Barbara Queiróz Updated: October 21, 2025
Guarda is the highest city in Portugal, surrounded by the Serra da Estrela mountains, countless river beaches, and quaint, historic villages. Here, you can enjoy the authentic Portuguese lifestyle with a high quality of life and affordable living expenses.
Guarda is a strategic location for outdoor enthusiasts, remote workers, and retirees. There is a strong sense of community where people can live comfortably at a fraction of the cost compared to Lisbon. Some municipalities within the Guarda district have very low real estate prices and rental costs, making it an excellent place for anyone on a tight budget.
In this article, you can find the average cost of living in Guarda. We cover everything Portugal offers, from daily expenses and utilities to rent and property prices.
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Quick Summary
- Guarda is quite an affordable place to live in. Although it is further away from big cities like Lisbon and Portugal, you can save money on rent and real estate.
- Even if you earn a lower wage, you can still live comfortably in Guarda and afford the necessities.
- Guarda has no international schools, yet students can still get a quality education.
An Introduction to Guarda
The municipality and city of Guarda are situated in the country’s center, 30 minutes west of the Spanish border and 60km from Viseu. Guarda stands at an altitude of over 1,000 meters and is well known for its proximity to the stunning Serra da Estrela mountains, the highest mountain range in Continental Portugal.
Guarda has a rich history since its founding in 1197. As the name suggests, Guarda was a fortress town that guarded Portugal’s frontier against approaching Spain. During the city’s long history, Guarda was occupied by the Romans, Visigoths, and Moors.
Guarda is the perfect spot if you seek a peaceful place to relocate away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. With good public transport links to Porto, Lisbon, and Spain, a low cost of living, and some of the most spectacular natural landscapes, Guarda should certainly be on your radar.
Is cost of living in Guarda worth it?
Yes, living in Guarda is an excellent choice because you will spend less on daily expenses, rent, and property prices compared to other big cities in Portugal. A single person often spends below €1,200 per month, which is 28 percent cheaper than in Lisbon.
Because of the cheap prices, many foreigners and locals choose to retire in Guarda. Here, you can enjoy a high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and delicious cuisine. When it comes to raising a family, Guarda provides quality education. Due to its inland experience, it also accommodates those who want a good expat life alongside stunning natural landscapes.
Housing & Rental Costs in Guarda
Guarda has one of the most affordable property prices and rental costs in the country. The average asking price for property is €766 per square meter. Here, you could even find a Portugal property under 50k euros. There is a wide range of properties, including modern apartments, townhouses, and spacious country homes a little outside the city.
When it comes to renting property, you don’t have to spend a hefty sum. According to Numbeo, the general monthly costs for rent include:
- One-bedroom apartment in the city center: €350
- One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €250
- Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: €650
- Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €500
To put this into perspective, rent prices in Guarda are 73.9 percent lower than in Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, and 65.8 percent lower than in Porto, the country’s second-largest city.
Buying versus Renting
When deciding between buying property in Gurada or renting, you should weigh the pros and cons. Renting offers flexibility and the chance to explore the city and the region until you find the perfect property to settle down.
On the other hand, buying property, although more complex and expensive, can be a worthwhile investment. Real estate has long been a solid investment option, and Guarda’s popularity looks to rise in the coming years as international interest in Portugal’s interior areas continues to increase.
Want to find out more about Guarda real estate?
Grocery Expenses in Guarda
You may be presently surprised at how affordable grocery shopping can be in Guarda. Grocery prices are 8 percent lower here than in Lisbon. Below are some prices of staples.
Food item | Cost |
Milk (1 liter) | €0.90 |
Loaf of fresh white bread (500g) | €1.34 |
Eggs (12 regular) | €2.87 |
Local cheese (1 kg) | €10.00 |
Chicken fillets (1 kg) | €6.32 |
Oranges (1kg) | €1.61 |
Domestic beer (0.5 liters) | €1.07 |
Bottle of wine (mid-range) | €4.50 |
Cost of Food, Groceries & Dining Out in Guarda
Eating out is very affordable in Guarda, with restaurant prices about 9.6 percent lower than in Lisbon, 47.4 percent lower than in London, and 50.3 percent lower than in Washington, DC. A meal in an inexpensive restaurant will cost you just €10, while a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant will cost you €50.
You can enjoy the authentic Portuguese experience as this region focuses on local produce. For example, with the exquisite local cheese (queijo de Serra da Estrela) and chorizo, you will eat very well, and portion sizes are usually quite big, meaning you will certainly get your money’s worth. While international cuisine is not as widespread here as in the larger cities in the country, you will find some absolute gems.
To learn more on living expenses, check out our guide on the cost of living in Portugal versus the USA.
Guarda Utilities Costs
The cost of utilities for an 85m² apartment in Guarda, Portugal, amounts to approximately €120.84 per month. This includes essential services such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection.
