Portugal in 2025: Still Worth It?
Portugal has seen significant rent increases since 2021, but it remains one of Europe's best value destinations for quality of life — especially outside Lisbon. Here's what you'll actually spend.
Lisbon Monthly Budget
| Expense | Budget | Mid-range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment | $1,200 | $1,600 | $2,500 |
| Groceries | $200 | $300 | $450 |
| Dining out (2x/week) | $100 | $200 | $400 |
| Transport (metro pass) | $45 | $80 | $150 |
| Health insurance | $80 | $120 | $200 |
| Entertainment | $100 | $200 | $400 |
| TOTAL | $1,725 | $2,500 | $4,100 |
Porto: 20% Cheaper Than Lisbon
Porto offers similar quality of life at lower prices. A 1-bedroom in Bonfim or Paranhos goes for $900–1,200/month. The food scene is arguably better, and the city is more navigable on foot.
The D8 Digital Nomad Visa
Portugal's D8 visa requires proof of remote income of at least €3,480/month (4× minimum wage). It gives you 1–2 years of legal residence, renewable, and a path to permanent residency after 5 years.
The NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) tax regime — now NHR 2.0 — still offers significant tax advantages for qualifying income types, particularly for those with foreign-source income.
Is Portugal Right for You?
Take our 60-second quiz to compare Portugal against 21 other destinations based on your budget and requirements.