How much do groceries cost in Portugal in 2025? What about transportation, mobile plans, pharmacies, cafés, eating out, and basic living expenses? This guide gives real prices based on supermarket receipts, restaurant menus, transport passes, and expat budgets.
- How much do groceries cost in Portugal?
- Eating out and café lifestyle
- Transportation (metro, buses, trains, Uber)
- Mobile phone and internet costs
- Pharmacies and personal care
- Cost of cleaning services, gyms, childcare and pets
- Regional differences you should know
- Monthly budget example (single expat)
- Final thoughts
Portugal attracts thousands of newcomers every year because it offers a calm lifestyle, Mediterranean weather, and affordable living — especially compared to France, Germany, the UK, the U.S., and Canada. But “affordable” doesn’t always mean “cheap.” Daily expenses vary significantly depending on whether you shop in traditional supermarkets or organic shops, whether you eat out in tourist zones or local cafés, and whether you live in Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve.
This guide breaks down the true cost of everyday life in Portugal, based on real data and expat experiences.
How much do groceries cost in Portugal?
Portugal has an excellent supermarket ecosystem with strong competition. The most common chains are:
- Lidl (most budget-friendly)
- Pingo Doce (local, very popular)
- Continente (wide variety / big stores)
- Intermarché (smaller cities and villages)
Organic and premium stores include Go Natural and Celeiro, and prices there are closer to Western Europe averages.
Average grocery costs per month
- Single person: €180 – €260 / month
- Couple: €300 – €450 / month
- Family with children: €500 – €750 / month
Portugal is one of the few countries where fresh fish, vegetables, and fruit remain affordable — especially at local markets.
Typical supermarket prices in 2025
| Product | Average price |
|---|---|
| 1 kg tomatoes | €1.50 – €2.20 |
| 1 kg potatoes | €0.80 – €1.30 |
| 1 kg oranges | €1.20 – €2.00 |
| Fresh whole chicken (1.2 kg) | €3.50 – €5.50 |
| 1 kg fresh salmon | €8.90 – €13.90 |
| Olive oil (1L, good quality) | €6 – €9 |
| Milk (1L) | €0.90 – €1.30 |
| Bread loaf (padaria) | €0.40 – €0.80 |
For comparison, fresh produce at local markets is often 15% to 30% cheaper than large supermarkets — especially if you buy seasonal vegetables.
Eating out and café lifestyle
Portugal is café culture. People stop for espresso (called “bica” in Lisbon) at any time of the day. Eating out is still affordable — but only if you avoid tourist districts.
Average prices in cafés and restaurants
- Espresso: €1.00 – €1.50
- Croissant / pastry: €1.10 – €2.00
- Lunch menu (soup + main dish + drink + coffee): €8 – €14
- Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: €35 – €65
- Beer (33cl): €2.00 – €3.50
Avoid restaurants directly on the beachfront or in Praça do Comércio (Lisbon) and Ribeira (Porto) if you want local prices.
Transportation (metro, buses, trains, Uber)
Public transportation in Portugal is efficient and inexpensive, especially in Lisbon and Porto.
- Lisbon monthly pass (unlimited metro + bus): ~ €40
- Porto monthly pass: ~ €35
- Single metro ticket: €1.60 – €1.80
- Uber/Bolt city rides: €3 – €7
If you live in the Algarve, public transit is limited — most residents use a car.
Mobile phone and internet costs
Portugal has excellent fiber coverage, even outside big cities.
- Home fiber internet (1 Gbps): €30 – €40/month
- Mobile SIM with data: €12 – €20/month
Main providers: Vodafone, MEO, NOS. All offer prepaid plans for expats.
Pharmacies and personal care
Pharmacies in Portugal are modern, helpful, and widely available. Medication is affordable.
- Ibuprofen (20 tablets): €2 – €4
- Prescription antibiotics: €2 – €10 (partially subsidized)
- Dermatology cream (brand): €10 – €18
Expats are often surprised by how helpful pharmacists are — they can recommend treatments, and many speak English.
Cost of cleaning services, gyms, childcare and pets
- Cleaning / housekeeper: €8 – €12/hour
- Gym membership: €25 – €60/month
- Dog grooming: €20 – €40
- Daycare (private): €350 – €600/month
Services are significantly cheaper in Porto and interior Portugal compared to Lisbon and Cascais.
Regional differences you should know
Daily expenses vary according to the city:
- Lisbon: most expensive for restaurants, rent, but still affordable groceries
- Porto: similar food prices, cheaper rents and cafés
- Algarve: seasonal fluctuations — higher prices spring/summer
- Interior Portugal: 20–40% cheaper overall
Monthly budget example (single expat)
| Category | Lisbon | Porto |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | €200 | €180 |
| Coffee/lunches out | €100 | €80 |
| Public transport | €40 | €35 |
| Phone + internet | €45 | €45 |
A reasonable monthly everyday-expenses budget (excluding rent) for an expat in Portugal is around €500 to €700.
Final thoughts
Portugal remains one of the most cost-efficient countries in Western Europe for day-to-day life. While rent can be expensive in Lisbon and tourism-heavy areas, daily life — groceries, pharmacy items, cafés, restaurants — remains very affordable. If you cook at home, use public transport, and shop locally, you can enjoy an exceptional lifestyle at a moderate cost.
Last updated: November 2025.
