Is Portugal Expensive to Visit? 2026 Cost & Travel Guide

Is it expensive to visit Portugal?

No. Portugal is not considered expensive to visit for American travelers, especially when compared to other Western European countries, such as France, the UK, or Switzerland. Food, tourist attractions, and local transportation are also cheaper than in Spain, Greece, or Italy.

However, prices increase during the peak summer season, from June to August, in popular destinations such as Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. When you travel off-season and eat local food at tascas, Portugal is one of the most affordable places to visit.

Here are the average Portugal travel costs per person:

• Budget traveler: Budget travelers can explore Lisbon comfortably on a daily budget of €60 to €90 ($70 to $105), by staying at a top-tier hostel for €25 to €40 ($29 to $47) per bed, eating at traditional Portuguese tascas (local taverns) for €10 to €14 ($12 to $16), and prioritizing free viewpoints instead of paid local attractions.
• Mid-range traveler: For a comfortable experience, you can spend €120 to €180 ($140 to $210) per day by staying at three-star mid-range hotels for €60 to €90 ($70 to $105) per person, double occupancy. A dinner for a couple can cost €50 ($59) at a mid-range restaurant.
• Luxury traveler: Tourists seeking a premium traveling experience can spend over €420 ($491) per day. Travelers often spend €350 to €550 ($410 to $644) per night at a standard 5-star hotel, visit during the peak summer season, and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants in Portugal.

So, is Portugal an expensive place to visit? According to Numbeo’s cost of living index, Lisbon is the most affordable capital in Western Europe, with costs 30 to 50 percent lower than those in Paris (France), London (UK), or Amsterdam (Netherlands).

The overall expenses are 10 percent lower than in Madrid (Spain) and 5.5 percent lower than in Athens (Greece). On that note, the cost of living in Portugal vs USA is 29.3 percent cheaper than in the United States, not including rent.

Most tourists pay about 20 to 30 percent less for a mid-range vacation in Portugal compared to a similar trip in Northern Europe. If you look at the food scene and local drink prices, you can save even more. For example, a regular cappuccino in Lisbon costs about €2.25 ($2.63), while the same drink in Oslo (Norway) costs roughly €4.44 ($5.19). You can read more about the overall expenses in our guide on the cost of living in Lisbon.

Portugal Travel Budget Assumptions

Wondering how much does it cost to travel to Portugal for a week? A week in Portugal can cost around €855 ($1,000), excluding flights. For this price, you can stay at a four-star hotel, eat meals at mid-range restaurants, and rent a car for about €120 ($140) per day.

However, Portugal is cheap for tourists on a tight budget as well. There are many affordable accommodations to stay in, including two or three-star hotels, hostels, and Airbnb rentals. Travelers can eat at inexpensive great restaurants, use public transportation, and explore free activities for about €60 to €90 ($70 to $105) per person per day.

When it comes to luxury traveling, Portugal has a lot to offer, with private beaches, golf courses, and world-class luxury hotels, especially in the Golden Triangle in the Algarve. You can read more about Lisbon and the Lisbon Coast’s great golf courses in our article.

Luxury vacations start at over €420 ($491) per person with no limit to spending. As of 2026, Portugal has a total of 46 Michelin-starred restaurants, offering the ultimate fine dining experience.

Here is a 7-day travel budget per person, which you can use as a general estimate. Of course, you can tweak it according to your traveling experience.

Food & Dining for Travelers in Portugal

Is Portugal expensive for tourists? Let’s take a look at the prices of food and dining out. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost €13.75 ($16.09) in Lisbon, versus €15 ($17.55) in Madrid, €22.98 ($26.89) in London, €15 ($17.55) in Paris, and €20 ($23.40) in Amsterdam.

Quality dining for two at a mid-range restaurant in Portugal can cost €45 ($52.65) for three courses, compared to €60 ($70.20) or more in other Western European countries. Even luxury dining at Michelin-starred restaurants in Portugal is more affordable than in France, the United Kingdom, or the United States.

Fast food and casual street vendors can drastically decrease the total costs. For example, pastéis de nata cost €1.10 to €1.50 ($1.29 to $1.76) compared to €3.50 to €5 ($4.10 to $5.85) for similar high-end pastries in neighboring countries like France or the UK. A pork sandwich (bifana) can cost €3 to €5 ($3.51 to $5.85), and alcohol is 40 to 60 percent more affordable than in Northern Europe.

So, how expensive is Portugal to visit? Portugal can be an affordable place for travelers, especially if you shop like a local and budget your expenses. The table below provides a general guide to potential expenditures for food and drinks.

Source: Numbeo

Portugal Transport Costs for Visitors

So, is it expensive to travel to Portugal? As of 2026, Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe for transportation. Whether you are exploring the steep hills of Lisbon or the vineyards in Douro Valley, 5 to 10 percent of your travel budget can be spent on transportation.

Public transportation in Portugal is the most efficient way to save money, especially in major cities. A single journey by metro or local buses can cost €1.70 to €2.30 ($1.99 to $2.69), while a regular price for a monthly ticket is €40 ($46.80).

