What is the Cost of Living in Braga in 2025?

Braga Monthly Budget Examples

According to the Numbeo Cost of Living Index, Braga is one of the least expensive major Portuguese cities to live in. The overall cost of living, including rent, is significantly lower than in Porto and Lisbon.

For example, living expenses in Braga city with rent are 26.6 percent lower than in Lisbon and 13.6 percent lower than in Porto. Monthly expenditures are also 11.9 percent more affordable than in Faro.

For expats with foreign income, such as remote workers or retirees with pensions from the US and UK, Braga offers an exceptional quality of life and affordability. Living expenses are 58.3 percent lower than the UK average and 70.7 percent lower compared to the United States.

Here is a monthly budget example for the Braga cost of living in euros for a single person.

Is Braga expensive to live?

Braga is known for its affordable cost of living, especially when compared with other Western European cities. A single person can live in Braga for around €634 ($738.45) per month, while a family of four’s monthly costs will be around €2,285 ($2,661.47), not including rent.

The cost of housing is relatively low, with many options available for both renting and buying. For a typical 85 m2 apartment, you can spend about €110 ($128.12) on basic utility costs, such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage.

The price of goods in Braga is very affordable, especially if you purchase fresh produce at a local farmers’ market. Students can live comfortably on a €600 ($698.85) to €750 ($873.57) budget, while a couple needs about €1,268 ($1,476.91) to cover the average living expenses, depending on the lifestyle and location.

Healthcare is also affordable, with a high standard of medical care available to residents and expats. While public healthcare is available at a very low cost, private healthcare is also much lower than in neighboring countries, a significant advantage for those who choose to retire in Braga.

Praised as a model city for integration and quality of life by the UN and voted the best European destination in 2021, Braga is an exceptional city to call home, with its tech scene booming and attracting young professionals, startups, and young families seeking manageable expenses on a tight budget.

Average Cost of Living in Braga

The cost of living in Braga, Portugal, for 2025 is fairly modest, ranging from approximately €3,160 ($3,680.95) to €3,600 ($4,193.12) per month for a family of four and from €1,220 ($1,421.00) to €1,460 ($1,701.64) per month for a single person, including rent. A couple sharing an apartment can expect to spend €2,250 ($2,620.65) to €2,620 ($3,051.66) per month on general living expenses with rent.

Living expenses in Braga vary slightly by neighborhood. For example, central areas within the city like São João do Souto and Sé Cividade have higher property costs and monthly rent, while smaller towns in the surrounding area, such as Barcelos, Guimarães, and Vila Nova de Famalicão, are cheaper to live in.

The University of Minho plays a major role in the city’s atmosphere, with plenty of student housing and rental options nearby. Expats, students, and digital nomads often prefer to settle near neighborhoods with an active nightlife, like São Vicente, while families and retirees may opt for quieter residential areas, like Nogueira e Fraião and Lamaçães.

Rent costs and property prices in Braga

Compared to Lisbon, Porto, and Cascais, Braga, Portugal, real estate is more affordable, and you’ll find a lot of cheap and mid-range properties.

Buying property in Braga is a lot cheaper than in other European cities. The average price for property in Braga is €1,821 ($2,120.80), while in Lisbon and Porto, property prices are €6,934 ($8,074.83) and €4,883 ($5,687.52) per square meter, respectively.

According to Numbeo, the average rent price for a one-bedroom apartment in Braga’s city center is approximately €788 ($917.73), while a three-bedroom apartment costs around €1,194 ($1,390.65). Outside the city center, you pay around €590 ($687.14) on rent for a one-bedroom apartment and €956 ($1,113.88) for a three-bedroom apartment.

When it comes to renting property in Braga, Portugal, it is more than 70 percent cheaper than in London, UK, and up to 45 percent more affordable than in Madrid, Spain. Of course, rent prices in Braga depend on the size, location, and quality of the property you are interested.

Food and grocery prices

If you cook at home most of the week, expect grocery costs for a couple to vary around €250 ($291.16) to €300 ($349.39) each month. The prices for essential goods are lower than in the capital city and the cost of living in Porto.

