Cost of Living in Porto: A 2024 Guide for a Digital Nomad

One of the best things about remote working and the rise of working visas targeted towards digital nomads is that more people, no matter their age or where they’re from, can adopt a hybrid lifestyle.

The generally lower cost of living in Porto, Portugal, makes moving exploring the city and enjoying the port wine and all the experiences Porto has to offer an easily achievable once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Porto is gaining popularity as a place for digital nomads as many people realize its potential as a fabulous city in which to live and work. Often overlooked in favor of Lisbon or the Algarve in Southern Portugal, Porto has a lot to offer as the country’s second largest city, and average costs are more reasonably priced than that of its counterparts mentioned above.

In this guide for expats and remote workers, we will explore the digital nomad lifestyle Porto offers and the city’s average price for housing, transport, electricity, and services, as well as other estimated monthly costs.

The Increasing Cost of Living in Porto

The cost of living in Portugal is rising as much as it is in other countries across the globe. The cost of living in Porto can also vary depending on specific circumstances, such as your lifestyle, leisure activities, and the neighborhood in which you live. However, in general, it is considered relatively affordable compared to other major European Union cities.

It is important to keep in mind that the prices in this article are average figures correct at the time of writing and may vary based on location, establishment, and certain economic factors, such as inflation.

Accommodation Costs in Porto

Renting in Porto is cheaper than in Lisbon and other cities. How much you pay will vary based on the location, size, and quality of the accommodation you choose. Generally, the outskirts of the city offer cheaper accommodation cost options such as a small apartment and even a spacious two-bedroom apartment. More pricey apartments in the center of Porto. Additionally, Porto costs for renting luxury properties in the city center or near the beach may also be higher than the average price.

Apartment rentals in Porto

Porto offers plenty of options for those who want to rent apartments, and your first step should be to consult rental websites. They are ideal for non-Portuguese speakers and are a convenient way to search for a place that caters to your needs. You can also check out local Facebook groups that advertise property rentals, and you may find a bargain through a private landlord.

On average, you can expect to pay around €948 per month for a small one-bedroom apartment in Porto’s center, while a similar place outside the city center will cost €740 per month. A bigger apartment in the city center, for example, a place with three bedrooms, will cost around €1,524 per month and €1,179 on the outskirts of Porto.

Generally, you should be able to find a suitable place to rent, but it may take some time to find the perfect place. In Porto, you will find anything from studio apartments and one-bedroom apartments to three-bedroom apartments, as well as townhouses and larger real estate options, are available.

Flatshares in Porto

Those who are okay with sharing facilities and saving on rent and utilities may want to consider a flatshare. It’s easy to find precisely what you need if you do some research and check out websites such as Housing Anywhere and Airbnb or Just Landed. You can expect a furnished private room, some of which even have their en-suite bathrooms.

Prices vary based on location, size, and amenities of the flat, but you can expect to pay around €320 per month—with no upper limit on the cost of living in Porto.

*The above costs are estimated from Numbeo as of 2024.

Dining Out in Porto

Porto is a vibrant city with lots of fabulous bistros and restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed eatery to work at on a regular basis, want to enjoy a quick lunch in between, or have a leisurely dinner after a day of remote work, there is something for every taste and budget. Of course, dining at an inexpensive or mid-range restaurant will keep the bills low, and more exclusive venues will come at extra cost. According to Numbeo, a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will currently cost €40.

• Hungry Biker is an excellent place for brunch and serves healthy food, including gluten-free dishes and vegetarian and vegan options. It’s a short walk from the Douro River and around the corner from Parque das Virtudes.
• Marianus Hamburgueria Artesanal’s menu features burgers and international cuisine, and it is an affordable place that serves quality food. It’s in the city center and around the corner from the cathedral (Se Cathedral).
• éLeBê Centro is another reasonably priced restaurant with a modern ambiance, serving local and traditional Portuguese cuisine, as well as Mediterranean options. Their octopus dishes and cheese fondue are particularly recommended, although they have plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices, too.
• Restaurante Chama is only a short walk away from Porto Cathedral. It serves a variety of dishes, from seven-course menus to traditional Portuguese cuisine, and caters to those looking for vegetarian and vegan options.
• Customers rate Brasao Foz for its great atmosphere and helpful staff. This restaurant serves European, Mediterranean, and Portuguese cuisine at mid-range prices.

