Cost of living in Porto: an affordable city in Europe

The cost of living in Porto is a typical research topic for many of those who want to move to Portugal.

The city of Porto has been winning over the hearts of many Portuguese and foreigners, who move here in search of a better quality of life. The Invicta, as it is known, was voted three times (2012, 2014, and 2017) as European Best Destination. 

The charming city of Porto, in the north of Portugal, is certainly a different region. It is the second largest city in the country, after Lisbon. However, despite the size of its population and its tourist and economic importance, it maintains the charm and tranquility typical of a small city. 

Cost of living in Porto

It’s slightly cheaper to live in Porto than in Lisbon.  Food in Porto is quite cheap so you would probably spend between €150 and €200 a month depending on your eating habits. But we can give you more details on the food, for example: 

• Simple individual meal (may come with coffee and dessert): 10€ 
• 3-course meal for 2 people in an average restaurant: 50€ 
• Basic meal in fast food restaurant: 7€ 
• Coffee: 1€ 
• Water 330ml: 0.90€ 

Basic usage of utilities in Portugal like electricity, water, internet, and heating, will require about €150 per month. 

For most people living in Porto, renting a good apartment will take most of your income. In this case, the cost of a one-bedroom (also called a T1/T2) in the city center is about €700 per month. To reduce the cost of renting, some people choose to live in shared apartments. 

The monthly public transport pass is 40 euros per month. 

Where to live in Porto?

There is an indescribable pride in “being from Porto”. In brief, the people are warm, and the city has the gift of welcoming, with heart and soul, new inhabitants, visitors, students, and investors. 

But where can you move to? 

• Foz do Douro: view of the Atlantic, excellent restaurants, schools, and other services. These and many other characteristics place Foz as one of the most coveted areas of Porto.
• Bonfim: less touristy than Baixa, but only a 20-minute walk from the center. The neighborhood is next to the bus terminal and has a direct metro line to the airport. 
• Downtown Porto: Geographically very well positioned, the neighborhood includes some of the city’s most visited tourist attractions. 
• Boavista: The area surrounding Avenida Boavista and the Boavista roundabout stands out as one of the noblest in Porto. 
• Antas: Located in an area easily accessible to any part of Porto. The neighborhood has undergone major modernization in recent decades. But still manages to keep its traditional aspect and close to nature. 

Porto is a safe city, with good commerce, education, and work possibilities. Also, in this case, you can also search for job offers on one of the best companies in the world to work for: Teleperformance.