Moving to Portugal is a dream for many — warm weather, friendly people, safety, great food and a slower lifestyle. But before relocating, it’s essential to understand the real cost of moving and settling in the country. This 2025 guide breaks down every major expense: visas, rentals, utilities, schools, transport, furniture, groceries and hidden fees that most newcomers miss.
- Why Portugal remains attractive in 2025
- Visa and documentation costs
- Housing costs across Portugal
- Utility costs (realistic monthly average)
- Average grocery costs
- Transport costs
- Cost of international schools
- Healthcare costs
- Initial relocation costs (what people forget)
- Total cost of moving to Portugal in 2025
Whether you’re a remote worker, a retiree, a family with kids or an investor looking for a fresh start, this guide gives you a practical budget so you can plan your relocation with confidence.
Why Portugal remains attractive in 2025
- Safe country with excellent quality of life
- Mild climate year-round
- Affordable healthcare compared to most Western countries
- Excellent food and outdoor lifestyle
- Growing expat communities in Lisbon, Porto, Algarve and Madeira
- Multiple residency options (D7, digital nomad visa, work visas, investment paths)
Despite slight price increases in housing and services, Portugal remains more affordable than most of Western Europe and North America.
Visa and documentation costs
Your costs depend on the type of visa. In 2025, the most common ones are:
D7 (passive income) visa
- Application fee: €90–€120
- SEF residence permit: €170–€190
- Required proof of income: around €820+ per month (per adult)
Digital nomad visa
- Application fee: €90–€120
- SEF residence permit: €170–€190
- Required income: typically €3,040+ per month
Other common costs
- Document translations: €10–€20 per page
- Apostilles: €20–€30 per document
- NIF (tax number): free to €50 depending on service
- Opening a bank account: usually free
If you use a lawyer or relocation service, budget €600–€2,000 depending on complexity.
Housing costs across Portugal
Rent is the biggest recurring expense. Prices vary significantly by region:
Lisbon
- 1-bedroom: €1,100–€1,600
- 2-bedroom: €1,400–€2,200
- 3-bedroom: €2,000–€3,200+
Porto
- 1-bedroom: €800–€1,200
- 2-bedroom: €1,100–€1,600
- 3-bedroom: €1,500–€2,300
Algarve
- 1-bedroom: €900–€1,400
- 2-bedroom: €1,200–€1,800
- 3-bedroom: €1,800–€2,800
More affordable regions (Braga, Évora, Coimbra, Leiria)
- 1-bedroom: €550–€800
- 2-bedroom: €700–€1,100
- 3-bedroom: €900–€1,400
Important: A full rental deposit often requires:
- 1–2 months deposit + 1 month rent upfront
- Sometimes a guarantor or proof of income
Utility costs (realistic monthly average)
Portugal has moderate utility costs, but summer air conditioning and winter heating can increase bills.
- Electricity: €60–€130
- Water: €20–€35
- Internet + TV + mobile: €40–€70
- Gas (if applicable): €30–€55
Monthly average: €120–€250 depending on region and home size.
Average grocery costs
Portugal remains affordable for groceries, especially compared to France, UK or the US. Expect:
- Weekly groceries per person: €30–€55
- Family of four monthly total: €350–€600
- Eating out: €10–€14 lunch menu / €12–€25 dinner
Local markets offer fresh produce at excellent prices.
Transport costs
Public transport
- Lisbon metro pass: €40–€50
- Porto metro pass: €35–€45
- Intercity buses: €5–€18 for most routes
Car ownership
- Used car: €4,000–€10,000+
- Insurance: €200–€350 per year
- Fuel: €1.75–€1.95 per liter
- Highway tolls: €10–€40 per long route
Cars are useful in the Algarve and rural areas, less needed in Lisbon or Porto.
Cost of international schools
For families with children, this is a key expense:
- Lisbon / Cascais: €6,000–€18,000 per year
- Porto: €5,000–€15,000 per year
- Algarve: €5,000–€14,000 per year
Public schools are free, well-rated and welcoming to foreign students.
Healthcare costs
Portugal has both public and private healthcare:
Public SNS
- Small co-pays (€5–€15)
- High quality and accessible
Private healthcare
- Consultations: €40–€80
- Dentist: €30–€60 per visit
- Insurance: €25–€80/month
Most expats combine public + private for flexibility.
Initial relocation costs (what people forget)
These one-time expenses often surprise newcomers:
- Furniture & appliances: €500–€1,500 (basic) or €2,000–€5,000 (comfortable)
- Kitchen setup: €80–€200
- Small repairs & adjustments: €100–€300
- Gym: €20–€40/month
- Pet relocation: €200–€600
Total cost of moving to Portugal in 2025
Singles
€1,200–€1,900/month depending on city and lifestyle.
Couples
€1,600–€2,700/month realistic average.
Families (two kids)
€2,500–€4,500/month depending on schooling and region.
Portugal remains one of Europe’s best-value destinations for relocation in 2025. While costs vary by region and lifestyle, the country continues to offer a high quality of life, safety, outdoor living and a warm culture that makes newcomers feel at home. With proper planning, moving to Portugal can be smooth, affordable and incredibly rewarding.
Last updated: November 2025.
