Portugal is a great country that many people choose to relocate to. Find out more about the cost of living in Portugal, renting a house and food prices

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Moving to Portugal will give you a lot of positive emotions, as it is a country on the ocean with a mild climate, beautiful landscapes, friendly people and quite affordable prices.

A nice bonus is that the cost of living in Portugal is probably the lowest among all Western European countries.

Travelling to Portugal requires compliance with certain rules. These include visa requirements and health insurance, which is mandatory when entering this country. What kind of insurance is needed to travel to Portugal and how Ukrainians can apply for temporary protection and receive assistance in Portugal in 2024 - we will tell you via the links.

Utilities and renting an apartment in Portugal

As in most European countries, a significant part of your budget will be spent on renting an apartment. In smaller cities in Portugal, such as Braga, Coimbra or Aveiro, rental prices remain more moderate compared to the capital. A one-bedroom apartment can be rented for €500-700 per month. Two-bedroom apartments are more expensive - from 650 to 900 euros per month. It is worth noting that prices may vary depending on the location and condition of the property.

The capital of Portugal has a much higher level of rental prices. For a one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon, you will have to pay from 1,000 to 1,700 euros per month. Prices depend heavily on the area of the city and the quality of the accommodation.

However, when looking for budget accommodation, it is worth bearing in mind that an inexpensive apartment may not have a heat source, and the tenant will have to buy portable heaters. Also, independent heating will affect the cost of utilities, including electricity. It is important to note that not all residential complexes in Portugal are equipped with lifts, so pay attention to this if the lack of a lift may be a problem for you.

Monthly utility bills in Portugal are a separate expense for residents. On average, an apartment of 50-70 square metres costs 100-150 euros for utilities. This amount includes electricity, water, gas and garbage collection. In summer, the costs can be lower, and in winter, they can be slightly higher due to the need for heating.

It is worth noting that this amount often does not include internet and mobile phone bills, which can add another 30-50 euros to monthly expenses.

To find out which cities are recognised as the best for expats in Portugal in 2024 , follow the link.

How to rent an apartment in Portugal?

For an effective search for accommodation in Portugal, it is recommended to use proven online platforms.

Websites for finding accommodation in Portugal:

- Idealista;
- Imovirtual;
- OLX Portugal;
- Remax.

For a successful move and to avoid any troubles, it is worth contacting specialists. The lawyers of Visit Ukraine provide full support and advice on visa and migration issues to successfully resolve any nuances.

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How much does it cost to live in Portugal: the cost of food

Traditional markets continue to operate in many cities and towns in Portugal, including Lisbon. The country also has many European supermarket chains.

Prices for basic products in Portuguese supermarkets are at the European average. Bread costs about 1-1.5 euros per loaf, and a litre of milk can be purchased for 0.80-1.20 euros. A dozen eggs cost 2-3 euros. A kilogram of chicken will cost 6-8 euros, and beef - 10-14 euros. Vegetables and fruits are available at reasonable prices: a kilo of tomatoes costs 2-3 euros, apples - 1.5-2.5 euros, potatoes - about 1 euro.

Olive oil, which is the basis of Portuguese cuisine, costs 6-8 euros per litre. Local wines can be purchased for 4-7 euros per bottle, and fish, depending on the variety, for 8-15 euros per kilogram.

Dinner in a middle-class restaurant for two people in Portugal will cost 40-60 euros. This amount includes two main courses, drinks and possibly dessert. In more sophisticated establishments, the cost can reach 80-100 euros or more. Lunch in a simple cafe with a daily menu (menu do dia) is much cheaper - 10-15 euros per person, including soup, main course and drink.

For a family of three, the monthly food budget in 2024 is approximately €500-700. This amount takes into account the purchase of quality products in regular supermarkets and sometimes at local markets. It is worth noting that actual costs may vary depending on eating habits, where you live, and the stores you choose. In smaller towns, prices are usually lower than in Lisbon or Porto.

Are you considering Portugal as a permanent residence? This country offers excellent employment opportunities for foreigners.

You can findout what the labour market looks like and what vacancies are most in demand in Portugal in 2024 by following the link.

Travel costs in Portugal

The public transport system in Portugal is well developed and offers a variety of travel ticket options. In Lisbon, a single trip by metro or bus costs about €1.65. A monthly travel card for all types of public transport in the capital costs about 40 euros.

In Porto, the second largest city in the country, prices are slightly lower. A single metro or bus ticket costs around €1.50, and a monthly pass costs around €30-35. In smaller cities, public transport fares usually do not exceed €1-1.20 per trip.

Most major cities in Portugal have a convenient and efficient public transport system, but to get to know this beautiful and colourful country better, it is better to organise a flexible and leisurely car trip.

You can find out moreabout the peculiarities of traffic rules, the most common fines and the cost of toll roads in Portugal here.

The average price of Eurosuper 95 petrol is around €1.70 - €1.85 per litre. Diesel fuel is slightly cheaper - about €1.60 - €1.75 per litre. It is important to note that prices may vary depending on the region and the specific petrol station.

Keep in mind that a Green Card is a prerequisite for legal driving in Portugal. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can apply for a Green Card online from a licensed insurer. Packages are available for different periods from 15 days to 1 year for cars and trucks, trailers and semi-trailers for trucks, as well as motorcycles and scooters.

Medical services in Portugal

Portugal has a high level of healthcare. Public hospitals are modern and well-equipped. Many doctors in both private and public institutions speak English.

The national healthcare system covers basic healthcare needs, accidents and illnesses. Healthcare in Portugal is usually free, but in some cases there may be a charge.

Take care of your health while travelling to Europe with health insurance from Visit Ukraine, which guarantees reliable protection. Ensure your peace of mind while travelling.

Cost of living in Portugal: budget for a month

Summing up all the main categories of expenses, for a family of three to live comfortably in a small city in Portugal in 2024, it is enough to have a budget of 2500-3000 euros per month. This amount will cover rent, quality food, transport, medical care, and various leisure activities. To live in Lisbon, you should expect to spend at least €3,500, given the higher rental costs and the general price level in the capital.

Just to remind you. The Digital Nomad (D8) visa in Portugal is a great opportunity for remote workers and freelancers to live and work in the country. What is the peculiarity of this type of visa and how Ukrainians with temporary protection/residence permit can apply for a digital nomad visa - please follow the link.

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