Cost Of Living in Lisbon 2024

cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Lisbon

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Lisbon

Whether you're living in Lisbon or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: EUR
260 3,400 34,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $3,700 $37,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single

Currency: EUR
340 2,400 16,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360 $2,600 $17,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple

Currency: EUR
1,300 3,900 21,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,400 $4,300 $23,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family

Currency: EUR
1,800 5,300 34,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,000 $5,700 $37,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student

Currency: EUR
260 1,700 11,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $1,900 $12,000
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Lisbon is 2,400 EUR. Expenses can range from 340 EUR at the minimum level to 16,000 EUR at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Lisbon is 3,900 EUR. Expenditure can range from 1,300 EUR to 21,000 EUR per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Lisbon is 5,300 EUR per month. Families spend anywhere from 1,800 EUR to 34,000 EUR.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Lisbon is 1,700 EUR. Students spend from 260 EUR to 11,000 EUR per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.



Prices and cost of goods and services in Lisbon


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Lisbon

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

3.3 EUR 6.6 EUR 11 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.6 $7.2 $12

Restaurant meal for one

12 EUR 17 EUR 35 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $19 $38

Fine dining meal for one

23 EUR 35 EUR 140 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$25 $38 $150

Cappuccino or latte

2.8 EUR 4.4 EUR 6.6 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3 $4.8 $7.2

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

2.2 EUR 2.7 EUR 3.3 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.4 $2.9 $3.6

12 eggs

1.7 EUR 2.2 EUR 3.3 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.8 $2.4 $3.6

Fresh whole chicken

3.8 EUR 4.9 EUR 6.9 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.1 $5.3 $7.5

Pack of beef

4.4 EUR 6.6 EUR 13 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.8 $7.2 $14

Medium bag of rice

1.8 EUR 2.4 EUR 3.5 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $2.7 $3.8

Bag of tomatos

0.67 EUR 0.89 EUR 1.7 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.72 $0.96 $1.8

Bag of apples

1.2 EUR 1.6 EUR 2.6 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.7 $2.8
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Lisbon

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

2.9 EUR 3.5 EUR 7 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $3.8 $7.6

Average car full tank

17 EUR 22 EUR 44 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $24 $48

Average car 1-day rental

18 EUR 24 EUR 37 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $26 $40

Average car price

8,300 EUR 17,000 EUR 22,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9,000 $18,000 $24,000

Bus ticket one way

0.61 EUR 0.92 EUR 1.8 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.66 $0.99 $2

Car Service

24 EUR 37 EUR 73 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $40 $79
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas for a family in Lisbon

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

20 EUR 140 EUR 950 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $150 $1,000

Utility Bill - Couple

53 EUR 180 EUR 1,200 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$57 $190 $1,300

Utility Bill - Family

92 EUR 260 EUR 1,700 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $290 $1,900

Internet and cable

17 EUR 33 EUR 44 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $36 $48

Mobile phone charges

13 EUR 22 EUR 66 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $24 $72

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

8.3 EUR 11 EUR 17 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9 $12 $18

One month gym membership

29 EUR 37 EUR 73 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$32 $40 $79
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Lisbon

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

22 EUR 31 EUR 46 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $33 $50

Woman dress

20 EUR 28 EUR 92 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $31 $99

Woman shoes

19 EUR 26 EUR 61 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $28 $66

Men's shoes

17 EUR 20 EUR 41 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $22 $44

Men suit

18 EUR 23 EUR 120 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $25 $130

Regular t-shirt

9.2 EUR 12 EUR 37 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.9 $13 $40
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Lisbon

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

310 EUR 460 EUR 1,200 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $500 $1,300

1-bedroom apartment

460 EUR 730 EUR 1,800 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500 $790 $2,000

2-bedroom apartment

610 EUR 920 EUR 2,400 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660 $990 $2,600

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

61,000 EUR 92,000 EUR 180,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66,000 $99,000 $200,000

1-bedroom apartment

73,000 EUR 120,000 EUR 460,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79,000 $130,000 $500,000

2-bedroom apartment

120,000 EUR 370,000 EUR 730,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $400,000 $790,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Lisbon

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

330 EUR 420 EUR 550 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360 $450 $600

Double Bed

220 EUR 330 EUR 420 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $360 $450

Single Bed

200 EUR 260 EUR 330 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $280 $360

Living Room

370 EUR 470 EUR 1,700 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $520 $1,800

Dining Table

170 EUR 220 EUR 420 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180 $240 $450

Sofa or Couch

220 EUR 300 EUR 660 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $330 $720
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Lisbon

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

220 EUR 330 EUR 660 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $360 $720

Fridge or Freezer

200 EUR 300 EUR 420 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $330 $450

Washing Machine

260 EUR 370 EUR 660 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $400 $720

Stove or Cooker

240 EUR 300 EUR 420 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $330 $450

Mobile Phone

280 EUR 330 EUR 470 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $360 $520

Laptop or Computer

300 EUR 370 EUR 660 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $400 $720

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Lisbon

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.

Cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Lisbon

Spending to Income Ratio

90%

81% to 100%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%6%
50% - 60%11%
60% - 70%17%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%17%
90% - 100%9%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Lisbon is 90% This means that on average, people spend around 90% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 17% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
81%
Spending-Income-Ratio
73%
90%

Couple
86%
Spending-Income-Ratio
77%
95%

Family
95%
Spending-Income-Ratio
86%
100%
Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses in Lisbon

How do people spend their money in Lisbon?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure26%

26% of total expenses on average (15% to 34%)

LOW$86   79 EUR
AVERAGE$1,100   1,000 EUR
HIGH$11,000   10,000 EUR
Per Month

People living in Lisbon typically spend from 15% to 34% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 26% being the average. The average spend on housing is 1,000 EUR with expenditure ranging from 79 EUR to 10,000 EUR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$14   13 EUR
AVERAGE$190   170 EUR
HIGH$1,900   1,700 EUR
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Lisbon ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 170 EUR with 13 EUR and 1,700 EUR being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$29   26 EUR
AVERAGE$370   340 EUR
HIGH$3,700   3,400 EUR
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 26 EUR to 3,400 EUR on commuting with 340 EUR being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food and Groceries Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)

LOW$71   66 EUR
AVERAGE$930   850 EUR
HIGH$9,300   8,500 EUR
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Lisbon is 850 EUR. The cost of groceries can range between 66 EUR to 8,500 EUR. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$20   18 EUR
AVERAGE$260   240 EUR
HIGH$2,600   2,400 EUR
Per Month

People in Lisbon allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 18 EUR to 2,400 EUR with 240 EUR being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$11   11 EUR
AVERAGE$150   140 EUR
HIGH$1,500   1,400 EUR
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 11 EUR to 1,400 EUR with 140 EUR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$17   16 EUR
AVERAGE$220   210 EUR
HIGH$2,200   2,100 EUR
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 210 EUR per month with 16 EUR being the minimum spent amount and 2,100 EUR being the maximum.

Other Expenses12%

12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$37   34 EUR
AVERAGE$480   440 EUR
HIGH$4,800   4,400 EUR
Per Month
Percentage of people who manage to save money from their income every month in Lisbon

How much money can you save in Lisbon every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Lisbon manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
68%
Not Saving
32%

Almost 68% of the surveyed people in Lisbon said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 32% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Lisbon

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles77%23%
Couples71%29%
Families66%34%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Savings to income ratio in Lisbon

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 21% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

100 EUR
$110
1,300 EUR
$1,500
13,000 EUR
$15,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 12% to 34% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 21% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 1,300 EUR on average with savings ranging from 100 EUR to 13,000 EUR.

77% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 71% of couples said the same. 66% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Lisbon?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

15% 25% of income 36%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

100 EUR
$110
930 EUR
$1,000
6,200 EUR
$6,700
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%30%
10% - 20%23%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%15%
40% - 50%12%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 15% to 36% of their monthly income to savings, with 25% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 930 EUR with 100 EUR and 6,200 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

13% 23% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

520 EUR
$560
1,500 EUR
$1,700
8,300 EUR
$9,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%34%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%10%
40% - 50%9%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 13% to 35% of their monthly income, with 23% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 1,500 EUR with 520 EUR and 8,300 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 20% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

720 EUR
$780
2,100 EUR
$2,200
13,000 EUR
$15,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%37%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%7%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Lisbon can save anywhere between 11% to 32% of their monthly income, with 20% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 2,100 EUR with 720 EUR and 13,000 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money in Lisbon

Saving Challenges in Lisbon

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Lisbon. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans17%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending10%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later18%
Inflation11%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 17% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 10% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 18% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do people choose to put their savings in Lisbon

Typical saving choices for people in Lisbon

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold11%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings17%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical to live in Lisbon

Affordable living in Lisbon

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Lisbon?


