How much does it cost to live in Portugal in 2026?

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Todd Allyn · Accepted Answer

As an October 2026 estimate, one person in Portugal needs roughly $1,000 to $2,150 a month for rent, food and transport. A couple needs about $1,350 to $2,700 before private health insurance, and Lisbon costs far more than smaller towns. Dollar figures use the European Central Bank reference rate of 1.1186 dollars per euro for 8 October 2026. Prices come from Numbeo's crowd-sourced data, updated 6 October 2026, unless noted. Rent: Portugal's statistics office put the national median for new leases at 9.46 euros per square meter in early 2026. A 60 square meter flat at that rate is about $635. In central Lisbon, Numbeo listed one-bedrooms at about $1,594. Food: Numbeo's minimum grocery budget for Lisbon was about $302 per person a month. We allow up to about $450 if you eat out often. Transport: a Lisbon monthly transit pass was 40 euros, or about $45. Health: legal residents can use the public SNS. The government ended most SNS user fees in June 2022, except some emergency visits. An SNS number alone does not guarantee coverage, and many newcomers buy private plans priced by age. Totals: rent, food and transport come to about $1,000 to $2,150 for one person and $1,350 to $2,700 for a couple. Utilities, phone, leisure and any private insurance are extra.

How much does it cost to live in Portugal in 2026?

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