Cost of Living in Cascais – Complete 2026 Guide

Quick Monthly Cost Overview Table

Is it expensive to live in Cascais?

Because of the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, you may be wondering, “Is Cascais expensive to live in?” The truth is: Cascais is one of the most desirable and expensive residential areas in Portugal.

Without including rent, the cost of living in Cascais for a single person varies from €500 – €650 per month, €900 – €1,150 for a couple, and €1,300 – €2,000 for a family of four. However, the monthly budget is notably higher for those who rent properties.

Housing costs in Cascais can be relatively high, mainly for properties in the city center or near the beach. However, more affordable housing options are also available further inland.

Overall, the cost of living in Lisbon is 4.2 percent higher than in Cascais without accounting for rental prices. Restaurant prices are 8.9 percent cheaper, and groceries are 2.4 percent lower in Cascais than in the Portuguese capital. But when you compare it with Sintra, Cascais is considered more expensive. The rent for a typical one-bedroom apartment in Sintra costs €700 – €850, while in Cascais, the same type of flat would cost €1,015 – €1,565.

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.

What You Need to Know Before You Move

Before moving to Cascais, it is important to understand that the cost of living in Cascais is higher than in other Portuguese towns. However, the Portuguese Riviera remains affordable when compared with similar European coastal cities and towns.

Cascais is an incredibly popular seaside town, due to its proximity to Lisbon and its coastal lifestyle. As a result, you need a higher budget to cover the house and rental costs and live comfortably.

Here is a sample monthly breakdown for a couple living in Cascais, Portugal:

• Rent (two-bedroom apartment): €1,400 – €2,500 ($1,620 – $2,900)
• Groceries: €400 – €500 ($465 – $580)
• Utilities and internet: €150 – €200 ($175 – $230)
• Transportation: €80 – €100 ($95 – $115)
• Dining out and leisure: €150 – €300 ($175 – $350)
• Health insurance: €50 – €150 ($60 – $175)
• Miscellaneous: €100 – €200 ($115 – $230)
• Total estimated monthly cost: Approximately €2,300 – €3,600+ ($2,670 – $4,180+)

Want to move to Casais, but don’t know how to obtain a residence permit? Check out our ultimate guide on how to get Portuguese residency.

Multi-tier Budget Scenarios

Not everyone lives the same lifestyle, and Cascais’s living costs vary based on your housing choice and spending habits. Below, we will provide different budget scenarios for people living in Cascais, Portugal.

Basic single budget

Cascais offers a lower cost of living than much of Western Europe, where a single person can live comfortably on a €500 – €650 ($580 – $755) monthly budget, excluding rent. Of course, it is possible to live on more or less than that depending on your lifestyle and accommodation.

For digital nomads, the living costs in Cascais are at least €1,200 ($1,390) per month. You can save money if you rent a hostel and cook most of your meals at home. Otherwise, expect to spend about €2,000 ($2,320) on monthly costs with rent.

Here is a basic monthly budget for single digital nomads living in an 85 m² apartment in Cascais:

• Monthly accommodation: €1,015 – €1,565 ($1,180 – $1,815)
• Co-working rental: €150 ($175)
• Basic utilities: €120 ($140)
• Mobile phone plan: €15.92 ($18.50)
• Internet (60 Mbps or higher): €34.90 ($40.50)
• Public transport pass (regular price): €40 ($46)
• Groceries: €250 – €350+ ($290 – $405+)
• Leisure: €200+ ($230+)
• Dining out (three times per week): €120 – €180 ($140 – $210)

Mid-range comfortable

In Cascais, a single person can live comfortably on a mid-range budget of €1,800 – €2,000 ($2,090 – $2,320) per month, including rent. For a couple, that’s about €2,500 – €3,000 ($2,900 – $3,480) on monthly expenses.

Digital nomads on a D8 (Digital Nomad Visa) who earn more than Portugal’s average salary often choose to settle in Cascais Centro or Estoril. Here, they can enjoy various coworking spaces, fast internet connections, and transport links to Lisbon, which make remote work convenient.

Retirees on a Portugal D7 Visa with a stable passive income or pension tend to gravitate toward Monte Estoril or Parede. These areas have easy access to beaches, such as Praia da Tamariz, Praia da Rata, and Praia da Parede.

Young professionals who want to be closer to local businesses or offices often choose Bairro do Rosário or Central Cascais. Although rental prices are higher, these neighborhoods are a short walk away from boutique shops, restaurants, clubs, and outdoor beach bars.

Premium expat lifestyle

Cascais, Portugal, is a great place for high-net-worth investors due to the stunning sea views and warm summer months. In fact, many celebrities living in Cascais have purchased a luxury home here. For example, Cristiano Ronaldo bought a €20 ($23.2) million mansion in Quinta da Marinha, Cascais, which is now believed to have reached €35 ($40.6) million. Other celebrities rumored to be shopping and browsing properties in the region include Jennifer Lopez and Monica Bellucci.

There are various Michelin-star restaurants in Portugal, in and around Cascais. To afford this kind of lifestyle, a couple needs a budget of around €6,000–€10,000 ($6,960–$11,600) or over. A luxury villa or an apartment in Cascais can cost €5,000–€15,000 ($5,800–$17,400) per month, while regular fine-dining can easily rack up the cost to €200–€400 ($230–$465) per dinner for two.

Family of four budget

Many expats find that living in Cascais, Portugal, is a safe place for families with children. A family of four needs a monthly budget of €1,300 – €2,000 ($1,510 – $2,320), without including rent.

