Cost of living in Lisbon
Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively culture. As a popular destination for both tourists and expatriates, understanding the cost of living in Lisbon is crucial for anyone considering a move or extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Lisbon for 2024, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities. Whether you're planning to relocate or simply curious about the expenses in this beautiful city, this overview will offer valuable insights.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $13.70 on average, with a range between $10.54 and $18.97.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $52.68, with prices ranging from $36.88 to $84.29.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.48, with a range between $8.43 and $10.54.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.58 to $5.27, imported beer $2.11 to $6.32, cappuccino $0.95 to $4.74, and Coke/Pepsi $1.26 to $2.63.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.86 and $1.26 per liter, averaging $1.01.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.63 and $2.11, with an average price of $1.50.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.90 to $4.00, averaging $2.90.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.05 to $3.12 per kg, while oranges range from $1.05 to $3.68 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.82 and $3.37 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.05 to $2.62 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.79 and $2.42, with a monthly pass priced at $42.15.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.72 and $2.00 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.90, with a cost of $0.74 per km and $16.38 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1264.40 to $2001.96, averaging $1459.44.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $842.93 to $1369.76, averaging $1064.91.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2107.33 to $3898.56, averaging $2747.37.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1475.13 to $2318.06, averaging $1751.42.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $4741.49 to $10325.91, averaging $6300.69.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2149.47 to $4762.56, averaging $3426.20.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $89.56 and $210.73, averaging $135.36.
- Internet - Internet services range from $31.61 to $47.41, with an average cost of $38.42.
Cost of Living Rankings
Lisbon ranks 1st on the Cost of Living rankings in Portugal. The cost of living indices for Portugal are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Portugal, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Lisbon offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other Western European capitals, though housing in the city centre can be pricey.
Dining out is generally affordable, with a variety of options ranging from inexpensive meals to more upscale dining experiences.
Public transportation is reasonably priced, making it a cost-effective option for getting around the city.
Grocery prices are moderate, with local produce and essentials available at competitive rates.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lisbon presents a balanced cost of living with affordable dining and transportation options, though housing costs can vary significantly depending on the location.
For those considering a move to Lisbon, it's advisable to budget carefully for housing, especially if planning to live in the city centre. Overall, Lisbon remains an attractive option for its cultural richness and relatively moderate living expenses.