Yes
78%
No
22%

Around 78% of surveyed residents think that living in Lisbon is affordable with proper budgeting while 22% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Lisbon

Low-cost alternatives in Lisbon

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options64%

Few low-cost options36%


Based on the survey, 64% of the people living in Lisbon have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 36% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Lisbon whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes74%

No26%


Based on the survey, 26% of the people living in Lisbon said that they don't have an emergency fund while 74% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning in Lisbon

Financial Literacy in Portugal

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy67%


We asked residents of Portugal whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 33% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 67% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Portugal have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 34% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 66% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance34%

Easily manages finances66%

Financial goals and targets of people living in Lisbon

Financial goals of people in Lisbon

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Lisbon, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction35%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing8%
Travel or Lifestyle10%
Healthcare Expenses10%
Financial Independence7%

Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 35% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 10% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 10% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Lisbon

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Lisbon and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Portugal is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Lisbon:
AgeAmount
259,500 EUR
3019,000 EUR
3533,000 EUR
4048,000 EUR
4571,000 EUR
50100,000 EUR
55120,000 EUR
60150,000 EUR
65180,000 EUR

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Lisbon about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions13%
Savings22%
Investments13%
Social Security8%
Annuities8%
Part-time Job11%
Real Estate17%
Dividends and Interest8%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Lisbon

190 EUR
$210
1,700 EUR
$1,900
11,000 EUR
$12,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the percentage of people who are in debt in Lisbon

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Lisbon


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
32%
Debt Free
69%

According to the survey, 32% of the people in Lisbon have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 69% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Lisbon

Debt-to-income ratio in Lisbon

Debt to income ratio

30%

21% to 40%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 30% of the people's monthly income in Lisbon goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%13%
40% - 50%12%
30% - 40%14%
20% - 30%14%
10% - 20%17%
0% - 10%27%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Lisbon pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 13% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 12% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 14% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 14% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Lisbon

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage12%
Auto Loan20%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card26%
Personal Loan38%

12% of debtors in Lisbon confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 26% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 20% of people and personal loans rose at 38%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Lisbon.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Lisbon

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Lisbon how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never54%
Once a year22%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Lisbon

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Lisbon

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Lisbon

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

310 EUR 460 EUR 1,200 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $500 $1,300

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

460 EUR 730 EUR 1,800 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500 $790 $2,000

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

610 EUR 920 EUR 2,400 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660 $990 $2,600

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

730 EUR 1,200 EUR 3,300 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$790 $1,300 $3,600

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

1,500 EUR 3,700 EUR 7,300 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $4,000 $7,900

Townhouse monthly rent cost

1,200 EUR 1,800 EUR 5,200 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $2,000 $5,700

House monthly rent cost

1,500 EUR 3,700 EUR 7,300 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $4,000 $7,900

Villa monthly rent cost

1,800 EUR 4,600 EUR 7,300 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,000 $5,000 $7,900

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Lisbon ranges between 310 EUR and 1,200 EUR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 460 EUR to 1,800 EUR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 610 EUR and 2,400 EUR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 730 EUR to 3,300 EUR. The average rent of a townhouse in Lisbon is around 1,800 EUR while house rental costs can be as high as 3,700 EUR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 1,800 EUR to 7,300 EUR per month.



Apartment and house prices in Lisbon

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

61,000 EUR 92,000 EUR 180,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66,000 $99,000 $200,000

1-bedroom apartment price

73,000 EUR 120,000 EUR 460,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79,000 $130,000 $500,000

2-bedroom apartment price

120,000 EUR 370,000 EUR 730,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $400,000 $790,000

3-bedroom apartment price

410,000 EUR 610,000 EUR 1.8M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$440,000 $660,000 $2M

Townhouse price

520,000 EUR 1.2M EUR 4.6M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$570,000 $1.3M $5M

House price

610,000 EUR 3.7M EUR 5.2M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660,000 $4M $5.7M

Villa price

730,000 EUR 4.1M EUR 6.1M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$790,000 $4.4M $6.6M

The average price of a studio apartment in Lisbon can range from 61,000 EUR to 180,000 EUR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 73,000 EUR to 460,000 EUR. A villa can cost you 4.1M EUR on average with prices ranging from 730,000 EUR to 6.1M EUR.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Lisbon will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


44 x131 monthly income 231
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Lisbon can be x131 to x231 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x131 multiples of the average monthly salary in Lisbon.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


24% 35% of income 46%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Lisbon is around 35%. This means that people pay 35% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 24% to 46% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
32%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.2%
AVERAGE
3.2%
TO
4.1%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


5.3 EUR 68 EUR 680 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Lisbon

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Lisbon

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual

20 EUR 140 EUR 950 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $150 $1,000

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

53 EUR 180 EUR 1,200 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$57 $190 $1,300

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

92 EUR 260 EUR 1,700 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $290 $1,900

Internet and cable cost

17 EUR 33 EUR 44 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $36 $48

Mobile phone bill and charges

13 EUR 22 EUR 66 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $24 $72

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Lisbon ranges between 20 EUR and 950 EUR with average being 140 EUR, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 180 EUR with 53 EUR and 1,200 EUR being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 260 EUR. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 17 EUR to 44 EUR with 33 EUR being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 22 EUR but can range between 13 EUR and 66 EUR depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


2.2% 5.4% of income 9.8%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Lisbon is around 5.4%. This means that people pay 5.4% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2.2% to 9.8% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Lisbon

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Lisbon

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

3.3 EUR 6.6 EUR 11 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.6 $7.2 $12

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Lisbon is approximatly 6.6 EUR with meal cost ranging from 3.3 EUR to 11 EUR. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

12 EUR 17 EUR 35 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $19 $38

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 12 EUR and 35 EUR with 17 EUR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Lisbon.

