How Much Does It Cost to Live In Porto?
Porto is Portugal‘s second largest city and the capital of the Northern region.
Its importance lies in the fact that it’s a busy industrial and commercial center.
Although the city looks old to some people, most of the buildings kept their essence and the city has an antique feel to it.
People from Porto are generally friendlier, talkative and honest about everything, and the cost of living is also cheaper, with rent prices around 10–40% lower.
And though it’s smaller than Lisbon and has an old spirit, it is a very busy city, that is constantly changing.
RESTAURANTS
There’s something for everyone in Porto. You can find places with lunch menus for 6$ which is next to impossible in other cities like Lisbon. Of course one has to be careful with touristic places, but you can have proper good food for a reasonable price. Besides, in an archaic and historical city like this, it would be a sin not to stop and have a lunch at local restaurants that the city is riddled with.
| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $7.98 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.76 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $1.11 |
MARKETS
Grocery shopping and supermarkets are fairly cheap compared to most other European capitals. In Porto, you can go to the market and see the amazing variety of tropical fruit and other goods. You can also always buy fresh fish on Porto’s open markets. There are also many supermarkets where you can load up on goodies and cook at home.
| Average Market Prices | |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 Liter) | $0.76 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.47 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.01 |
TRANSPORTATION
The metro and buses are well organized for the most part and they work very well, never more than 5 minutes late. It can be quite difficult to board during rush time though. The good thing is that public transportation is mostly cheap: one way ticket costs less than 2$, while a monthly ticket is a bit more pricey – 35$.
| Average Transport Prices | |
|---|---|
| One Way Ticket | $1.71 |
| Monthly Pass | $35.33 |
| Gasoline | $1.76 |
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Utilities are very cheap in Porto – especially since most people would expect the prices in Portugal’s second largest city to be through the roof! In an apartment for two people, of about 85m2 in size, all basic utilities like electricity, gas, heating, cooling, garbage services and water cost just around 115$. Internet is rather inexpensive too, costing around 35$.
| Average Utilities Prices | |
|---|---|
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $115.14 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.15 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $33.42 |
SPORTS & LEISURE
With Porto’s unique beauty, there are many opportunities for outdoorsy activities and it’s a pleasure to go swimming, running or hiking wherever you set your mind to. There are also many cinemas, theaters and other leisure opportunities, and a ticket for a movie in a cinema will cost you around 7$. If you’re more into practicing sports indoors, fitness club membership is a bit expensive – around 35$.
| Average Leisure Prices | |
|---|---|
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $36.56 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $14.76 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $7.41 |
CLOTHING & SHOES
Porto also has a plethora of shopping malls and many shops where you can stroll into and take a glance at some gorgeous pieces of clothing. It also has many independent shops where you can buy unique clothes. However, the prices aren’t low. You’ll have to pay up to 90$ for quality jeans, while running sneakers of quality brands cost around 80$.
| Average Clothing Prices | |
|---|---|
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $89.81 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $28.02 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $82.63 |
RENT PER MONTH
Rents in Porto, just like in Lisbon, are definitely expensive. Rent for places that offer minimal living conditions, start at 520$ – for an inexpensive place. It will, of course, be more expensive in the heart of the city – around 740$ and more. If you’re a student and want to rent a room, that will cost you around 230–280$ a month.
| Average Rent Prices | |
|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $736.76 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $513.09 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $1392.93 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Porto?
The situation is significantly different in Porto when it comes to the question of how the average person spends their money.
Here, the biggest part of one’s income is spent on rent, since in Porto – it is truly expensive.
Food is the second biggest expense for the people of Porto, and this is understandable since the food is, well…pretty necessary.
Transportation and eating in restaurants are equally as important to the citizens of this city and they spend a significant amount of money on both.
Utilities have a rather low percentage on this pie chart of expenses, while clothing is, as always, the least of all expenses.
Average Costs Breakdown
Porto: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
Salaries aren’t the greatest keeping in mind that renting in Porto is way too expensive.
Usually, salaries are good for the IT sector where you can count on a salary between 1300$ and 1800$ depending on how well you perform.
Average monthly net salary in Porto is definitely higher than what is considered the country’s average, and with 920$ a month, you can be relaxed and live a comfortable life in this gorgeous city.
The salaries in Portugal (and thus, Porto) are paid 14 times: 13th month is usually paid in August and the 14th in December.
Even with the minimum wage here, you can cover all your necessary living expenses and not worry about tomorrow.
Porto Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Porto Safety Review
| OVERALL RISK | MEDIUM |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK | LOW |
| PICKPOCKETS RISK | MEDIUM |
| NATURAL DISASTERS RISK | LOW |
| MUGGING RISK | LOW |
| TERRORISM RISK | LOW |
| SCAMS RISK | MEDIUM |
| WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK | LOW |
| TAP WATER RISK | LOW |
Cost of Living by City in Portugal
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
 Braga |
48.55 |
| Coimbra |
51.07 |
| Funchal |
50.9 |
| Lisbon |
54.16 |
Did you really find the people there to be that friendly? I’m curious if their honesty adds to the charm of the city!
I find it fascinating how Porto seems to have this perfect blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. The idea of a place that feels both antique and alive really resonates with me. It makes me curious about what everyday life is like there and how the locals balance their rich history with the demands of a busy city. It sounds like a place where you could truly experience both tradition and growth.
I didn’t realize the cost of living in Porto was so much more affordable compared to Lisbon! It’s surprising to think about how a city with such rich history and charm can still offer lower rents. It really makes you wonder how much the vibe of a place can be influenced by its cost of living. I mean, who wouldn’t want to experience that mix of old-world charm and modern energy without breaking the bank?
Porto sounds like a hidden gem! It’s cool to hear that the cost of living is lower than in Lisbon. I’ve always wanted to explore a city with that mix of history and a friendly vibe.