Cost of Living in Cascais

Overview of Cost of Living in Cascais

The cost of living in Cascais reflects its desirable location by the sea, its proximity to Lisbon, and the lifestyle it offers. Whilst this is one of the more expensive towns when it comes to investing in Cascais real estate, it’s worth noting that other living expenses are comparable with those in other towns and cities in Portugal.

Overall, Cascais is still more affordable than many cities in Europe, and the cost of living is lower, hence its continued popularity with expats from all walks of life. The article below gives an overview of what it costs to live comfortably on an average salary in Cascais, taking into account basic requirements, utilities costs, and transport, leisure, and entertainment expenses.

What is the cost of living in Cascais?

Due to its lucrative location, a lot of people may be asking: Is Cascais expensive to live in? The answer is not a straightforward yes or no. As with everything, it depends on a person’s or family’s needs and habits, and the person’s average salary.

Cascais is not Portugal’s cheapest place to live in, but as mentioned above, its cost of living is still more affordable than many places in other European countries, especially similar coastal towns.

If you are seeking to compare the cost of living in the Portuguese Riviera vs the French Riviera, Portugal comes out as the considerably cheaper choice.

Is Cascais expensive?

Compared to other Portuguese towns and cities, it may seem that Cascais’ cost of living is less affordable. This is especially the case when it comes to Cascais, Portugal, real estate. Housing costs in Cascais can be relatively high, especially for properties in the city center or near the beach. However, more affordable housing options are also available further from the city center.

Compared to, for example, Sintra, which is only a 20-minute drive by car from Cascais, Cascais could be considered expensive. The rent for an average three-bedroom apartment in Sintra costs around €1,600, whereas the price in Cascais is around €3,092. As a coastal town, Cascais’ house and rental prices are significantly higher than in other towns located inland.

However, grocery and public transportation costs can be comparable to other cities in Portugal. What’s more, the city also offers many free and affordable activities, such as visiting beaches and parks, exploring the historic center of town, and attending cultural events. There are also plenty of budget-friendly restaurants and cafes throughout the city.

In the following sections, we’ll introduce the average cost of living expenses in Cascais to you, which will give you a comprehensive overview of the cost of living in this beautiful city.

Housing Costs in Cascais

As mentioned above, property and rental prices are higher than in many other Portuguese towns and cities due to Cascais’ desirable location and its great amenities. It is worth noting that some bargains can be snapped up on the Portuguese Riviera, but it may take some time to find them, and they are more likely to be restoration projects.

Buying a property in Cascais

Buying property in Cascais is generally as safe and straightforward as in the rest of Portugal. The same rules and regulations apply to all foreigners, and the process should be unproblematic.

Real estate prices in Cascais depend on the town’s neighborhoods. Carcavelos is probably the most affordable neighborhood in Cascais and is very popular with families and those who love water sports due to its beautiful beaches.

On the other hand, Quinta da Marinha is Cascais’ most exclusive and expensive neighborhood, with gated areas and luxury amenities, such as golf courses, equestrian estates, and health clubs. It is also the location of Cristiano Ronaldo’s house in Portugal, currently in the process of being built. Some of Cascais’ upper-market hotels are also located there.

The average asking price for property in Cascais stood at €7,260 per square meter. Again, this depends on the property, its location, and the amenities surrounding it. You will find some of the most stunning waterfront villas in Portgual are found in Cascais and on the Portuguese Riviera.

Tips for buying property

The process will include a lot of paperwork, so it’s important to seek assistance from experts, such as legal guidance in your native language and a trustworthy real estate agent in Cascais, or a buyers’ agents, who will look out for your best interests.

Here at Goldcrest, we have a team of experienced experts who can guide you through the various stages of buying real estate, from finding your dream property to signing and exchanging contracts.

Renting a property in Cascais

Renting a place is a preferred option for many people, be it long-term or to explore the area before committing to a permanent home. The rental market in Cascais is active, and lots of options are available for a great variety of properties, be it apartments or houses, with many also offering ocean views.

For short-term lettings, you may find Airbnb a convenient option for temporary accommodation before you decide to commit to a long-term rental. Websites Idealista and Kyero are useful in finding a place to rent in Cascais, but don’t discount local Facebook groups or private landlords.

You can also work with rental agencies or agents to help you find your ideal rental property, saving you time and hassle, and ensuring you enter into a fully legal rental agreement.

