Cost of Living in Porto: A 2025 Guide for a Digital Nomad

Average Living Cost in Porto

The average cost of living in Porto, Portugal, varies based on the location. The closer you are to the historic center, the Douro River, or the beach in the Foz area, the higher the rental and property prices and general monthly expenses.

According to Numbeo, a single person living in Porto can expect to spend at least €680 ($792) per month, without including rent. The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are €2,460 ($2,867), excluding rent.

Based on reports from Statistics Portugal, the gross wages in Portugal have increased from 6.3 percent in 2023 to 6.4 percent in 2024.

According to Salary Expert, the base average monthly salary in Porto is €2,683 ($3,126) as of 2025. However, the gross average significantly varies from €1,800 ($2,096) to €2,000 ($2,329), which can be enough to live comfortably in Porto. For many expats and digital nomads in the IT sector, as well as those in marketing, engineering, and other high-demand industries, wages are often higher.

Overall, the cost of living in Portugal is more affordable than in the United States and much of Western Europe.

Accommodation Cost in Porto

Buying property in Porto, Portugal, can be a lucrative investment. Although accommodations make up a significant portion of the monthly expenses in Porto, they are more affordable than in Lisbon and other European capitals, like Madrid, Paris, and Berlin.

The neighborhood you choose will significantly affect your housing costs. For example, prime areas in the city center, such as Baixa, Sé, and Cedofeita, have the highest prices for accommodations.

But prices are more affordable outside the center, in areas such as Campanhã, Paranhos, and Matosinhos. If you want to retire in Portugal, there are many retirement homes in Porto, costing upwards of €3,000 ($3,497) for supportive care.

Rent prices

The cost of rent in Porto is 23.9 percent more affordable than in Lisbon. In Porto’s interior, you can find a studio for €750 ($874) per month or less, especially in Bonfim and Paranhos. But, that’s impossible to do in the capital, as the cost of living in Lisbon is significantly higher.

The average rent in Porto, Portugal, includes:

• One-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,039 ($1,211)
• Two-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €788 ($918)
• Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,870 ($2,180)
• Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €1,422 ($1,657)

Buying house in Porto

According to Confidencial Imobilario, the average asking price for properties in Porto city is €4,883 ($5,690) per square meter, and €3,937 ($4,589) per square meter in the wider metropolitan area. Porto, Portugal real estate offers rental yields of 5.9 to 6.6 percent, with Gondomar having the highest yields of 7.2 percent.

Although housing costs have been increasing due to inflation and rising demand, Portugal property prices remain more affordable than the United States and many Western European countries, such as France, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. If you want to compare real estate prices, check our guide for Porto vs Lisbon property.

Real estate investment in Porto offers strong capital appreciation, a high quality of life, and an excellent return on investment. Luxury properties, such as villas with swimming pools, modern apartments, vineyards, and traditional houses (quintas), remain a popular investment option.

However, the cost of housing varies based on the location. The table below covers some of the best neighborhoods in Porto.

Source: Confidencial Imobilario

Note: To purchase any type of property in Porto as a foreigner and complete the financial transactions, you will need a NIF number and a Portuguese bank account.

Monthly Costs of Living in Porto

A couple needs about €2,300 ($2,681) to cover the monthly costs of living in Portugal with rent. A single person needs around €1,400 ($1,632) to €1,700 ($1,982) per month, and a family of four can spend about €3,800 ($4,430) to €4,300 ($5,012) per month, including rent.

Here is a detailed guideline of the average cost of living in Portugal, specifically in Porto.

Groceries

Grocery prices in Porto are 9.1 percent cheaper than in Lisbon. A single person can expect to spend €250 ($291) to €300 ($350) on monthly groceries. For a family of four, the cost for groceries in Porto varies from €600 ($699) to €800 ($933). Digital nomads living in rural areas can spend roughly €150 ($175) to €200 ($233) on buying fresh foods from local farmers’ markets.

The table offers average prices for groceries in Portugal, Porto.

Source: Numbeo

Dining out

If you plan on dining out in Porto, a meal at an affordable restaurant can cost around €10 ($12).

For a nicer experience, a three-course meal for a couple at a mid-range restaurant can cost around €50 ($58).

If you want fast food, a combo meal at McDonald’s is around €8 ($9.33). Coffee lovers will appreciate that a regular cappuccino costs roughly €1.79 ($2.09), making café stops very affordable.

Even drinks on the go are budget-friendly, with a 0.33L soft drink, such as Coca-Cola or Pepsi, priced at around €1.50 ($1.75) to €1.93 ($2.25).

