What is the Cost of Living in Braga in 2025?

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 €630 per month, while a family of four’s monthly costs will be around €2,272, not including rent. The cost of housing is relatively low, with many options available for both renting and buying. Food and drinks are also reasonably priced, with many local markets and restaurants offering traditional Portuguese produce and cuisine at affordable prices.

Other consumer prices and monthly fees for goods and services are either comparable or lower than in nearby cities. Public transportation costs are cheap, with a good network of buses and trains connecting the city to other parts of Portugal, and a monthly pass for local transport is a good investment.

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 being a model city for integration and quality of life by the UN and voted as the best European destination back in 2021, Braga is an exceptional city to call home, with the tech scene booming and attracting young professionals, startups, and young families searching for a higher – and more affordable – quality of life.

Comparing Braga’s Cost of Living to Other Portuguese Cities

Braga is considered an affordable city to live in compared to other European cities. Compared with other cities in Western Europe, Braga is exceptionally affordable, with the cost of living in Braga being around 57 percent cheaper than in London and 44 percent lower than in Paris, including rent prices.

What’s more, the cost of living in Braga is lower than in Portugal’s major cities, such as Lisbon and Porto, while still offering a high standard of living. Braga is 26 percent lower than Lisbon, including rent, and 15 percent lower than Porto, Portugal’s beloved second-largest city.

The cost of living in Braga is also more affordable than in the Algarve, being 12 percent cheaper than in Faro, the capital of the Algarve region.

Of course, the monthly costs of living vary from household to household. It depends on the number of people, your personal expectations, lifestyle habits, and requirements. Generally speaking, however, it is possible to live a comfortable life in Braga and in other cities in Portugal quite easily compared with other Western European countries, where costs are often much higher.

Food and Grocery Prices in Braga

Rising costs across the globe have led to an inflation of prices in Portugal, as with other countries. Despite this, Portugal remains one of the most cost-effective countries in Europe, with Braga’s prices for essential goods also being lower than those in Lisbon and the cost of living in Porto. Restaurants in Braga are also relatively cheap, with it possible to dine out at an affordable cost.

Groceries

The table below offers an overview of some everyday food items:

The above costs are from Numbeo.

Restaurants

Braga boasts an exceptional gastronomy and hospitality scene with lots of inexpensive restaurants and plenty of mid-range restaurants, too. Braga also has a wide range of cafes, bars, and restaurants catering to all tastes, requirements, and preferences. Portugal is renowned for its excellent fresh produce, particularly its fish and seafood dishes, and Braga is no different.

Expats who enjoy dining out regularly or indulge in occasional treats need not worry about overspending, as eating in one of Braga’s restaurants is good quality and won’t break the bank, as prices are generally lower in Portugal’s north, too.

You can enjoy a substantial meal at an inexpensive restaurant, paying between €6 and €20 per person. In a mid-range restaurant, you can expect to pay between €30 and €60 for a three-course meal for two people.

Drinks are also reasonably priced, depending on where you go. A regular cappuccino costs around €1.60, and a half-liter of beer around €3, on average.

Housing and Property Costs in Braga

Buying a property in Braga

The process of buying property in Braga, Portugal, is generally a secure and straightforward process, similar to that in other regions of the country. Both locals and foreigners are subject to the same regulations, ensuring a fair and transparent process.

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. The average price for property in Braga is €1,821, while in Lisbon and Porto, property prices are €6,934 and €4,883 per square meter, respectively.

Nevertheless, the cost of buying real estate in Braga will vary depending on several factors, such as the location, whether the property is in or outside the city center, and, of course, the condition of the property you’re interested in.

Renting a property in Braga

Generally speaking, prices for a one-bedroom apartment in Braga’s city center cost around €780, on average, and for a three-bedroom apartment, you pay on average €1,161. Outside the city center, you pay around €580 for a one-bedroom apartment and €940 for a three-bedroom apartment. This data is taken from Numbeo.

If you’re staying in Braga temporarily or want to explore the city before making a permanent commitment to living there, renting an apartment or house is a good option. The city has lots of rental options, and rental prices are significantly more reasonable in northern Portugal compared to Lisbon or the south of Portugal.

Braga is a lot cheaper than other European cities. For example, it is more than 70 percent cheaper to rent property in Braga, Portugal, compared with London, UK, and up to 45 percent cheaper to rent in Braga, compared with Madrid, Spain. Of course, rent prices in Braga depend on the size, location, and quality of the property you are interested in, and you may save money by committing to a longer rental contract.

Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Braga

Portugal’s Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), the country’s public healthcare system, is largely excellent and is available for all residents who make social security contributions. For certain procedures, you will need to make an additional payment, such as diagnostic exams or visiting 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 to €50, while private healthcare insurance will cost between €400 and €1,000, depending on the private insurance plan, with comprehensive options costing on the higher end.

A lot of expats choose to pay for private health insurance in Portugal, as it’s less expensive than in many other countries in Western Europe. 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 known to have one of the best healthcare systems in the world, and this makes it an attractive place for expats from all walks of life. 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.

Education and Childcare Costs in Braga

Portugal is a fantastic country for families with children of all ages. Not only is Portugal one of the safest countries in the world, but it also has a comprehensive and first-class education system. Its public schools are free of charge to attend for all youngsters. However, a certain level of language proficiency in Portuguese is expected to ensure your child or children are getting the best out of their education.

International schools in Braga

If you are seeking private education, consider international schools in Braga. There is one outstanding international school, CLIP – The Braga International School, which is located in Braga’s Gualtar neighborhood. This private school follows a British curriculum and caters to the needs of children from the ages of three to 18.

You will also find many international schools in Porto, which is around 45 minutes by car from Braga. Here, you’ll find a variety of international schools that also teach in languages other than English, such as French and German.

Educational costs and fees for each of these schools vary, usually ranging from €800 to €1,800 per month, although prices can be higher or lower than this. Additional fees for enrollment, insurance, and school maintenance will also vary. If you enroll more than one child, you may be eligible for sibling discounts, but that is dependent on the individual school.

Universities in Braga

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

For those who have completed secondary school and want to explore higher education, you have the fantastic University of Minho in the city, which offers a variety of courses and qualifications.

Cost of Living in Braga: Taxes and Bills

Taxes

Portugal is an attractive choice for many foreigners looking to settle abroad, thanks to its enticing 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 very attractive benefits, such as a 20 percent tax rate on income, and allows tax exemptions for qualifying applicants.

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 from passive income, such as a pension, to move to or retire in Portugal. The country also has lower thresholds for monthly income compared to other European countries, making it a popular choice for expats worldwide.

Utility costs

Utility costs will be influenced by factors such as the size of the residence, the number of occupants, and the level of gas, electricity, and water consumption, as well as how well your property is insulated.

Basic utility costs (electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage) for an 85m2 apartment will cost around €115 per month, Internet will cost around €40 per month, and a mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data will cost around €18.

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 utility costs. Nonetheless, utility prices in Portugal are still comparatively affordable. However, make sure that your home is well insulated, as winters can still get quite cold at times, especially in the north of the country, including Braga.

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: Shop at local markets such as Mercado Municipal de Braga for fresh produce, which is of better quality and often cheaper than supermarket prices.
• Cook at home: While restaurant prices are low, eating out often can boost costs. Cooking more at home – and with the fantastic produce on offer – can be a way to save money and eat well.
• 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.
• Save on utilities: When setting up utilities, make sure to shop around for the cheapest options. Plus, making sure your home is energy efficient can save you money in the long run.
• Save with public transport: Braga has an efficient public transport system that is also very accessible and affordable. Investing in taking public transport instead of driving can be a big cost saver in the long run.

In Summary: The Cost of Living in Braga

Braga offers a very affordable cost of living compared with other Western European cities, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a high quality of life without the premium price tag. Of course, the amount of money needed every month for living expenses will vary depending on individual circumstances, expectations, and lifestyle, but those looking for value for money will find plenty of options in Braga.

The healthcare facilities are great, and local transport is affordable and reliable, with easy access to most places in the city. Property prices are reasonable, and rental costs are lower than in other Western European cities like London or even other Portuguese cities such as Lisbon and Porto.

Additionally, everyday necessities are of high quality and reasonably priced, and there are many free activities available for expats living in Braga, with nature on your doorstep and the beautiful Gerês National Park not too far away.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You

On the whole, prices in Braga are low, whether you’re a single person moving to one of Portugal’s booming tech hubs or a family searching for a relaxed, higher quality of life. Investors are also taking stock of the many benefits that Braga offers. The boom in the tech sector infrastructure developments and investments has positioned Braga as one of the cities in Europe to watch out for. 

Goldcrest, is the first buyer’s agent in Portugal. We ensure you secure the best property at the best price, working alongside you to find your ideal property that matches your exact requirements. If you’re interested in buying a property in Braga or elsewhere in Portugal, schedule a no-obligation call with one of our experts, and we’ll be happy to help.