Cost of internet and phone plans in Guarda
In addition to basic utilities, a monthly mobile phone plan with calls and over 10GB of data costs around €15.00, while high-speed internet with speeds of 60 Mbps or more and unlimited data is available for about €32.69 per month.
Transportation Expenses in Guarda
While it is possible to get around Guarda using public transport, with a good network of local buses, it is probably best to have a car to explore the stunning natural landscapes. Regarding fuel prices in Guarda, Portugal, one liter of gasoline will cost you €1.73.
A network of five bus routes in the city and suburbs operates under Transportes Urbanos da Guarda. A bus ticket costs €1.50, but a monthly pass is much cheaper. There is no metro in the city, but there are taxi options, and you can even find Uber operating in the area, with extremely reasonable fares.
So, is Portugal expensive for Americans? Read our guide and find out.
Guarda Healthcare Costs
Healthcare in Portugal is generally excellent, with Numbeo’s 2025 Health Care Index ranking Portugal in 23rd position, above the USA (39th), Canada (33rd), Switzerland (28th), and Germany (25th)
Portugal’s healthcare system is divided into two categories: Public healthcare and private healthcare services. The National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) is available for all citizens and legal residents. While most standard services, such as visiting a family doctor or having diagnostic tests, are free, there are minor costs for specific procedures, mainly if you need to go to the emergency room without a prior referral. These fees range from €14 to €18, with diagnostic exams costing no more than €40. For adults over 65 and children under 18, access to the SNS is completely free.
The cost of private health insurance in Portugal varies based on the plan. Different types of private health insurance plans are available, so you need to choose the one that best fits your needs. On average, private insurance costs around €400 per year, but comprehensive plans can cost up to €1,200 annually. Private healthcare in Portugal is quite reasonable, particularly compared to the USA and Western Europe.
Cost of Education in Guarda
Public school education in Portugal is free, and every child must attend school up to the age of 18. However, if you enroll your child in a private or international school, you must pay for tuition.
Monthly fees for independent private schools typically range from €400 to €500, while international school fees average around €1,200 to €1,600 per month. However, they can be significantly higher depending on the institution and grade level, with annual fees often exceeding €20,000.
The Instituto Politécnico da Guarda (IPG) is one of the most popular public institutions for higher education in Guarda. It is just a short drive away from Covilhã, an important city in the region.
Note: If you are thinking about moving to Guarda, there are no international schools, since most of them are in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.
Leisure Costs in Guarda
There are plenty of things to do in Guarda, such as sports and outdoor activities, exploring the main attractions, and going on wine tours. Most of them are completely free, while others are affordable.
Below are the average costs for leisure activities. Have in mind that they can change based on the cost of living in Portugal on a national level.
Item | Cost (in Euros) |
Fitness Club (Monthly fee for one adult) | €38.45 |
Cinema International Release (1 seat) | €7.75 |
Tennis Court (One hour in a weekend) | €14.64 |
Check out our guide to buying property in Guarda
Cost of Living in Guarda Compared to Other Portuguese Cities
Prices in Guarda are affordable compared to the rest of Portugal. A couple can live comfortably on €1,500 to €2,000 per month.
Compared to other cities in Portugal, rent prices in Guarda are:
- 9 percent lower than in Lisbon
- 8 percent cheaper than in Porto
- 7 percent cheaper than in Funchal
- 2 percent cheaper than in Setúbal
- 5 percent lower than in Braga
While the cost for utilities, internet, and mobile phones may be the same across Portugal, living in Guarda can help you save a lot on rent and real estate prices.
How can Goldcrest help you?
Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that offers services all around Portugal. Whether you are looking for properties in Guarda, need input on the latest real estate trends, or property management services for long-term rentals, we can help. Our team has access to property listings and can negotiate the best prices on your behalf.
Contact us today to find your dream home and get a property that suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cost of Living in Guarda
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Guarda?
Rent prices in Guarda, Portugal, are significantly lower than in other major cities in Portugal, with one-bedroom apartments in the center of Guarda averaging at €350, and three-bedroom apartments averaging at €650 in the center. Prices will drop as you move out of the center.
How much does public transportation cost in Guarda?
Five bus routes operated by Transportes Urbanos da Guarda serve the city and suburbs. A bus ticket costs €1.50. For those with a car in Guarda, a liter of gasoline costs €1.73.
What is the cost of groceries and food in Guarda?
Groceries in Guarda are very affordable, being 8 percent cheaper than in Lisbon. When it comes to dining out, a meal in an inexpensive restaurant will cost you just €10, while a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant will cost you €50.
How much does healthcare cost in Guarda?
You can get quality care in Guarda at low prices. The public system is often free, with some minor co-pays for unreferred emergency visits at about €14 to €40. Private doctor visits typically cost between €40 and €100 without insurance. Private annual insurance premiums can cost €400 to €1,200.
What are the average monthly expenses in Guarda?
When living in Guarda, a single person often spends about €1,200 on monthly expenses. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and other basic needs. For a family of four, monthly costs can range from €2,000 to €2,800.