Utilities

Basic utility costs in Porto for an 85 m² apartment are about €119.10 ($138.83). They cover electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage. Internet and mobile plans are very affordable. If you need a mobile phone plan, expect to pay about €18 ($20.98) per month for 10GB of data. For 60 Mbps internet, you can spend about €32.69 ($38.11) per month. Digital nomads can use the free Wi-Fi available at many cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers.

Entertainment costs

For recreational activities in Porto, a gym membership can cost €41.81 ($48.74) per month. If you wish to play tennis, renting a court for one hour on the weekend averages €15 ($17.49). Watching a movie at the cinema is also affordable and can cost about €8 ($9.33) for a ticket.

There are also free recreational activities across Porto for expats, remote workers, and families. For example, you can explore the Crystal Palace Gardens, Porto Cathedral, and the city park (Parque da Cidade). Check our article on things to do in Porto if you are planning to explore the entire region.

Portugal Transportation Cost

Porto benefits from an efficient and affordable public transport system that makes getting around the city and beyond easy and convenient. Several transportation options are available, including buses, trains, trams, and car rentals.

Public transportation

Porto’s public transport consists of its metro (Metro do Porto), trams, and buses. You can get a one-way ticket for €1.50 ($1.75) with local transport, but for a monthly ticket, which costs €40 ($47).

The city is also home to the Funicular dos Guindais railway, connecting its Ribeira and Batalha neighborhoods. The São Bento train station in Porto is not only the central station with excellent connections to other cities throughout Portugal.

Its second train station is Campanhã train station, which is equally essential in connecting Porto with its surrounding areas, including international journeys to Spain. A one-person return ticket to Lisbon will cost between €25 ($29) and €50 ($58).

Owning a car in Porto

A liter of gasoline costs about €1.73 ($2.02), so you can expect to spend at least €140 ($163) or more per month to run a mid-sized, average car. Parking in central Porto costs about €0.8 ($0.93) to €2.80 ($3.26) per hour. But the costs can vary based on location, opening hours, valet, and surveillance.

Tolls when traveling outside the city can cost €50 ($58) to €60 ($70) for a round trip to Lisbon. The cost of the mandatory annual inspection (IPO) is currently €36.64 ($42.71), and with repairs, a yearly budget can cost €300 ($350) to €500 ($583). For an average cost of private car insurance, you can spend €350 ($408) to €500 ($583) annually for fully comprehensive coverage.

Taxi apps

As a digital nomad, taxis may not be part of your daily requirements, but they are also cheaper than in many other European cities. The one-hour waiting fee for a taxi starts at around €15 ($17.49), and a 1 km driving time (excluding the starting fee of €3.50 ($4.08)) costs around €0.70 ($0.82). Prices for Uber and Bolt journeys are generally much cheaper.

Cost of Healthcare in Porto

Healthcare costs in Portugal are relatively affordable compared to the United States. The country offers a universal healthcare system through the National Health Service, also known as Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS). Overall, the Portugal living cost per month is quite affordable for retirees.

Portuguese citizens and residents get most healthcare services for free, such as primary care doctor visits, emergency services, and maternity care. But, you can expect to pay a small out-of-pocket cost for certain subsidized prescription medications and non-urgent emergency room visits that do not require a prior referral.

Private insurance in Portugal can cost €30 ($34.96) to €150 ($174.81) per month, depending on the coverage. Many expats, digital nomads, and families living in Porto opt for private healthcare due to shorter waiting times for specialists, faster access to non-urgent treatments, and coverage for services like dental and vision care.

Check our article on Portugal healthcare to learn more about the various services public and private hospitals can offer.

Cost of Education in Porto

Public education in Porto is free for Portuguese residents and citizens. But, if you plan to enroll your child in an international school in Portugal, you can expect to pay €800 ($933) per month on average tuition fees. The tuition costs vary from €400 ($466) to €1,800 ($2,098) per month, depending on the school and curriculum.

Private preschool costs about €409 ($477) per month for a single child. When it comes to universities in Portugal, foreign students can expect to pay €3,000 ($3,497) to €12,000 ($13,988) annually. But the total tuition fees vary based on the institution you choose and grade level.

For example, top international schools like Oporto British School charge between €8,735 ($10,182) and €14,585 ($17,001) per year, while Lycée Français International Porto offers annual tuition ranging from €4,915 ($5,729) to €5,975 ($6,965), based on the International Schools Database.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent based in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Equipped with local knowledge, exclusive networks, and international experience, we provide expert, impartial advice on the real estate market.

Our team can scout off-market properties, negotiate prices, and offer property management services for long-term rentals. Contact us today and let us help you find your dream home in Porto.