Guimaraes, PortugalCost of Living in Guimaraes
Summary: If you're moving to Guimaraes, understanding the the cost of living in Guimaraes helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
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Monthly Budget for Retirees in Guimaraes
"The cost of living in Guimaraes, is relatively affordable compared to other European cities. Housing and rental prices are moderate, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costing around €400 per month. Utilities, such as electricity, water, and gas, are reasonably priced, while internet and mobile phone plans are also affordable.Groceries and food expenses are generally low, with fresh produce, meat, and dairy products available at reasonable prices in local markets and supermarkets. Eating out at restaurants is also relatively inexpensive, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around €20 per person.Transportation costs are also affordable, with a monthly public transport pass costing around €30. Gasoline prices are higher than in some other European countries, but owning a car is not a necessity due to the efficient public transportation system.Healthcare in Portugal is of high quality and is available at a low cost for residents through the public healthcare system. Private healthcare is also available at a higher cost.Overall, the cost of living in Guimaraes is manageable, making it an attractive destination for expats and retirees looking for a more affordable European lifestyle," said one expat living in Guimaraes.
Can I live in Guimaraes on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Guimaraes for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Oliveira do Castelo, Azurém, or Urgezes. These areas are more affordable compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Creixomil or Costa.When it comes to transportation, you might want to consider using public transportation instead of owning a car. The bus system in Guimaraes is quite reliable and affordable. Plus, the city is quite walkable, so you can save money by walking or biking to your destinations.Eating out can be quite affordable in Guimaraes, especially if you stick to local restaurants and cafes. However, if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants, you might have to cut back on that. Cooking at home can also help you save money, and you can find fresh produce at local markets like Mercado Municipal de Guimaraes.Entertainment options in Guimaraes are relatively affordable, but you might have to cut back on some activities. For example, you can enjoy free or low-cost events like local festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. However, you might have to skip more expensive activities like going to the theater or attending sporting events.In terms of healthcare, Portugal has a public healthcare system that provides free or low-cost services to residents. However, if you prefer private healthcare, you might have to pay more out-of-pocket expenses. It's essential to have health insurance to cover any unexpected medical costs.Overall, living in Guimaraes on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll have to make some sacrifices and adjust your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost entertainment options, you can live comfortably in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Guimaraes.
Can I live in Guimaraes on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Guimaraes for a while 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. However, you might have to make some sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might need to live in a smaller apartment or a less central neighborhood to save on rent. In terms of affordable neighborhoods, I'd recommend looking into areas like Azurém, Oliveira do Castelo, or Urgezes. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they're still nice and have all the necessary amenities. You can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $600 to $800 a month. On the other hand, if you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood, you might want to consider areas like Creixomil or Mesão Frio. These neighborhoods are closer to the city center and have more luxurious apartments, but the rent can be quite high, sometimes reaching up to $1,500 a month for a two-bedroom apartment. So, if you want to stick to your $3,000 a month budget, you might want to avoid these areas.As for other expenses, groceries and utilities are relatively affordable in Guimaraes. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries and around $100 to $150 on utilities, including electricity, water, and internet. Eating out and entertainment can be quite affordable too, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $15 to $20 per person.One sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on shopping for clothes and other non-essential items, as these can be more expensive in Portugal compared to other countries. You might also need to limit your travel within Europe, as flights and accommodations can add up quickly.Overall, living in Guimaraes on a $3,000 a month budget is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and non-essential expenses," said one expat living in Guimaraes.
Can I live in Guimaraes on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Guimaraes for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not have to make too many sacrifices at all. The cost of living in Guimaraes is generally lower than in many other European cities, so your money will go further here.When it comes to housing, you'll find that there are plenty of options available in various neighborhoods. If you're looking for something more affordable, I'd recommend checking out areas like Oliveira do Castelo, Azurém, or Urgezes. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of affordability and convenience, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and public transportation options nearby.On the other hand, if you're willing to spend a bit more on housing, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Creixomil, Costa, or Mesão Frio. These areas tend to be a bit more upscale, with larger homes and more amenities. However, they're also more expensive, so you'll need to weigh the benefits against the higher cost.As for other expenses, you'll find that groceries, utilities, and transportation are all quite reasonable in Guimaraes. Eating out can be affordable too, especially if you stick to local restaurants and cafes. Of course, if you prefer to dine at high-end establishments or indulge in imported goods, your expenses will be higher.In terms of sacrifices, you might find that some of the more luxurious amenities you're used to, like high-end shopping or a wide variety of international cuisine, are not as readily available in Guimaraes. However, the city still offers a great quality of life, with plenty of cultural attractions, beautiful parks, and a rich history to explore.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Guimaraes on $5,000 a month is not only possible but also quite comfortable. You might have to make a few adjustments to your lifestyle, but I believe you'll quickly come to appreciate the charm and affordability of this beautiful Portuguese city," commented an expat living in Guimaraes.
About the Author
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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