Make sure you view the property and check the contract to ensure there are no surprises further down the line.

Generally, prices for a one bedroom apartment in the city center average at €1,320 , and for a three-bedroom apartment, you will pay around €3.092 per month. Outside the center, you’ll pay around €1,050 for a one bedroom apartment and €2,190 for a three-bedroom apartment per month.

The above costs are from Numbeo.

Cost of Living in Cascais: Taxes and Bills

Taxes

Portugal can be a tax haven for expats, which is one of the reasons why many foreigners choose it as their new home, avoiding double taxation and extremely high tax deductions. Expats may be eligible for exclusive tax benefits via Portugal’s IFICI regime (so-called Portugal NHR.20. tax regime).

IFICI is available for certain professions, providing a flat tax rate of 20 percent for certain income. This new program replaced the Portugal NHR program in 2025.

The government also uses the Portugal D7 Visa (passive income visa) to attract expats, since the amount of money needed to qualify (a minimum of €870) can come from a passive income, such as a pension.

To ensure you pay the correct tax when living in Portugal, we recommend you seek expert advice beforehand to ensure there are no surprises when you move to Portugal.

Utility costs

Portugal has not been immune to rising prices for gas and electricity, so the cost of living has increased in line with the rest of the world. Nevertheless, Portugal is still a very affordable place when it comes to utility prices. Please also bear in mind that the climate during winter is mild, yet it can get quite cold inside apartments and houses, so heating costs may be higher during winter.

Of course, utility bills’ monthly costs will depend on the size of your accommodation, how many people occupy it, and how much gas, electricity, and water you use during your daily routine.

When it comes to your monthly budget for Internet and mobile phone bills, those depend on the provider and any deals that may be on offer for you at the time. It also depends on your personal and professional needs, so do some research before committing to any lengthy contract. Especially with mobile phones, you could initially consider a prepaid mobile tariff.

The table below gives a basic and average overview of utility monthly costs, which are a realistic representation for a small household.

The above costs are from Numbeo.

Cost of Living in Cascais: Other Costs to Consider

The cost of living in Portugal is generally reasonable, although this is very much dependent on your lifestyle. Cascais is a place that invites its residents to explore its many beautiful and fabulous facilities and amenities. While rent and house prices may be higher, this is not the case for many everyday necessities and activities.

Restaurants

Cascais has an exceptional gastronomy scene, with an abundance of cafes, bars, eateries, and restaurants. No matter your taste or budget, there is something for everyone, and dining out on a regular basis won’t break the bank, with many inexpensive restaurants as well as mid-range restaurants to choose from.

The cost to eat out at an inexpensive restaurant ranges between €8 and €20 per person. For something a little fancier, expect to pay between €40 and €65 for a three-course meal for two people or an equivalent combo meal at a mid-range restaurant.

Drinks are also affordable, and depending on where you go, half a liter of domestic beer will cost between €1.80 and €4, a soft drink between €1.50 and €2, and a cappuccino between €1 and €3.

Household essentials and the cost of food in Lisbon

The cost of living crisis has affected everyday items such as food and toiletries, but overall, Portugal is still one of the most affordable places in Europe. Groceries are reasonably priced in Cascais and are, for the most part, cheaper than in Lisbon. The table below gives an overview of prices of basic food items:

The above costs are from Numbeo.

Other essentials, such as toiletries, are also cheaper than in most other European cities.

Please bear in mind that these are average prices and may be different in individual stores or in a chain store.

Childcare and schooling

Living in Cascais is an excellent move for families with children, as the town has numerous public schools that follow the Portuguese curriculum. Whilst those schools are free for children of all ages, language proficiency in Portuguese is required.

This may be no problem for younger children, but for older children, you may want to consider a private or international school that follows a curriculum they are already familiar with.

A number of international schools are available in Cascais with a variety of curricula. Those schools require annual fees, which depend on the individual school. Other fees, such as insurance, school maintenance, and enrolment, may also apply.

You can get information for each individual school and visit them to make sure you make the right choice for you and your children. A more detailed list and in-depth information on international schools in Cascais can be found in our International Schools in Cascais article.

For families with older children, some higher education schools are also available. In Cascais, there are the Estoril Higher School of Hospitality and Tourism and the Higher School of Health of Alcoitão, but if those fields of study do not apply to your child, more options are close by.