The table below offers a quick overview of the Braga cost of food.

Restaurants and eating out in Braga

Braga’s restaurants offer good quality and won’t break the bank, as prices are generally lower in Portugal’s northern region. You can enjoy a substantial meal at an inexpensive restaurant, paying between €8 ($9.32) and €10 ($11.65) per person. In a mid-range restaurant, you can expect to pay between €45 ($52.41) and €60 ($69.87) for a three-course meal for two people.

Drinks are also reasonably priced, depending on the establishment. A regular cappuccino costs around €1.65 ($1.92), and a half-liter of beer around €3 ($3.49), on average.

Entertainment and leisure costs

Entertainment and leisure costs in Braga are relatively reasonable for students, families, and retirees. If you go to the cinema to watch a new movie, a ticket costs about €8 ($9.32), while the average gym membership is around €39.19 ($45.65) per month. If you’re into outdoor activities, a weekend hour on a tennis court is roughly €11.43 ($13.31). Overall, you can stay active, socialize, and unwind without breaking the bank.

Braga offers an excellent option for those who enjoy a mix of relaxation and various outdoor activities. With its Mediterranean climate, the city and the surrounding area have many options for entertainment. Residents and visitors can explore numerous religious sites, enjoy cultural events, and soak in the historical significance of the city’s landmarks.

How much is the cost of utilities in Braga?

Keeping an 85 m² apartment up and running can cost €110.96 ($129.22) per month for basic utilities, including electricity, heating or cooling, water, and garbage collection. Internet and mobile plans are very affordable in Braga, both in the city and the surrounding areas. A mobile phone plan with at least 10GB of data is about €20.26 ($23.59), while a good internet connection can cost about €41 ($47.75).

Portugal has not been immune to global price increases of gas and electricity, which have resulted in an overall cost-of-living increase in the country, including utilities. Nonetheless, utility prices in Portugal are still comparatively affordable. However, ensure that your home is well-insulated, as winters can still be quite cold at times, especially in the northern parts of the country, including Braga.

Taxes and bills in Braga

Portugal is an attractive option for many foreigners seeking to settle abroad, thanks to its attractive tax benefits. IFICI (the so-called Portugal NHR 2.0) – a tax regime that offers exclusive tax benefits to expats in certain professions or those earning income from other countries.

IFICI replaced the popular Portugal Non Habitual Residence tax regime in 2025, but still offers desirable benefits, such as a 20 percent tax rate on income, and allows tax exemptions for qualifying applicants. However, the new IFICI tax benefit is extremely targeted toward highly qualified professionals in specific sectors (such as Science, Tech, and R&D). It excludes passive income and pensions from its most beneficial aspects, which were a key component in the old NHR.

It’s advisable to seek professional advice before relocating to Portugal to ensure you pay the right amount of tax and avoid unexpected tax liabilities. You can find more information about tax laws for expats in Portugal, including its Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs), in our comprehensive guide on the taxes in Portugal.

Moreover, Portugal offers an array of residency visas, making it easy to relocate to Braga. This includes Portugal’s D7 Visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa, allows individuals with a monthly income of at least €870 ($1,012.08) from passive income, such as a pension, to move to or retire in Portugal.

The country also offers the D8 Visa, also known as the Digital Nomad Visa, available for remote workers who require a minimum gross monthly income of €3,480 ($4,053.48), sourced from a company or clients outside of Portugal, along with proof of accommodation and health insurance.

Braga transportation costs

Public transport in Braga is inexpensive, with the city having good bus links and connections to the surrounding areas. Porto is easily reachable by train, which also has its own airport, making international travel straightforward.

You can purchase individual tickets and fares, but frequent public transport users may want to consider investing in a monthly pass. One-way tickets on public transportation cost around €1.55 ($1.80), and a monthly pass will cost between €20 ($23.29) and €30 ($34.94).

Taxis are also an affordable way to get from A to B, with Uber also available. Gasoline will cost you €1.69 ($1.97) per liter for those with a car. It’s better to drive in Braga, as you’ll easily be able to discover the fantastic landscapes of Northern Portugal.

