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.

An image showcasing the beauty of Lisbon

People enjoying the surroundings of Lisbon

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

Inexpensive Restaurant MealA 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

MilkMilk 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 FaresTaxi 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.
InternetInternet services range from $31.61 to $47.41, with an average cost of $38.42.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 404 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.

Restaurants

Avg / Range

Restaurants

Avg

Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

$13.70

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

$52.68

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

$9.48

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.16

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.69

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.90

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.32

Cappuccino (regular)

$2.54

Markets

Avg / Range

Markets

Avg

Range

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

$1.01

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

$1.50

Eggs (regular) (12)

$2.90

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.44

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.75

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

$5.27

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.32

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.87

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

$5.90

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.16

Apples (1kg)

$2.23

Oranges (1kg)

$1.86

Potato (1kg)

$1.85

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.63

Rice (white), (1kg)

$1.54

Tomato (1kg)

$2.33

Banana (1kg)

$1.48

Onion (1kg)

$1.93

Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

$13.34

Transportation

Avg / Range

Transportation

Avg

Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

$2.11

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$42.15

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.87

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

$31,609.93

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.90

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

$0.74

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$16.38

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

$35,047.50

Rent Per Month

Avg / Range

Rent Per Month

Avg

Range

Avg

Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,329.82

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

4.31%

Childcare

Avg / Range

Childcare

Avg

Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

$562.40

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

$14,819.54

Worldwide

Portugal

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.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025

Affordability

Very Expensive

About this index

Lisbon Cost of Living

"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.

Lisbon