Coffee Shops and Bakeries in Porto

You’ll find cafes, coffee houses, and bakeries in abundance in this lively city, and you are guaranteed to find your new favorite spot to work amongst them or stop in at between leisure activities. The list below is incomplete but is a good starting point if you’re new to Porto as a digital nomad.

• Dona Mira is a charming cafe, bar, and restaurant in the Bonfim neighborhood. On sunny days, you can sit in the backyard and enjoy your coffee, breakfast, or lunch there. Dona Mira also regularly hosts various cultural events, including poetry and music performances.
• Mesa 325 Cafetaria serves a variety of tasty breakfast options, from healthy fruit bowls to nutritional granola bowls and wholesome bagels. Their coffees are excellent, and their fig, walnut, brie, and honey sandwiches come highly recommended.
• C’alma Speciality Coffee Room is the perfect place for coffee enthusiasts, and digital nomads will be able to stay hydrated at reasonable prices. They also serve pastries, including the famous pastel de nata.
• NATA Lisboa is a great spot for breakfast. It serves a variety of hot drinks, pastries, and sandwiches. The service is great, and the menu is reasonably priced.
• Lazy Breakfast Club is another fabulous coffee house well-known for its fluffy pancakes. The food is affordable, the ambiance is excellent, and the staff are amiable.

Overall, if you want to save money and experience an authentic meal, avoid overly touristy places and stick to restaurants and cafes where the locals are.

Shopping for Groceries and Toiletries in Porto

According to Numbeo, consumer prices are over 43.7 percent cheaper than in London, United Kingdom, without rent. Groceries can make up a large chunk of a monthly budget, but groceries and toiletries are more affordable than in many other cities. The table below shows the average prices of food and basic essentials.

*The above costs are estimated from Numbeo as of 2024.

Mobile Phone and Internet Costs

The monthly fees for internet and mobile phone costs will vary based on the provider, but they are generally similar to the average prices in Europe. For example, with a company like One Sim Card, you can expect to pay around €0.45 per minute for outgoing calls on a prepaid mobile tariff. For the internet, you can expect to pay approximately €35.25 for unlimited data, although the download speed may come at an additional cost.

Porto Co-working Spaces

As Porto is fast becoming a popular hub for digital nomads, co-working spaces are readily available at affordable daily, weekly, or monthly prices. Co-working spaces also offer the added benefit of meeting lots of new people, either fellow digital nomads with whom you can share your experience or locals who can give you insider hints and tips.

Some of the best co-working spaces in Porto are Facts Co-working, Selina Navis Co-working, and Typographia Cowork. Prices start from €100 per month, depending on your needs, and many of these venues have on-site amenities such as refreshment facilities, kitchens, and cloakrooms.

An Overview of the Cost of Living in Porto

Overall, the cost of living in Porto is cheaper than in most other cities, including Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon. While the cost of living is rising and doesn’t leave Porto unaffected, life in this city is still affordable without needing an above average monthly salary.

Being a digital nomad in Porto is an intelligent choice for those who want to have a high quality of life on an affordable budget and without paying a premium price. In Porto, you can indulge in city life at its finest and live your best life as a digital nomad. Of course, the estimated monthly costs depend on your lifestyle, but typical prices for necessities let you lead a comfortable life.

Porto rent prices are affordable, and monthly costs for public transportation, private healthcare insurance (if you’re not a legal resident), a monthly pass for a co-working space or the gym, and dining in an inexpensive restaurant can be affordable and keep your cost of living low.

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 real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property to property acquisition and beyond, we have you covered throughout the process.