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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Coimbra 2024
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Cost of Living in Coimbra

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: If you're moving to Coimbra, understanding the the cost of living in Coimbra helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Coimbra - Cost of Living in Coimbra

Category Cost
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom in City Center) €500 - €700 per month
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom Outside of City Center) €350 - €500 per month
Apartment Purchase (Price per Square Meter in City Center) €1,500 - €2,500
Apartment Purchase (Price per Square Meter Outside of City Center) €1,000 - €1,500
Public Transportation (Monthly Pass) €30 - €40
Gasoline (1 liter) €1.50 - €1.70
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage for 85m2 Apartment) €100 - €150 per month
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) €30 - €40 per month
Groceries (Milk, Bread, Eggs, Fruits, Chicken, Beef, etc. for a family of four) €200 - €300 per month
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant €7 - €10
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course €30 - €50
Private Preschool Tuition (per month) €300 - €500
Private Elementary School Tuition (per year) €3,000 - €5,000
Private Middle School Tuition (per year) €4,000 - €6,000
Private High School Tuition (per year) €5,000 - €7,000
Please note that these are average costs and actual costs may vary depending on various factors. The cost of living in Coimbra is relatively affordable compared to other European cities. The cost of housing, whether renting or buying, is reasonable, especially outside the city center. Public transportation is also quite affordable, with a monthly pass costing between €30 and €40. Gasoline prices are on par with the rest of Europe. Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m2 apartment, typically cost between €100 and €150 per month. Internet service is also reasonably priced, with a 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL plan costing between €30 and €40 per month.Groceries for a family of four can cost between €200 and €300 per month, depending on your eating habits. Dining out is also quite affordable, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing between €7 and €10, and a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costing between €30 and €50.Private school tuition varies depending on the level of education. Preschool tuition can cost between €300 and €500 per month, while elementary, middle, and high school tuition can cost between €3,000 and €7,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Coimbra

"Coimbra, is considered to be a relatively affordable city to live in, especially when compared to larger cities such as Lisbon or Porto. The cost of renting an apartment in the city center is quite reasonable, while those looking to live outside of the city center can find even cheaper options. The cost of groceries in Coimbra is also quite affordable, with local markets and supermarkets offering a wide range of products at reasonable prices. Eating out in Coimbra can be quite inexpensive as well, especially if you stick to local, traditional restaurants. Public transportation in Coimbra is also quite affordable, with a well-connected network of buses and trains servicing the city and surrounding areas. However, many residents choose to walk or bike, as the city is quite compact and easy to navigate.Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also reasonably priced in Coimbra. Internet and mobile phone plans are also quite affordable, with various providers offering competitive rates.Overall, the cost of living in Coimbra is quite low, making it an attractive option for those looking to live in Portugal on a budget. However, it's important to note that salaries in Coimbra are also generally lower than in larger cities, so this should be taken into account when considering the overall cost of living," said one expat living in Coimbra.

Can I live in Coimbra on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Coimbra for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. The cost of living here is relatively low compared to many other European cities, but it's not exactly cheap either. For instance, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $500 to $700 a month, while outside the city center, it can be as low as $300 to $500. So, if you're looking to save on rent, I'd recommend looking at neighborhoods like Celas, Santo António dos Olivais, or Santa Clara. These are all safe, residential areas with good public transportation links to the city center. On the other hand, if you want to live in the city center, be prepared to pay a bit more. Areas like Baixa, Alta, and Sé Nova are more expensive, but they're also more vibrant and closer to many of the city's attractions. As for other expenses, utilities usually cost around $100 a month, while a monthly transportation pass is about $40. Groceries can be quite affordable if you shop at local markets and cook at home, but eating out can add up quickly. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $10, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant can be around $30. So, if you're used to dining out frequently, you might need to cut back on that. Internet and mobile phone services are also quite affordable, usually costing around $30 to $50 a month. Overall, I'd say that living on $1,500 a month in Coimbra is doable, but it does require some sacrifices. You might not be able to afford the same luxuries as you're used to, but you can still live a comfortable and enjoyable life here," commented an expat living in Coimbra.

Can I live in Coimbra on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Coimbra for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. The cost of living here is quite reasonable compared to many other European cities. For instance, you can rent a nice one-bedroom apartment in the city center for around $600-$700 a month. If you're looking to save a bit more, you could consider living in a neighborhood a bit further from the city center, like Celas or Olivais. These are still nice areas, but rents can be as low as $400-$500 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more upscale neighborhood, Quinta da Nora might be a good fit. It's a bit more expensive, but it's also one of the most beautiful and peaceful areas in Coimbra. However, you might want to avoid the neighborhood of Solum if you're on a budget. It's one of the most expensive areas in the city, with rents often exceeding $1,000 a month. As for other expenses, groceries will probably cost you around $200-$300 a month, depending on your eating habits. Eating out is also quite affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $15-$20. Public transportation is also cheap, with a monthly pass costing around $40. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you're used to. For instance, while most places have modern amenities, they might not be as high-end as you're used to. Also, while healthcare in Portugal is good, it might not be up to the standards you're used to, especially if you're coming from a country with a very high standard of healthcare. But overall, I think you'll find that living in Coimbra on $3,000 a month is not only doable, but also quite comfortable. The city has a lot to offer, from its rich history and culture to its beautiful scenery and friendly people. And with a bit of budgeting and planning, you can definitely make it work," said one expat living in Coimbra.

Can I live in Coimbra on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Coimbra for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. Coimbra is a beautiful city with a rich history and a lower cost of living compared to other European cities. Rent is quite affordable, especially if you choose to live in neighborhoods like Celas or Santo António dos Olivais. These areas are not only cheaper but also quieter and more residential. A decent two-bedroom apartment in these areas can cost you around $600-$800 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more lively and central location, Baixa or the city center might be more to your liking. However, keep in mind that rents here can be a bit higher, around $1,000 a month or more for a two-bedroom apartment. But even then, it's still within your budget. When it comes to utilities, including electricity, water, heating, cooling, and garbage, you're looking at around $150 a month. Internet and mobile services are quite affordable too, costing around $50 a month. Groceries can cost you around $300 a month, but this can vary depending on your eating habits. If you like dining out, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $10, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is about $35. Transportation is also quite affordable. A monthly pass for public transportation costs around $40. If you prefer driving, gasoline costs around $1.60 per liter. Healthcare in Portugal is of high quality and affordable. A visit to a private doctor costs around $50, while health insurance can cost you around $50 a month. As for entertainment, there are plenty of affordable or even free activities to do in Coimbra. You can visit the historic University of Coimbra, take a stroll along the Mondego River, or explore the city's many parks and gardens. A movie ticket costs around $7, while a fitness club monthly fee is about $30. So, if you add up all these costs, you'll find that you can live quite comfortably in Coimbra on $5,000 a month without having to make any major sacrifices. Of course, everyone's lifestyle and spending habits are different, so it's always a good idea to create a budget and stick to it. But overall, Coimbra offers a great quality of life at a very affordable cost," commented an expat living in Coimbra.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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