What are the real costs of living in Lisbon as an expat in 2026?

Lisbon has become significantly more expensive in recent years, driven by tourism, digital nomads, and foreign investment. Here's an honest breakdown of what it actually costs to live in Lisbon as an expat in 2026.

The Reality Check

Lisbon is no longer the "cheap European capital" it was marketed as 5-10 years ago. While still cheaper than London, Paris, or Amsterdam, it's now comparable to Barcelona or Berlin. Housing costs, in particular, have skyrocketed.

Housing (Your Biggest Expense)

Notes on housing:

• Competition is fierce—good apartments go within hours
• Many landlords prefer short-term tourists (higher returns)
• Expect to pay 2-3 months upfront (deposit + first month + possibly agency fee)
• Furnished apartments cost 10-20% more
• Long-term rentals are getting scarcer in central areas

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Person)

Comfortable lifestyle (city center):

Budget-conscious lifestyle (outside center):

Specific Cost Examples

Food & Drink:

• Espresso at cafe: €0.80-1.20
• Beer at bar: €2-4
• Glass of wine at restaurant: €3-6
• Lunch menu (prato do dia): €8-12
• Dinner for two (mid-range): €40-60
• Supermarket groceries (weekly): €50-80

Transportation:

• Monthly metro/bus pass (Navegante): €40
• Uber across city: €6-12
• Taxi airport to center: €15-20
• Gasoline: €1.70/liter

Services:

• Gym membership: €30-60/month
• Haircut (men): €15-25
• Haircut (women): €30-60
• Laundry (self-service): €5-8/load
• Coworking (hot desk): €150-300/month

Comparison to Other Cities

Money-Saving Tips

1. Live outside the center: Neighborhoods like Benfica, Lumiar, or Odivelas are much cheaper with good metro access

1. Cook at home: Groceries are affordable; eating out adds up fast

1. Get the monthly transport pass: €40 covers everything—metro, bus, tram, some trains

1. Use local markets: Mercados offer fresh produce cheaper than supermarkets

1. Portuguese wine: Excellent quality from €3-5/bottle—no need to spend more

1. Time your move: Arriving in winter means less competition for housing

Hidden Costs to Budget For

• Initial setup (furniture, household items): €1,000-3,000
• NIF and bank account services: €100-300
• Health insurance first year: €600-1,800
• Visa application fees: €250+
• Language courses (for citizenship): €300-600

Bottom Line

For a comfortable single expat life in Lisbon in 2026:

• Minimum viable: €1,800-2,000/month
• Comfortable: €2,500-3,000/month
• Very comfortable: €3,500+/month

Lisbon is no longer cheap, but it offers excellent quality of life for the cost. If budget is a primary concern, consider Porto (20% cheaper) or smaller cities like Braga or Coimbra (40%+ cheaper) with much of the same appeal.