Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, is one of the world’s most beautiful and famous cities. Living in Lisbon is exceptionally affordable, making it a beautiful place to live. Lisbon has its perks, including its proximity to beaches, delicious restaurants, and iconic culture, but its low cost of living makes it stand out.
It is hard to argue with Lisbon’s quality of life, given that it is around 40% less expensive than Amsterdam and London. While Lisbon may be affordable for ex-pats from abroad, many locals are leaving the capital due to the increasing cost of living and housing prices. This guide details the cost of living in Lisbon with all the affecting factors.
Factors affecting the cost of living in Lisbon
Cost of healthcare in Lisbon
The cost of healthcare in Lisbon, Portugal, can vary depending on whether you are a resident or a tourist. Portuguese residents are entitled to use the public healthcare system, which is subsidized by the government, making it an affordable option. Non-residents or tourists, on the other hand, will typically need private health insurance to access the private healthcare system. Private health insurance can be expensive, but the level of coverage varies, and there are often different tiers of coverage available. Private healthcare providers may also charge consultation fees, so it is important to understand the cost implications before seeking treatment.
It is worth noting that the cost of healthcare in Portugal is generally lower than in other European countries, making it a popular destination for medical tourism. However, it is important to be aware of language barriers when seeking treatment in the public healthcare system, as many healthcare professionals may need to speak more English. It is also important to have a good understanding of the different healthcare systems and policies in Portugal to ensure that you can access the care you need at an affordable price.
Almost all public healthcare services are accessible in Portugal, and citizens and legal residents pay surprisingly low health care costs. A doctor’s appointment, a trip to the emergency room, diagnostic tests, or an emergency room visit might be among such procedures. The cost of routine checkups has to be included in the cost of living in Lisbon, Portugal. Medical exams typically cost around €40, while medical procedures begin at €5.
Read more: Each And Everything You Should Need To Know About Cost Of Living Singapore
Health care provided by the government is much more affordable than healthcare provided by the private sector. In the case of private healthcare, doctors’ appointments will cost you an average of €40 to €50. Annually, private insurance costs €400 on average. Comprehensive insurance plans cost over €1,000 if you choose them.
Cost of housing in Lisbon
Lisbon is an expensive city, so you’ll spend most of your money on housing. The lack of available housing is also a problem since many Lisbon homeowners now make money by renting out their properties on different resources and other accommodation websites instead of renting them out long term.
In Lisbon, most newcomers prefer to rent rooms in established houses in house-sharing situations. Rent spending can be reduced significantly by this method, though the homes are not always of high quality.
Cost of hoteling in Lisbon
From highly affordable eateries to midrange restaurants and a luxury address, Lisbon has a variety of restaurants. When walking around Lisbon’s capital, you’ll find many tasks (traditional, inexpensive local restaurants) that offer excellent food for between €7.50 and €10, often with coffee and sobremesa (dessert) included. In family-run restaurants, this is typically typical traditional fare that is exceptionally well prepared.
Most restaurants serve domestic beer and wine at a meager price, with workers finishing their day with a 1 euro imperial (small beer) and some traditional tapas. The prices of mid-range restaurants in Lisbon are a little higher, and you can also sample a variety of cuisines there. Several vegetarian and vegan options have emerged in the restaurant sector over the years, as well as cuisines from around the world.
In Portugal, you can find excellent meat cooked to perfection, so don’t worry if you eat meat. The cost of a three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant will be around €45, while international prices can be expected at luxury restaurants.
Cost of food in Lisbon
It is also essential to consider food prices when determining the average cost of living in Lisbon, Portugal. The cost of food is generally reasonable in Lisbon, especially for meat, fish, vegetables, and fruits. For groceries, a budget of around €300 to €400 per month would be sufficient, including some luxury items.
A piece of meat costs about seven to ten euros, and a piece of chicken costs about five euros.
Additionally, good wine in Lisbon is more minor than €10 per bottle. For about €5 to €7, you’ll find decent wine of reasonably good quality. It is possible to find old and rare wines with prices as high as a few thousand Euros. Moreover, supermarkets sell bottles of beer for as little as €1.
Cost of utilities in Lisbon
The cost of utilities should be budgeted at approximately €90 for single individuals. Water, electricity, gas, air conditioning, and garbage disposal are all included here.
The winters in Lisbon are never harsh, which makes it an ideal city for people to live in. Unlike other European countries, one can avoid spending hundreds of euros on gas during winter.
You can expect to pay between €20 and €30 per month for a landline internet connection. Speeds are more expensive the faster they are.
Cost of transportation in Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal, uses buses extensively as a public transportation method, which will help you reduce your living expenses. There is a price range of €1 to €5 for bus tickets. A public bus makes it easy to travel around Lisbon. In addition to intercity buses, there are also local buses.
The metro lines in Lisbon provide connections between different parts of the city and nearby municipalities and neighborhoods.
A metro ticket is usually between €1.20 and €2.50. Additionally, there are train lines in Lisbon, which are called urban lines. In addition to these lines, there are regional lines as well. In Lisbon, taxis and modern alternatives such as MyTaxi, Cabify, and Uber are affordable. A taxi ride in Lisbon costs on average €3, and it keeps increasing every 50 kilometers at a rate of €0 50.
Cost of education in Lisbon
Legal residents and Portuguese citizens are entitled to free primary education. You will have to pay higher living costs in Lisbon if you choose a private school. The cost of Portuguese private schools between primary and high school is typically between €800 and €1,500 a month, plus enrolment fees and book fees.
Also, you can choose a school in Lisbon that is international. School fees for these schools range from €1,500 to €2,400 per month but vary between schools. The cost of enrolment and other necessities, such as uniforms and books, will also need to be considered. Fee limits are subject to change at Portuguese public universities each year. Approximately €900 is the maximum charge based on recent records. However, private universities do not charge the same fees. It costs around €3,000 a year to attend a private Portuguese university.
Apart from this, if you are interested to know more about Living In Denmark then visit our Business category.