Cascais’ proximity to the Portuguese capital means you have an abundance of international schools in Lisbon, and excellent high schools and universities nearby.

The following school fees are an average and may vary from institution to institution and from year to year:

Healthcare

Portugal’s healthcare, whether private or public, is considered to be amongst the best in the world. Its public healthcare, Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), is similar to the NHS in the UK and is either free or low-cost. To be entitled to this health service, you need to be a legal resident, and you need to be registered with your local council, showing proof of address, a residence card, and your work visa.

After registering successfully, you will get a healthcare number (número de utente), which you’ll need to present every time you access the health service. Some small fees may be payable if accessing certain services, ranging from €5 to €20. Dental care and cosmetic surgeries are not included in the public health service.

Private health insurance is relatively cheap, and you’ll be in excellent hands should you need access to doctors or hospitals. Monthly prices for private health insurance vary depending on the applicant’s age, their overall health, and their health history. On average, you can expect to pay between €400 and €1,000 per year, subject to your chosen insurance plan. Some comprehensive plans can go higher than this. This is considerably more affordable than in the USA or in other Western European countries.

Transportation costs

Portugal’s infrastructure, including its public and local transport, is excellent and also affordable. You may want to invest in your own means of transport eventually, but until then, buses, trains, and taxis will reliably get you around Cascais and its surrounding places.

Cascais itself is easy to navigate on foot, and if you want to cycle, you can take advantage of Cascais’ free bike rental service, which is provided by the council. For those preferring to use public transport regularly, you may want to invest in a monthly pass, with a regular price of €40. In comparison, a one-way ticket for local public transport costs around €2.35, depending on the length of your journey.

The above costs are from Numbeo.

Sports and leisure

Cascais has excellent sports and leisure facilities, but prices will vary depending on the neighborhood. Generally speaking, your monthly budget should be around €25 to €70 for membership of a fitness club. To rent a tennis court for an hour, the normal tariff is around €10, and to go to the cinema, to watch an international release, expect to pay around €7 per ticket.

It’s worth remembering that Cascais and the Portuguese Riviera offer a lot of free things to do, such as festivals, bike rides, beaches, and various free attractions, which help with the cost of living. The Sintra Cascais Natural Park is also on your doorstep.

Cascais has a rich cultural heritage. The Cascais Town Museum teaches you about Cascais’ history and culture and is open every day. Entrance is free. Also free of charge to visit is the Cascais Tide Gauge, where you can study and measure tides. Booking in advance, however, is recommended.

For art lovers, visiting the Citadel Art District is a must. It is home to numerous galleries, art studios, and project rooms where various artists show their work. As new exhibitions open regularly, you’ll never get bored visiting this fabulous place.

Shopping

For those who love a shopping trip, Cascais has a variety of shops, from independent retailers and markets to high street shops, as well as upmarket boutiques. Prices will vary according to the shop you visit, and the prices below are an average estimate.

*The above costs are from Numbeo.

Tips to Reduce the Cost of Living in Cascais

Cascais is one of the more expensive towns in Portugal, but there are straightforward ways you can reduce your living costs.

• Don’t live in the town center: The further you live from the coast or the town center, the cheaper the property or rent, while still having easy access to everything that Cascais has to offer, close by, and a more peaceful environment.
• Reduce grocery expenses: Cook at home more and embrace local markets. After a few weeks, you should be able to identify the cheapest supermarkets and the best deals for a lower cost of living.
• Make the most of public transport: Cascais has an excellent public transport network, with buses helping you get around the area and a train that takes you straight to Lisbon.
• Discover affordable restaurants: While you will find fine dining and more expensive restaurants in Cascais, you’ll also find several tascas (local, family-run restaurants) that offer surprisingly affordable meals, often below €15 for a main meal, dessert, and coffee.
• Get the best utility and mobile phone deals: Explore your options to get the best and cheapest utility providers by comparing utility cost prices. Also, mobile network providers usually have great deals, so shop around to find the best one.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You

If Cascais has piqued your interest and you would like to find out more about the town and its available properties,  whether you are seeking to rent or buy, schedule a non-binding call with us, and one of our experts will be happy to help.

As the first buyer’s agent in Portugal, Goldcrest works alongside you throughout your real estate journey, putting your needs first to ensure you discover the property of your dreams – whether you are looking to rent or buy. We know that no two individuals are the same and pride ourselves in tailoring our services to your exact needs.