Cost of Living in Lisbon 2025: A Complete Breakdown

| Updated: May 21, 2025

With rents 40% lower than Paris and meals for €13, Lisbon’s 2025 cost of living shocks first-time visitors.

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, has recorded an immense surge in population in the recent decade. Its fascinating architecture and unique culture astonish visitors. Plus, it has great weather and friendly locals, which compel many people to plan to live here.

Keep in mind that living in Lisbon will be a bit harsh on your budget. So, if you plan a short-term vacation or permanently shift to this city, you must know the cost of living in Lisbon in 2025.

Let us highlight the paramount expenses you must know, such as housing, utilities, groceries, dining out, etc.

What Is The Cost Of Living In Lisbon, Portugal?

The average cost of living in Lisbon is higher than in other parts of Portugal. Despite this, it is somewhat affordable compared to numerous European cities.

According to Numbeo data, the monthly cost of living in Lisbon for an individual ranges from €2,000 to €2,700. This is not a strict figure, as the value is also dependent on lifestyle.

This basic cost includes rent, groceries, utilities, transport, and leisure activities. Anyone who spends wisely will have lower expenditures, and they can manage numerous things on a small budget.

It can be in the range of €1,200–€1,400, but this requires you to live in a reasonable area or share accommodation with others.

Are you moving to Lisbon with a partner or family? If yes, your expenses will naturally increase. A couple living in a small apartment or house can spend €3,000 to €4,000 per month. Similarly, a family of four will demand around €4,000 to €5,500 monthly.

Cost of Living in Lisbon: A Breakdown

Let’s start by looking into the breakdown of the cost of living in Lisbon:

Housing and Renting in Lisbon

Rent in Lisbon is one of the massive expenses in the cost of living in Lisbon. It is variable depending on where you decide to live in the city.

Rent prices in Lisbon are higher than in smaller Portuguese towns. However, compared to cities such as Paris or New York, it is quite affordable.

Here is an outline of the average monthly rent cost of living in Lisbon in 2025, according to Numbeo:

1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,402.26
1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €1,075.98
3-bedroom apartment in the city center: €2,603.42
3-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €1,767.51

But what would the cost be if you plan to buy an apartment in Lisbon? The cost of living in Lisbon per square meter in the city center starts at €6,425.07.

If you decide to live outside the city center, the price is cut back to €3,761.11 per square meter.

Let’s say you plan to live in a Metropolitan area like Cadaval or Sintra. The rent would be 1,204.00 € and 2,560.00 €, respectively.

However, if you move to the city center, like Campo de Ourique, the prices will go up to 6,219.00 €.

Rent in Lisbon? Location is key. Right in the city’s heart, especially near busy tourist areas or subway stops. Prices shoot up.

Rent in Lisboa is about 22.10 €/m2, while in Misericórdia, it is 26.50 € with an expected rental yield of 4.9%.

Here’s the thing: move just a little farther out, and rents will drop fast. A quieter neighborhood a few stops from the center can save you a ton without sacrificing much convenience.

Utilities and Internet

Utilities in Lisbon are fairly affordable. Basic services such as electricity, water, and garbage collection cost around €127.07 per month for an 85m² apartment.

Moving on from the basic utilities, mobile phone and internet services are also notable expenses to consider. For a mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ of data, you must pay about €18.39 per month.

Internet services for a plan with 60 Mbps or more and unlimited data cost a minimum of €36.13 per month. The cost of living in Lisbon is quite reasonable compared with other European capitals.

Grocery Cost of Living in Lisbon

Here is a plus point of living in Lisbon: grocery prices are relatively affordable if you shop from the local markets and shop for seasonal products.

Let us take a look at the average cost of living in Lisbon with some common grocery items in 2025:

Individuals can expect a weekly grocery shop cost of living in Lisbon between €4 and €60. If you live with a small family, your bill can go up to €80–€120 per week.

Dining Out

Lisbon is highly popular owing to its food culture, and dining out can be as affordable or as luxurious as you want it to be.

You might be craving a traditional Portuguese meal or international cuisine. No matter what your taste buds desire, you will find many options at all price points.

These are the average prices for dining out in Lisbon in 2025:

Inexpensive meal at a local restaurant: €13
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: €55
Combo meal at McDonald’s or similar: €9

Coffee lovers would praise Lisbon as a place where they can obtain their daily coffee fix on a tight budget. A regular cappuccino will cost around €2.44, and a fizzy beverage like Coke (0.33L) will cost around €1.87.

Do you want to have a beer with dinner with me? A local beer (0.5L) is €3, and an imported one (0.33L) is about €3.00. Lisbon food is inexpensive and great, so you can dine well without breaking the bank.