Braga educational costs

Education costs in Braga vary depending on the type of school you choose. Its public schools are free of charge for all Portuguese residents and citizens. However, if you choose to send your children to private international schools, then education comes with additional out-of-pocket expenses.

For example, private full-day preschool or kindergarten often costs €300 ($349.40) per month per child. For older children, international primary schools cost significantly more, with average annual tuition of €8,911 ($10,375.98) per child.

International schools in Braga are often bilingual with international curricula. Although these institutions are more expensive, many expat families value the added academic support and diverse opportunities these institutions provide.

Universities in Portugal are well-regarded internationally. Public universities have a limited fee of €900 ($1,048.19) annually, while private institutions cost an average of €3,000 ($3,493.95) per year.

Healthcare costs in Braga

Portugal’s Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), the country’s public healthcare system, is generally excellent and is accessible to all residents who make social security contributions. For specific procedures, you will need to make an additional payment, such as for diagnostic exams or a visit to the emergency room.

If you choose to have private health insurance, you’ll be in good hands and well cared for, with private healthcare also very affordable. A doctor’s appointment will cost around €40 ($46.59) to €50 ($58.24) per visit, while private healthcare insurance will cost between €400 ($465.89) and €1,000 ($1,164.73) per year, depending on the private insurance plan, with comprehensive options costing on the higher end.

Many expats opt to purchase private health insurance in Portugal, as it’s less expensive than in many other Western European countries. Through private health insurance, you have access to Portugal’s fantastic private hospitals and general practitioners, and you may also avoid potentially longer waiting times for treatments.

Portugal is renowned for having one of the best healthcare systems in the world, making it an attractive destination for expatriates from diverse backgrounds. According to Numbeo’s 2025 Mid-Year Healthcare Index, Portugal’s healthcare is the 23rd best in the world, ranking above countries such as Germany, Switzerland, and the UAE.

Comparing Braga's Cost of Living to Other Portuguese Cities

Braga is consistently ranked as one of the most affordable large cities in Portugal, making it a desirable option for students, families, and expatriates seeking a lower cost of living compared to major metropolitan areas.

The primary difference in cost compared to Lisbon and Porto is rent, which significantly drives down the overall monthly budget. For a three-bedroom apartment, Braga’s central rent is roughly 40 to 50 percent lower than Lisbon and 30 to 40 percent lower than Porto.

Here is a comparison of Braga’s monthly rent against other key Portuguese cities in 2025:

Source: Numbeo

Tips to Save Money While Living in Braga

The cost of living in Portugal is relatively affordable, but living expenses will obviously depend on your lifestyle. If you are considering Braga, here are some tips to keep the costs down.

• Shop locally: Visit local markets, such as Mercado Municipal de Braga, for fresh produce of better quality and often at more affordable prices than those found in supermarkets.
• Cook at home: Preparing home-cooked meals is a great way to reduce overall monthly expenses.
• Portuguese tascas: Many local restaurants, known as tascas, will have very cheap lunch menus, where you will often be able to get a hearty meal, coffee, and sometimes even a dessert for around €10 ($11.65).
• Save on utilities: When setting up utilities, be sure to shop around for the most affordable options. Additionally, ensuring your home is energy-efficient can save you money in the long run.
• Save with public transport: Braga has an efficient and accessible public transport system. Investing in public transportation instead of driving can be a significant cost saver in the long run.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You

Managing the cost of living in Braga is just the first step—finding the right property to match your budget and lifestyle can be a more complicated process. Portugal lacks a single listing platform where you can find all properties for sale in one place. That’s where a professional buyer’s agent, like Goldcrest, comes in.

With expert knowledge of the Portuguese real estate market, buyer’s agents can locate properties that meet your needs, negotiate the best prices, and guide you through every step of the purchasing process. You can search for properties with Goldcrest and seek out rental services for long-term rental properties.

We also connect you with trusted local tax advisors or real estate lawyers to help with the legal and tax obligations. By taking care of the research, paperwork, and local regulations, we save you time, reduce stress, and make your move or investment in Braga a smooth process. Contact us today and let us help you make your dream of finding the perfect property a reality.