Cost of Living in Lisbon

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Lisbon

"The cost of living in Lisbon is generally considered to be quite reasonable. Prices for basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing are generally lower than in other major European cities. Eating out in restaurants is also relatively affordable, with a meal for two people costing around €30. Utilities such as electricity and water are also relatively inexpensive. Overall, Lisbon is a great place to live for those looking for a good quality of life at an affordable price," said one expat living in Lisbon.

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

"I've been living in Lisbon 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 neighborhood to live in. Some of the more affordable areas in Lisbon include Marvila, Beato, and Penha de França. These neighborhoods are not as trendy as some of the more expensive areas like Chiado, Príncipe Real, or Avenida da Liberdade, but they still have a lot to offer and are well-connected to the rest of the city.When it comes to housing, you'll probably have to settle for a smaller apartment or share a flat with roommates to keep your rent within budget. Utilities and internet can be quite affordable, especially if you're splitting the costs with others. For groceries, you'll want to shop at local markets and discount supermarkets like Lidl or Pingo Doce to save money. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local, non-touristy spots and take advantage of the daily lunch specials, called "pratos do dia."As for transportation, Lisbon has a good public transport system, and a monthly pass will cost you around €40. If you're willing to walk or bike, you can save even more on transportation costs. Owning a car in Lisbon can be expensive due to high fuel prices, insurance, and parking fees, so I'd recommend avoiding that if possible.When it comes to entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Lisbon. You can enjoy the city's parks, gardens, and viewpoints, or visit museums on their free admission days. There are also many free events and festivals throughout the year.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Lisbon is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being smart about your housing and transportation choices, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Lisbon.

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

"I've been living in Lisbon 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. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of the neighborhood you choose to live in and the size of your apartment.For example, neighborhoods like Chiado, Avenida da Liberdade, and Principe Real are quite expensive and might be out of your budget if you want to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Instead, I would recommend looking into more affordable neighborhoods like Alvalade, Campo de Ourique, or even Marvila. These areas still have great access to public transportation, restaurants, and shops, but the cost of living is significantly lower.In terms of housing, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or one that's not as modern as you're used to. However, there are still plenty of options available that are comfortable and well-maintained. You can expect to pay around €1,000 to €1,500 per month for a decent one or two-bedroom apartment in a more affordable neighborhood.When it comes to other expenses, groceries and eating out are relatively affordable in Lisbon compared to other European cities. You can find fresh produce at local markets for reasonable prices, and there are plenty of budget-friendly restaurants and cafes to choose from. Public transportation is also quite affordable, with a monthly pass costing around €40.Overall, I think you can definitely make it work on $3,000 a month in Lisbon, but you'll have to be mindful of your housing choices and be willing to make some compromises. It's a beautiful city with a lot to offer, and I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here," said one expat living in Lisbon.

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

"I've been living in Lisbon for a few years 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. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, you can have a good quality of life here.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to live in a more affordable neighborhood, I'd recommend looking into areas like Alvalade, Areeiro, or even Arroios. These neighborhoods are still close to the city center, but the rent prices are more reasonable. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to avoid neighborhoods like Chiado, Principe Real, or Avenida da Liberdade, as they can be quite expensive.As for transportation, Lisbon has a pretty good public transportation system, so you can save money by using the metro, buses, and trams instead of relying on taxis or Uber. A monthly public transportation pass costs around €40, which is quite affordable.When it comes to eating out, Lisbon has a wide range of options, from cheap and cheerful tascas (traditional Portuguese eateries) to more upscale restaurants. If you're on a budget, you can still enjoy delicious meals at local tascas for around €10-€15 per person. Of course, if you want to splurge on a fancy dinner once in a while, there are plenty of high-end restaurants to choose from as well.Groceries can be quite affordable in Lisbon, especially if you shop at local markets and supermarkets like Pingo Doce or Continente. You can expect to spend around €200-€300 per month on groceries, depending on your eating habits.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Lisbon. You can visit museums, parks, and cultural events without breaking the bank. However, if you're into more expensive hobbies like golf or sailing, you might need to adjust your budget accordingly.In conclusion, living in Lisbon on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities. Just be mindful of your spending habits and choose more affordable neighborhoods for housing, and you should be able to make it work," commented an expat living in Lisbon.