Transport in Lisbon

Lisbon has a well-organized and cheap transport system. Most of the population travels by public transport, including buses, trams, and the metro.

A monthly pass costs €42.50, which includes metro, trams, and buses. Visitors occasionally pay approximately €1.50 for a single bus or metro trip.

Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber are also common. The price of a standard taxi ride within the city center ranges from €6 to €10.

Gasoline is about €1.70 a liter for car owners, and parking within the city center is extremely expensive and hard to come by. Cycling is also common, and cycling hire costs about €15 a day.

Considering its affordability and convenience, public transport is the most convenient alternative for most people.

Healthcare in Lisbon and Medical Costs

Healthcare in Lisbon is accessible and affordable. The public healthcare system provides services at low costs to residents.

For instance, a doctor’s visit at a public facility will cost between €5 and €20. Some services require small co-payments.

Private healthcare is also available, but the consultation fees can be slightly higher. It ranges from €50–€100 per visit.

Private health insurance plans are available for €30–€50 per month. Prescription medication is inexpensive, as government subsidies are available on common drugs.

Lisbon’s healthcare options are suitable for people coming from different financial backgrounds. It provides public and private care.

Education in Lisbon

Your kids may choose between public and private education. Public schools are free for children between the ages of 6 and 18, and the quality is usually satisfactory. Their interests lie mainly in studies and activities.

Private schools have fewer pupils per class and focused programs, but they come at a cost. They usually range between €300 and €1,000 per month.

International schools are also provided, where the tuition fee is €6,000 to €10,000 per annum.

Various universities provide higher education. Public tuition for Portuguese students costs between €1,000 and €1,500 a year, but international students might pay more.

Recreation and Entertainment

Lisbon is a culture—and entertainment-hungry nation. The city has many museums and historical monuments that are easily accessible with minimal entry fees.

You will have to pay anywhere between €5 and €10. Popular landmarks like the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower will be more expensive.

Are you an outdoor lover? Lisbon has beautiful parks and viewpoints, many of which are free to visit. The nightlife in Lisbon is fascinating, as bar drinks charge from €3 to €5, and club entry fees go from €10 to €20.

Cinema tickets are around €8. Lisbon also hosts an array of cultural festivals throughout the year, so you will have a plethora of entertainment options.

Shopping in Lisbon

Among the cost of living in Lisbon, we cannot forget the shopping expenses. Lisbon has a wide array of shopping venues, ranging from designer boutiques on Avenida da Liberdade to local shops in Chiado.

For casual wear, one should shop at H&M and Zara, where jeans are about €89.25. Summer dresses cost €34.33.

For food lovers, Lisbon’s markets, such as the Time Out Market, provide a good collection of fresh local produce and artisanal goods. Sportswear, such as Nike running shoes, is available for €78.31.

Cost of Living in Lisbon vs USA

For those seeking to relocate to Portugal, living in Lisbon is significantly more affordable than in Washington, D.C. According to Numbeo, the overall cost of living in Lisbon is about 38% lower. When including rent, the difference jumps to around 42%.

For example, a monthly budget (excluding rent) for a single person in Lisbon would be around €740, while in Washington, D.C. it’s closer to €1,200.

Rent is one of the biggest savings. A one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon city center averages around €1,450 per month, while the same in D.C. can cost over €2,350. Even outside the city center, Lisbon stays more affordable, averaging about €1,050 compared to over €1,900 in D.C.

This makes Lisbon particularly attractive for remote workers or retirees with foreign income.

Dining out and groceries are also cheaper in Lisbon. A meal at a mid-range restaurant for two might cost €50 in Lisbon, compared to €85 in Washington, D.C. Grocery staples like milk, bread, and fruits can be up to 40-50% cheaper.

However, it’s worth noting that local salaries in Lisbon are significantly lower, so while it’s cost-effective for expats, the local purchasing power is also more limited.

Cost of Living in Lisbon vs UK

British considering moving to Portugal, when comparing the cost of living between Lisbon and London, Lisbon offers a more affordable lifestyle across various categories.

According to Numbeo, the overall cost of living in Lisbon is approximately 38.3% lower than in London, excluding rent. When including rent, the difference increases to 41.1% in favor of Lisbon.

Housing plays a significant role in this disparity. Rent prices in Lisbon are about 45.3% lower than in London. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Lisbon averages €1,402.30 per month, whereas in London, it’s approximately €2,599.78.

This substantial difference in housing costs contributes greatly to the overall affordability of Lisbon.