Portuguese residents have access to free public schools for children from primary through secondary education. However, many expats prefer to send their children to international schools in Cascais for their globally recognized curricula and multicultural environments.

The average yearly tuition fee for an international primary school is €13,992 ($16,230) per child. If you send your child to private, full-day kindergarten, you can expect to spend about €720 ($835) per month.

Extra-curricular activities, school uniforms, and school supplies can add €100 – €300 ($115 – $350) per month per child to your overall expenses, depending on the type of programs and the school’s requirements.

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

Here is an average monthly budget for a family of four living in Cascais:

• Rent (3-bedroom apartment): €2,300 – €3,400 ($2,670 – $3,945)
• Groceries: €500 – €700 ($580 – $810)
• Utilities & internet: €185 – €250 ($215 – $290)
• Transportation: €150 – €250 ($175 – $290)
• Dining out & leisure: €200 – €400 ($230 – $465)
• Health insurance: €100 – €200 ($115 – $230)
• International primary school tuition: €1,200 ($1,390)
• Total estimated monthly cost (including rent): €4,635 – €6,400 ($5,375 – $7,420)

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. While Cascais’ house and rental prices may be higher, this is not the case for many everyday necessities and activities.

Rent & housing costs

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.

The average asking price for property in Cascais stood at €7,260 ($8,420) per square meter. You will find some of the most stunning waterfront villas in Portugal in Cascais and on the Portuguese Riviera.

However, 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. Investing in Cascais real estate can be a smart option as prices continue to rise, indicating strong capital appreciation potential.

On the other hand, Quinta da Marinha is Cascais’ most exclusive and expensive neighborhood. High-end real estate in Cascais, Portugal offers gated areas and luxury amenities, such as golf courses, equestrian estates, and health clubs.

You can also work with rental agencies or agents to help you find Cascais, Portugal, apartments for rent. Rental properties have competitive prices. Living in the center of Cascais is notably more expensive than living further inland or away from coastal areas.

According to Numbeo, here is the average monthly cost of Cascais apartments for rent:

• One-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,565 ($1,815)
• One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €1,015 ($1,180)
• Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: €3,442 ($3,990)
• Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €2,297 ($2,665)

Utilities & internet

Portugal is still a very affordable place when it comes to utility prices. Please also bear in mind that the winter climate is mild, but 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. The table below gives a basic and average overview of utility monthly costs, which are a realistic representation for a small household.

Source: Numbeo

Taxes and bills

Portugal can be tax-friendly for some 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 2.0 tax regime).

IFICI is available to certain professions, offering a flat tax rate of 20 percent on certain incomes. This new program replaced the Portugal NHR program in 2025.

The government also offers the Portugal HQA Visa to attract highly qualified experts and professionals. Some HQA Visa holders who meet certain conditions, such as performing a qualifying high-level professional activity and becoming a Portuguese tax resident, may benefit from the new NHR 2.0 tax incentives.

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.

Food & groceries

The cost of living crisis has affected everyday items such as fresh produce, fresh seafood, and local wines, 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:

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.

Eating out & social life

Cascais has an exceptional gastronomy scene, with an abundance of cafes, bars, eateries, and restaurants. There are many inexpensive and mid-range restaurants to choose from to fit any budget.

The cost to eat out at an inexpensive restaurant range between €9 and €12 ($10.50 – $14) per person, particularly for the “prato do dia” (dish of the day), which you can get for €12 ($14) and often includes a coffee and dessert. For something a little fancier, expect to pay between €40 and €65 ($46 – $75) 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 €3 ($3.50), a soft drink about €1.75 ($2), and a cappuccino at €2.24 ($2.60).

Transportation

Cascais has well-connected public transportation and offers a strong sense of community. There are local buses, trains, taxis, and Uber transport to get you around Cascais and the surrounding places.

Cascais itself is easy to navigate on foot, and if you want to cycle, you can take advantage of the council’s free bike rental service. If you regularly use local buses or trains, you may want to invest in a monthly pass for €40 ($46). In comparison, a one-way ticket for local public transport costs around €2.17 ($2.50), depending on the length of your journey.

Healthcare

Portugal’s healthcare, whether private or public, is considered to be amongst the best in the world, with qualified medical professionals. Its public healthcare, Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), is available to legal residents and Portuguese citizens.

After registering successfully, you will get a healthcare number (número de utente). Some small fees may be payable if accessing certain services, ranging from €5 to €20 ($6 – $23). Dental care and cosmetic surgery are not included in public health services.

Private health insurance is relatively cheap and provides access to English-speaking doctors. 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 ($465 – $1,160) per year. This is considerably more affordable than in the USA or in other Western European countries.

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.

• Choose the suburbs instead of central neighborhoods: 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 in about 40 to 45 minutes.
• 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 ($17) 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.

Extra Tip: If you are planning to buy a property, consult with a buyer’s agent or a real estate agent in Cascais. At Goldcrest, our team of buyer’s agents will look for your best interests. We can negotiate real estate prices for you, so you can find your dream property.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You

Looking for Cascais houses for sale? Whether you want to buy a new home or a luxury villa, our team at Goldcrest can research the real estate market and find off-market properties. We work on behalf of the buyer and can negotiate prices to suit your budget.

If you are interested in renting out your property and earning a stable income, as the first buyer’s agent in Portugal, we offer property management services for long-term rentals. We can also introduce you to local tax advisors, legal experts, and contractors.

Contact us today to find the property of your dreams.