A 24-hour day pass costing €7.25 ($8.48) provides unlimited metro, bus, and tram access, including the famous no. 28 (28E). A pre-load zapping, which is often used during occasional trips or multi-operator travel (such as ferries and trains), can set you back about €1.72 ($2.01). However, prices vary depending on location, season, and operator.

If you are visiting the Algarve region or the Douro Valley, a car is often necessary for transportation. You can find a rental car for as low as €15 to €25 ($18 to $29) per day in the off-season, although prices spike to €50 to €70 ($59 to $82) per day in August, which is why it’s important to plan ahead.

When it comes to taxis, a standard tariff starts at €3.50 ($4.10) with a €15 ($17.55) cost for one hour of waiting. The price of gasoline fluctuates, but it can cost about €1.73 ($2.02) per liter, making traveling and transportation expenses highly manageable for budget and mid-range travelers.

On that note, many travelers come to mainland Portugal by plane. The most notable low-cost airlines, like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air, offer lower base fares depending on your travel style. Direct flights are surprisingly cheap if you fly from Europe during the off-season, but require strategic planning for those traveling from North America. Booking a flight ticket a couple of months in advance can help you mitigate the travel costs.

Tours and Activities Costs in Portugal

Portugal is on the cheaper side of Europe and the United States when it comes to sightseeing and visiting local attractions. A one-week trip in the summer can cost about €7,614 ($8,908) for a family of four or €3,800 to €4,500 ($4,446 to $5,265) for a couple, including flights.

Here is a list of the top five places to visit in Portugal.

1. Lisbon: Portugal’s capital is famous for its historic neighborhoods, hilltop viewpoints, and classic yellow trams. There are plenty of things to do in Lisbon, from visiting museums to enjoying the nightlife, modern cafes, and exploring the narrow streets.
2. Porto: This riverside city is well-known for its Porto wine, relaxed atmosphere, and stunning views of the Douro River. Travelers can visit numerous historic churches, port wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia, or take a stroll through the Ribeira district. For more information, take a look at our guide on cost of living in Porto.
3. Lagos: This coastal town in the Algarve is popular for its golden beaches, clear blue waters, and dramatic cliffs. It is a perfect spot for swimming, boat tours, and exploring sea caves like the Ponta da Piedade.
4. São Miguel island: This is the largest island in the Azores and a top destination for nature lovers. It offers volcanic lakes, natural hot springs, whale-watching tours, and lush landscapes.
5. Madeira island: Madeira is famous for its mild climate, coastal views, and mountain hikes. It is full of botanical gardens, outdoor activities, and excellent dining experiences.

Is Portugal expensive for purchasing Property?

When it comes to property, the Portuguese real estate market is dynamic and offers an array of exciting investment opportunities.

If you are considering purchasing property in Portugal, prices range considerably depending on the location. Property prices in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area stand at €4,935 and at €3,937 in the Porto Metropolitan Area.

The Algarve, where you’ll find one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world, has an average asking price of €4,385, while for a cheaper option, consider the Alentejo, where prices stand at €3,181.

The north and center of Portugal are also more affordable, with average asking prices standing at €1,903 and €2,098, respectively. Read more about how the Portugal vs US real estate markets compare in our detailed guide.

Does the season affect travel costs in Portugal?

Yes, the time of year has a big impact on travel costs in Portugal. Prices are highest during the summer months (June to August), particularly in popular tourist destinations such as Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.

The shoulder seasons from April to May and September to October offer the best mix of pleasant weather and lower prices. Traveling outside of summer can reduce accommodation costs by 30 to 50 percent due to fewer tourists overall.

So, what is the cheapest month to visit Portugal? February offers the lowest prices for both flights, luxury hotels, and tourist attractions. It is the coolest time of year, with temperatures ranging from 8°C (46.4°F) to 16°C (60.8°F).

If you visit Portugal during the off-season, consider timing your trip with some of the local festivals, such as Carnaval, São Martinho (St. Martin’s Day), the Óbidos Chocolate Festival, and the Festa das Fogaceiras. Although this can cause a slight temporary increase in hotel prices, you can still enjoy a very affordable travel experience.

Is Portugal expensive to go on holiday?

Portugal is a relatively low-cost destination to visit during the holidays. Compared to other European countries, Portugal’s overall living expenses are 29.3 percent lower than Germany, 28.3 percent cheaper than France, and 28.4 percent more affordable than the UK, without including rent. Depending on the priced accommodation and spending habits, you can explore the country on a flexible budget.

What can Goldcrest do for you?

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent based in Portugal, providing in-depth knowledge and market insights into Portuguese real estate. Our team offers more than just the latest property prices – we also help clients analyze living expenses across the country, so they can make an informed decision when visiting Portugal.

If you are interested in buying property in Portugal, we can streamline the purchasing process, collect the necessary documents, and introduce you to local experts, such as real estate lawyers and tax advisors. Alongside property management services, we also offer long-term rental searches.

Contact us today and let us help you find your dream property.