Apartments for Rent in Portugal: A 2025 Comprehensive Guide

Average Rent Prices Across Portugal: Cities & Regions

The general price for rent in Portugal is different for every city and region. Based on Numbeo, the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is €907 or €716 outside the city center. Rent prices are often more expensive in capital cities and cheaper in smaller towns and rural areas.

Lisbon

As the capital city, Lisbon is the most expensive place in Portugal to rent an apartment. Despite the recently increased cost of living in Lisbon, the city is still more affordable than many European capitals, like Bern, Oslo, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen.

Bairro Alto is a famous neighborhood in Lisbon with centuries-old houses and views from Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.

The average monthly prices for rent in Lisbon, Portugal are:

• One-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,395
• One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €1,055
• Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: €2,545
• Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €1,702

Porto

The cost of living in Porto is slightly more affordable than in Lisbon. As the second-largest city in Portugal, you can enjoy a great nightlife with many modern amenities. It has a bit of everything – from cozy local eateries to beautiful azulejo architecture, and a world-class wine scene.

The Douro Valley is the famous wine region that follows the Douro River. It is in the North of Portugal, making Porto and Braga the closest major cities. Porto is often the starting point for trips to the valley.

The average monthly prices for rent in Porto, Portugal are:

• One-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,050
• One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €796
• Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,869
• Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €1,402

Faro

Faro in the Algarve region feels like an old town that’s very relaxing. The cost of living in Faro is significantly more affordable than in Lisbon, especially when it comes to rental prices. There are sunny beaches with a gorgeous natural landscape.

The average monthly prices for rent in Faro, Portugal are:

• One-bedroom apartment in the city center: €983
• One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €716
• Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,666
• Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €1,333

Braga

Braga traces its roots back to ancient Rome, which draws many people to the historic city center. Here, you can find cheap apartments for rent in Portugal, mainly because the cost of living in Braga is notably cheaper than in Lisbon and Porto.

The average monthly prices for rent in Braga, Portugal are:

• One-bedroom apartment in the city center: €781
• One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €581
• Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,161
• Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €939

Funchal

On the island of Madeira, especially in Funchal city, you can enjoy great scenery, many leisure activities, and fabulous resorts. Here, you can find furnished apartments for rent in Portugal surrounded by greenery.

The average monthly prices for rent in Funchal, Portugal are:

• One-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,275
• One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €992
• Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: €2,262
• Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €1,650

Setúbal

Setúbal is a cultural center near the Sado River. It is a historic port with stunning scenery, excellent wine, and various outdoor activities. Here, a cheaper house for rent in Portugal can be found inland, further away from the coast and metropolitan areas.

The average monthly prices for rent in Setúbal, Portugal are:

• One-bedroom apartment in the city center: €800
• One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €683
• Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,220
• Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €960

Note: Prices are taken from Numbeo and are often subject to change, so it is best to use them as general estimates.

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Portugal?

The cost of renting in Portugal varies based on the location, size, and type of apartment. In most cases, metropolitan areas like Lisbon and Porto, and popular coastal regions like the Algarve, are the most expensive. But you can find cheap apartments for rent in Portugal in Braga and Setúbal.

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs around €907 per month, while the same type of apartment outside the city center is about €716. If you’re looking for more space, a three-bedroom apartment in the city center averages €1,584 per month, and outside the center, the price drops to roughly €1,178.

Apartments for Rent in Portugal for as Little as €550 per Month

There are many places in Portugal where you can find an apartment for €550 per month or less, especially if you live outside big city centers and choose smaller towns or villages. In Braga, you can find cheap apartments for rent outside the city center for €500 a month.

Covilhã near Serra da Estrela in central Portugal has one of the cheapest rental prices. A one-bedroom apartment costs €450 in the city center or €350 outside the city center, which is significantly more affordable than Lisbon and Porto.

If you want to be closer to Lisbon or Porto, but can’t afford the expensive rent, Leiria can be an excellent alternative. Here, you can find a one-bedroom apartment for €580 or less outside the city center. There are various apartments for rent in Portugal to choose from.

However, if you prefer to save a lot of money, yet still enjoy access to modern amenities, Évora in the Alentejo region has everything you need. Further from the city center, a one-bedroom apartment can cost €520 per month.

Of course, renting an apartment can come with some disadvantages. Check our guide on Renting Property in Portugal Pitfalls to learn more.

Where to find rental apartments in Portugal?

The main places to find rental apartments in Portugal are major property portals like Idealista and Imovirtual. They have the biggest selection of properties with listings from both real estate agencies and private landlords.

Students and young professionals who want long-term furnished rentals often use platforms like Uniplaces, Flatio, and Spotahome. But, if you want someone to narrow your options, you can use a buyer’s agent or a property finder in Portugal.

As buyer’s agents, our team at Goldcrest offers property search services. We can help you find an apartment for rent and reserve that property. We are here to negotiate prices and introduce you to an experienced lawyer to review the lease agreement.

To save on costs, you can share an apartment. If you are looking to rent an apartment in Lagos, in the Algarve, you’ll find several options that come with stunning ocean views. Lagos is proving increasingly popular among American expats.

You will also find Portugal apartments for rent in the autonomous islands of Madeira and the Azores. For example, rent is very low if you are considering houses for rent in Terceira, São Miguel, and Santa Maria in the Azores.

If you are considering Madeira, you can check out our guide on Madeira apartments to rent. The number of expats renting in Portugal continues to increase, particularly in the most popular cities.

Short-Term vs Long-Term Rentals: What's Best for You?

As a tenant, you need to decide which rental option suits you. From long-term rentals, you can expect leases of six months to a year or more. A short-term rental can range from a few days, like an Airbnb, to a few weeks or months, like a corporate housing unit or a month-to-month lease.

With short-term rentals in Portugal, you are not tied down by a long lease. Most short-term properties come fully furnished. You can live in a neighborhood for a short time to see if you like it before committing to it.

Long-term rentals in Lisbon, for example, are a better choice when you want to commit to a certain neighborhood. It gives you stability, as you don’t have to move that often. You can truly settle there and build a community.

On the flip side, renting out your property in Portugal can be a smart move as there is more demand for rental properties. If you have the financial means, buying a property and renting it out can be a better move in the long term.

Portugal Rental Process

Here is a step-by-step process of how to rent an apartment in Portugal:

• Get your NIF number: You can get an NIF number at your local Finançes Office or remotely, such as by working with our residency and citizenship division, Global Citizen Solutions.
• Gather documents: Prepare ID, proof of income, and possibly a guarantor.
• Search properties: Look on popular online portals or use a local buyer’s agent to find apartment rentals in Portugal.
• Submit application: Give the landlord/agent your required financial documents.
• Sign the lease: Sign the official Contrato de Arrendamento with the landlord.
• Pay upfront costs: In most cases, there is a security deposit plus two or three months’ rent.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You 

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that is based in Lisbon. 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.

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. As an impartial advisor on the market, we work solely on behalf of our client and provide a service tailored to your needs and requirements.
• 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.
• 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.