Other everyday expenses also tend to be lower in Lisbon. Restaurant prices are about 38.7% less, and groceries are approximately 27.1% cheaper compared to London.

However, it’s important to note that local purchasing power in Lisbon is 43.1% lower than in London, indicating that average salaries are also lower. Therefore, while expenses are reduced, income levels may also be comparatively less.

Immigration and Visa Options for Moving to Portugal

Portugal offers a range of visa options for individuals looking to relocate, whether for retirement, remote work, entrepreneurship, or investment. Here are the main types:

Portugal D7 Visa

The D7 Visa is perfect for retirees or individuals with passive income. To qualify, you need to show a minimum regular monthly income of around €870 and prove you can support yourself without employment in Portugal. It’s a great option for those looking to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle in a beautiful and welcoming country.

Portugal D8 Visa – Digital Nomad Visa

The D8, or Digital Nomad Visa, is designed for remote workers and freelancers earning at least €3,480 per month. It allows you to live in Portugal while working remotely for a non-Portuguese employer or managing your own business online. It’s ideal for digital professionals who want a European base with a great quality of life.

Portugal D2 Visa

The D2 Visa is for entrepreneurs and independent professionals who want to start or expand a business in Portugal. It offers a residence permit initially valid for up to two years, with the possibility of renewal. This visa suits anyone ready to invest in the Portuguese economy and build a future here.

Portugal Golden Visa

The Golden Visa, officially known as the Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI), offers residency through investment. While the rules have changed recently, popular options still include:

Investment Funds: Invest a minimum of €500,000 in a qualified Portuguese investment or venture capital fund.
Cultural Support: Donate at least €250,000 to support national heritage, arts, or culture (reduced to €200,000 in low-density areas).
Scientific Research: Contribute €500,000 to public or private scientific research (or €400,000 in low-density regions).
Business Creation: Start a business that creates at least 10 jobs (or 8 jobs in low-density areas).

Why Work With Us For Your Immigration to Portugal

Local Expertise: We know Portugal. Due to our extensive local knowledge, we believe that concentrating our services in a single country destination is the best way to give you the most thorough and useful information.

Holistic Approach: One single channel of communication for the entire process. We provide you with a comprehensive service that covers all aspects of your move, from identifying the ideal residency visa to finding your new home or helping you to settle.

Transparent Service: We recommend what’s best for you based on an extensive process experience that saves time and money to clients. Our pricing is clear and competitive, and we don’t sell services that make us more money.

Simple Process: Technology plays a very important role in our company. We minimize our clients’ involvement in paperwork. We are customers ourselves and we know how to serve you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cost of Living in Lisbon in 2025

What is the cost of living in Lisbon for a single person?

The cost of living in Lisbon for singles averages €1,800/month, including rent. Budget €600-€900 for a central studio, €300 for groceries, and €40 for transport. You’ll save 30-40% on daily expenses compared to Paris or London.

How much does a family need to live comfortably?

A family of four needs €3,800-€4,200 monthly to live in Lisbon. This covers a 3-bedroom apartment (€1,500+), international school fees (€800-€1,200), and leisure. Public schools are free but Portuguese-language only.

Is Lisbon more affordable than other European capitals?

Yes! The cost of living in Lisbon is 25% lower than Madrid and 40% cheaper than Paris. Rent is your biggest expense, but food, transport, and healthcare offer exceptional value.

What salary provides a good life in Lisbon?

Aim for €2,000/month after tax for a comfortable cost of living in Lisbon. Local salaries average €1,200, so many expats use remote work or savings.

Which neighborhoods offer the best value?

For a lower cost of living in Lisbon, try Arroios (studios €750) or Alvalade (family apartments €1,300). Avoid touristy Alfama, where rent is 30% higher.

How much do utilities and internet costs?

Budget €150/month for the cost of living in Lisbon utilities (electricity, water, gas). Fiber internet (100 Mbps) costs €30 – far cheaper than most EU cities.

Are healthcare costs reasonable?

The cost of living in Lisbon includes €50-€80/month of private health insurance. Public healthcare is free but slow; a doctor visit costs €40-€60 privately.

What are food expenses like?

The cost of living in Lisbon for a food budget is €200-€300/month. Local markets (like Mercado de Arroios) offer fresh produce at half supermarket prices.

Is public transport affordable?

At €40/month, Lisbon’s transport pass keeps the cost of living low. Trams, buses, and the metro efficiently cover the entire city.

What unexpected costs should expats anticipate?

Factor in €100-€300/month for the cost of living in Lisbon hidden costs: condo fees, trash taxes, and higher winter heating bills in older apartments.