Porto, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture, offers a fantastic quality of life. But, this great lifestyle comes with its own set of expenses. Whether you're a student embarking on your academic journey or a young professional seeking opportunities, we've got you covered with a detailed overview of what to expect regarding the cost of living in Porto.
Is Porto expensive?
If you're considering a move to Porto, one of your initial questions might be, "is Porto expensive?" The answer depends on your frame of reference. The short answer is no, Porto isn’t expensive. Compared to European capitals like Vienna and London, Porto is generally more affordable. But, in contrast to other Portuguese cities, it’s slightly more expensive.
Nonetheless, with an average monthly salary of around €1,500 to €2,000, you can comfortably enjoy life in Porto without straining your finances.
What is the average cost of living in Porto?
Your average cost of living in Porto will change based on your lifestyle and housing choice. Excluding rent, your monthly expenses will likely hover around €500 to €700. When you factor in rent, your monthly expenditure may vary from €450 (renting a room) to €1,340 (renting a studio) as a single individual.
Take a closer look at the different categories below to create a well-informed budget for your life in Porto.
The average rent in Porto
Porto offers a range of housing options, from cozy apartments to larger family homes. The accommodation cost will depend significantly on factors like location, size and amenities.
Here's an overview of average monthly rent prices in Porto according to quarterly HousingAnywhere’s Rent Index:
- Furnished Private Room (ideal for students): €450
- Furnished Studio (suitable for singles or couples): €1340
- Unfurnished Apartment (ideal for families): €1450
While Porto generally offers a more affordable housing market than many European cities, prices can differ depending on the Porto neighborhood. Exploring areas outside the city centre often gives more budget-friendly options. Starting to search for rental homes in Porto ahead of time will get you better deals.
Utility costs in Porto
Your utility costs may or may not be included in your rent. In general, the cost of utilities in Porto varies depending on factors such as the size of your accommodation, your consumption habits, and the specific providers you choose.
For example, the average monthly cost of utilities in Porto for a standard 85-square-meter apartment for 2 people is between €105 and €200.
| Utility | Average monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity, heating, gas | €60 – €120 |
| Water and sewage | €20 to €30 |
| Internet and TV | €25 to €50 |
Grocery costs: How much does food cost in Porto?
On average, you can anticipate spending between €150 to €200 per month on food and groceries in Porto. The cost of food items may vary, with organic stores generally being pricier. Opting for budget-friendly supermarkets such as Pingo Doce and Continente can help you save more.
Here are the average prices for common food products in Porto:
| Food/Beverage | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | €0.91 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | €1.35 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | €1.37 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | €2.77 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | €9.25 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | €6.68 |
| Beef Round (1kg) | €12.16 |
| Apples (1kg) | €2.01 |
| Banana (1kg) | €1.28 |
| Oranges (1kg) | €1.38 |
| Tomato (1kg) | €2.12 |
| Potato (1kg) | €1.33 |
| Onion (1kg) | €1.52 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | €1.34 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | €0.66 |
Cost of health insurance in Porto
The cost of health insurance can vary depending on your specific circumstances. If you're a working resident, your basic health insurance will be deducted from your salary, costing approximately €30 per month. As your income increases, so will your health insurance cost. You’re still expected to pay an additional fee of approximately €10 for non-urgent doctor visits. Dental care isn’t included in the basic health insurance.
For international students from the EU/EEA region, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides coverage. Non-EU students may expect to pay approximately €40 monthly for health insurance, depending on the provider and coverage level.
While basic health insurance typically offers comprehensive coverage, most locals supplement their basic health insurance with dental care coverage. Supplementary health insurance may result in an additional monthly expense ranging from €20 to €70. The cost of supplementary insurance will change depending on factors like age and pre-existing conditions.
Cost of leisure activities in Porto
For lunch, most cafes offer an option called a menu do dia. It includes soup, a dish of the day, a drink and coffee ranging from €10.50 to €14.50 in a regular cafe. A dinner for 2 at a mid-range restaurant costs around €40 to €60. Going out for drinks with your friends will cost you around €14 for 2 cocktails in the neighbourhood bar.
Here are some average costs for leisure activities in Porto:
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| A meal in an inexpensive restaurant | €7 to €12 |
| Three-course meal for 2 in a mid-range restaurant | €40 to €60 |
| Cappuccino (medium) | €2.50 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5-liter bottle) | €2.00 |
| Bottle of wine in a restaurant | €10 to €25 |
| Cinema ticket | €6 to €10 |
| Monthly gym membership | €25 to €40 |
| Museum ticket | €6 to €10 |
| Haircut (male or female) | €10 to €30 |
Cost of transportation in Porto
The cost of public transportation in Porto is pretty reasonable. The most affordable way to use public transport in Porto is by purchasing an Andante Card. This rechargeable ticket allows you to travel on the entire public transportation network of the city (metro, buses, and local trains).
For a single journey, the fare is €1.80 if purchased on board your transport. To save money and make multiple journeys convenient, consider getting the Andante card. It only costs €0.60 and can be easily topped up with credits. Each added journey using the card costs €1.20, making it a more economical choice for frequent usage.
You can also opt for a monthly blue Andante card. Many locals opt for this option as it proves to be more cost-effective. The first purchase of the physical card will cost €6. Then you can choose a monthly €30 pass covering Z3 (main central areas) or €40 covering the suburbs of Porto too.
Porto also offers a bike-sharing system with annual monthly subscriptions starting at €2.50.
By looking at the costs mentioned in this article, you can plan your money well for a happy life in Porto. Whether you're a student embarking on an educational journey or moving for work, Porto's unique charm and opportunities make it a worthwhile destination for anyone seeking a vibrant lifestyle.
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