow suit. A single person typically spends €830 to €1,100 per month on rent.
Lisbon vs Algarve
The Algarve presents a dual reality. Local towns such as Portimão, Tavira, or Loulé have moderate living costs similar to mid-sized Portuguese cities. Yet high-end areas — Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura — can rival Lisbon pricing, particularly in housing and dining.
Lisbon vs Coimbra or Braga
University and mid-sized cities like Coimbra, Braga, Aveiro, and Évora offer some of the best value in Portugal. Daily expenses are lower, and rents can be half or even a third of Lisbon’s. A single resident often spends €500 to €700 per month on essentials, or €900 to €1,300 including rent.
Don't know how to move to Portugal?
What is the cost of living in Lisbon compared to the US?
Lisbon is much cheaper than the United States, especially in cities like Washington, DC.
Here is why:
- The cost of living in Lisbon (excluding rent) is around 39 percent lower than in Washington, DC.
- Rent in Lisbon is 47.1 percent lower than in Washington, DC.
- Restaurant prices are 44.9 percent lower in Lisbon than in Washington, DC.
- The cost of groceries in Lisbon, Portugal, is 44.6 percent lower than in Washington, DC.
This is one of the many reasons that Portugal sees an increasing number of American expats and investors heading to its sunny shores. With talk that Lisbon is the new LA, Americans are taking note and looking for a better quality of life, with cheaper healthcare, progressive legislation, pristine beaches, and a wonderful climate.
But not just Americans are moving to Portugal; foreigners are also coming from Europe, China, South America, and Brazil.
Goldcrest: How We Can Help You
Goldcrest is the first buyer’s agent in Portugal. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property through to property acquisition, we have you covered throughout the process.
Unlike traditional real estate agents in Portugal who represent the seller, we are dedicated exclusively to protecting the buyer’s interests.
If you are looking to purchase property in Portugal, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of skilled experts is available to solve all your real estate doubts, helping you with the property search and offering insightful expertise and strategic advice.
Why choose Goldcrest?
- Local knowledge: With offices located across Portugal, our presence nationwide allows us to assist you personally across the country.
- Independent service: As an independent buying agent, we do not represent any development or project. Our service is entirely tailored toward each individual client, providing you with everything you need to secure the perfect property at the best possible price.
- Streamlined process: Our real estate agents speak English and Portuguese, and our service is completely focused on providing you with a hassle-free buying experience, saving you time. We can also help you buy property remotely.
- Experienced team: Our expert real estate team has a vast local knowledge of the Portuguese property market. We have cutting-edge technology and metasearch tools at your disposal to provide full market coverage, ensuring the best investment choices and negotiated prices.
- Network of partners: We have a close network of partners, including lawyers, property management services, builders, architects, designers, and landscape gardeners, again saving you time and hassle by providing you with trusted experts in their field of work.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cost of Living in Lisbon
How much does it cost to live in Lisbon in 2026?
The estimated monthly expenses for a single person in Lisbon, excluding rent, are around €750. The estimated cost for a family of four is over €2,600, not including rent. The cost of living will depend on your lifestyle habits and whether you enjoy a life of luxury. Unlike many other European capital cities, Lisbon is quite affordable.
Is Lisbon cheap by European standards?
Lisbon is the most expensive place to live in Portugal. But the Portuguese capital remains a more affordable place to live than much of Western Europe and major cities in the United States, such as Washington, D.C., and San Francisco.
What is the cost of living in Lisbon compared to in the US?
Lisbon has a low cost of living and is much cheaper than US cities. For example, rent prices in Lisbon are 47.1 percent cheaper than in Washington DC, restaurant prices are 44.9 percent cheaper, and the cost of living is 39 percent lower, not including rent.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Lisbon?
A family of four can live a comfortable lifestyle in Lisbon for approximately €2,600, without rent. A single person’s estimated monthly cost is €750 without rent. The cost of living in Lisbon for a couple will be something in between. Note that the cost of living in Lisbon per month will vary depending on your lifestyle.
What is the average rent in Lisbon?
Rent prices in Lisbon vary based on the location and size of the apartment. A one-bedroom place in the city center costs around €1,330 a month, while the same outside the center is closer to €1,050. For more space, a three-bedroom apartment in the center can go for about €2,580 a month, or €1,670 if you want to live farther out.
Can I live in Lisbon, Portugal on €1,000 a month?
Very unlikely, but doable. There are shared apartments for €350 to €550 per month, which can lower your living expenses in Lisbon. But keep in mind that the average cost of rent for a single-bedroom flat is €1,330 to €1,050 per month. So, to live on a €1,000 monthly budget, you need to consider serious cost-cutting.
Can I work remotely in Portugal?
Yes, the Digital Nomad Visa, launched in 2022, has made it easier for remote workers to relocate to Portugal. The average salary in Lisbon is quite low, so many expats work remotely, freelance, for an online business.
Is Lisbon affordable?
Lisbon is an affordable city, especially if you compare it to other capitals in Western Europe, like London and Paris, or the United States. Lisbon consumer prices are 49.6 percent cheaper than in London, and significantly more affordable than in New York.
What is the cost of living in Lisbon for international students?
The cost of living for international students in Lisbon is different for everyone. A frugal student can get by with about €800 per month, primarily by sharing a room in a flat or a university residence. You should be able to find a room for around €350 to €550 for a shared apartment. More expensive options, like private studios, can push monthly costs to over €1,200.
What is the cost of living in Lisbon for a family?
According to Numbeo, a family of four’s estimated monthly costs are over €2,600, not including rent. Monthly costs will no doubt depend on your lifestyle and spending habits. However, you will find living expenses, for most things, more affordable than in most other countries in Western Europe.
How many people live in Lisbon?
As of 2026, more than three million people live in Lisbon. Lisbon’s population has gone up by about 13,660 people in the past year, which is a small but steady growth of about 0.45 percent.
Can you live off your US social security in Lisbon?
Yes, many Americans do manage to live in Lisbon on US Social Security alone, but it depends heavily on your monthly benefit, your housing choices, and whether you want a “comfortable” or “bare‑bones” lifestyle. For most retirees, Lisbon is more affordable than major US cities, yet central rents and health insurance can quickly stretch a modest Social Security check.
