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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Cascais 2024
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Praia do Guincho Beach in Cascais, Portugal


Cost of Living in Cascais

By Betsy Burlingame

Portugal Residency Advisors
Portugal Residency Advisors

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Cascais helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living Cascais
Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Cascais is around €800-€1,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around €1,500-€2,000 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around €600-€800 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around €1,000-€1,500 per month.
Apartment Purchases The average price per square meter for an apartment in the city center of Cascais is around €3,500-€4,500. The average price per square meter for an apartment outside the city center is around €2,500-€3,500.
Transportation A monthly public transport ticket in Cascais costs around €30-€40. A one-way ticket costs around €1.50-€2.50. A taxi ride within the city center costs around €5-€7. A taxi ride from the airport to the city center costs around €30-€40.
Groceries The average cost of groceries in Cascais is around €50-€70 per week for one person. This includes basic items such as bread, milk, eggs, cheese, fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish.
Restaurants The average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant in Cascais is around €15-€20 per person. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is around €50-€60.
Utilities The average cost of utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for a one-bedroom apartment in Cascais is around €50-€70 per month. The average cost of internet is around €30-€40 per month.
Private School Tuition The average cost of private school tuition for preschool in Cascais is around €400-€600 per month. The average cost of private school tuition for elementary school is around €500-€700 per month. The average cost of private school tuition for middle school is around €600-€800 per month. The average cost of private school tuition for high school is around €700-€900 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Cascais

"At this point, I'm thinking $1500-$2000 per month will be plenty. I'm still buying things for my apartment so don't have a really good sense of how much I will consistently spend," said one expat living in Cascais.

"I think one could live quite well, everything included, for around $3000 per month, and if one were to budget a bit, probably even less than that," wrote a member in Cascais.

"The cost of living in Cascais is generally considered to be quite high. Prices for basic necessities such as food, housing, and transportation are all higher than the national average. Eating out can be expensive, but there are plenty of affordable options available. Renting an apartment in Cascais can be quite costly, but there are also more affordable options available. Transportation costs are also higher than the national average, but there are plenty of public transportation options available," commented one expat who made the move to Cascais.

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

"I've been living in Cascais 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. Cascais is a beautiful coastal town with a high quality of life, but it's also a bit more expensive than other parts of Portugal.First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I'd recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Alcabideche or São Domingos de Rana, which are a bit further from the city center but still have good access to public transportation. You can find a one-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $600-$700 a month. Avoid neighborhoods like Estoril or Quinta da Marinha, as they are more upscale and expensive.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on groceries and dining out. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home can help you save a lot of money. Eating out in Cascais can be pricey, especially in the touristy areas, so try to find local, affordable restaurants or cafes instead.Transportation costs can also add up, so consider using public transportation or walking whenever possible. Cascais has a good bus and train system, and a monthly pass costs around $40. If you need a car, consider sharing one with a friend or coworker to split the costs.Finally, be prepared to cut back on some of the luxuries you might be used to. For example, you might not be able to afford a gym membership or regular spa treatments. However, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Cascais, like hiking, biking, or going to the beach, that can help you stay active and entertained.Overall, living in Cascais on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. It's a beautiful place to live, and with some careful budgeting, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle here," commented an expat living in Cascais.

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

"I've been living in Cascais for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of the neighborhood you choose to live in and the size of your apartment.The most affordable neighborhoods in Cascais are Bairro do Rosário, Alcabideche, and São Domingos de Rana. These areas are a bit further from the city center and the beach, but they offer more affordable housing options. You can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. Keep in mind that utilities and other expenses will add to your monthly costs, but you should still be able to live comfortably within your budget.On the other hand, if you're looking for a more upscale neighborhood, you might want to consider Estoril, Monte Estoril, or Quinta da Marinha. These areas are closer to the beach and offer more luxurious housing options, but they also come with a higher price tag. Renting a one or two-bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods can cost you anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 a month, which might not leave you with much wiggle room in your budget for other expenses.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some space in your apartment or live a bit further from the city center and the beach. You might also have to cut back on dining out and entertainment expenses, as these can add up quickly in Cascais. However, there are plenty of affordable grocery stores and local markets where you can buy fresh produce and other essentials, so you can still enjoy a good quality of life without breaking the bank.Overall, living in Cascais on a $3,000 a month budget is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and choose your neighborhood wisely. If you're willing to make some sacrifices and live a bit more frugally, you can definitely enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this beautiful coastal town," said one expat living in Cascais.

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

"I've been living in Cascais for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. Cascais is a beautiful coastal town with a mix of traditional Portuguese charm and modern conveniences, so you won't feel like you're sacrificing too much.In terms of housing, you'll want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Quinta da Marinha and Estoril, as these areas cater to the luxury market and can be quite pricey. Instead, consider looking for a place in neighborhoods like Monte Estoril, Alcabideche, or even the historic center of Cascais. These areas still offer a great quality of life, but at a more affordable price.When it comes to transportation, Cascais is well-connected to Lisbon by train, so you won't need a car if you're working in the city. The train pass costs around €50 per month, which is quite reasonable. If you do decide to get a car, keep in mind that gas prices in Portugal are higher than in the US, so that will be an added expense.Groceries and dining out can be quite affordable in Cascais, especially if you shop at local markets and avoid the more touristy restaurants. You can expect to spend around €300-€400 per month on groceries for a couple, and a meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around €20-€30 per person.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there's plenty to do in Cascais without breaking the bank. The town has beautiful beaches, parks, and museums that you can enjoy for free or at a low cost. If you're into sports, there are also several golf courses and tennis clubs in the area, although membership fees can vary.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Cascais on a $5,000 a month budget is quite doable, and you won't have to make too many sacrifices to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Just be mindful of your spending in certain areas, and you'll be able to make the most of your time in this beautiful coastal town," commented an expat living in Cascais.

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.


Portugal Residency Advisors
Portugal Residency Advisors

Portugal Residency Advisors
Portugal Residency Advisors

Praia do Guincho Beach in Cascais, Portugal

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