Fine dining meal for one price

23 EUR 35 EUR 140 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$25 $38 $150

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 23 EUR to 140 EUR with the average cost being 35 EUR for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Lisbon.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

2.8 EUR 4.4 EUR 6.6 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3 $4.8 $7.2

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Lisbon is around 4.4 EUR. Price ranges between 2.8 EUR and 6.6 EUR depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

2.2 EUR 2.7 EUR 3.3 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.4 $2.9 $3.6

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Lisbon is 2.7 EUR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 3.3 EUR and the minimum being 2.2 EUR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

1.7 EUR 2.2 EUR 3.3 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.8 $2.4 $3.6

A dozen eggs costs around 2.2 EUR on average with 1.7 EUR and 3.3 EUR being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

3.8 EUR 4.9 EUR 6.9 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.1 $5.3 $7.5

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Lisbon is between 3.8 EUR and 6.9 EUR depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 4.9 EUR.

Pack of beef price

4.4 EUR 6.6 EUR 13 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.8 $7.2 $14

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 6.6 EUR. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

1.8 EUR 2.4 EUR 3.5 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $2.7 $3.8

A bag of rice in Lisbon costs around 2.4 EUR on average with prices rangeing between 1.8 EUR and 3.5 EUR depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

0.67 EUR 0.89 EUR 1.7 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.72 $0.96 $1.8

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 0.67 EUR to 1.7 EUR. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

1.2 EUR 1.6 EUR 2.6 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.7 $2.8

A bag of apples costs 1.6 EUR on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


18% 27% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Lisbon is around 27%. This means that people spend 27% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 34% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group

A single person living alone spends approximately 380 EUR per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 54 EUR and 2,500 EUR depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 550 EUR per month. That number can be get as low as 180 EUR or a high as 2,900 EUR. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 330 EUR to 6,200 EUR with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Lisbon

Housing cost for a single person32%

32% of total expenses on average (20% to 44%)

LOW$130   120 EUR
AVERAGE$920   850 EUR
HIGH$6,200   5,700 EUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$22   20 EUR
AVERAGE$150   140 EUR
HIGH$1,000   950 EUR
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$29   27 EUR
AVERAGE$210   190 EUR
HIGH$1,400   1,300 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$58   54 EUR
AVERAGE$410   380 EUR
HIGH$2,700   2,500 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare Cost11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$33   30 EUR
AVERAGE$230   210 EUR
HIGH$1,500   1,400 EUR
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Expenditure3%

3% of total expenses on average (3% to 6%)

LOW$18   17 EUR
AVERAGE$130   120 EUR
HIGH$860   790 EUR
Per Month

Education Cost2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$7.3   6.7 EUR
AVERAGE$51   47 EUR
HIGH$340   320 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$66   61 EUR
AVERAGE$460   430 EUR
HIGH$3,100   2,800 EUR
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Lisbon

Housing cost for a couple29%

29% of total expenses on average (22% to 39%)

LOW$480   450 EUR
AVERAGE$1,500   1,300 EUR
HIGH$7,800   7,200 EUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$57   53 EUR
AVERAGE$190   180 EUR
HIGH$1,300   1,200 EUR
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW$170   160 EUR
AVERAGE$510   470 EUR
HIGH$2,700   2,500 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW$200   180 EUR
AVERAGE$600   550 EUR
HIGH$3,200   2,900 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare Cost13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$160   140 EUR
AVERAGE$470   430 EUR
HIGH$2,500   2,300 EUR
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$86   79 EUR
AVERAGE$260   240 EUR
HIGH$1,400   1,300 EUR
Per Month

Education Cost2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$29   26 EUR
AVERAGE$86   79 EUR
HIGH$460   420 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$240   220 EUR
AVERAGE$730   670 EUR
HIGH$3,900   3,600 EUR
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Lisbon

Housing cost for a family28%

28% of total expenses on average (23% to 38%)

LOW$640   590 EUR
AVERAGE$1,800   1,700 EUR
HIGH$12,000   11,000 EUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)

LOW$100   92 EUR
AVERAGE$290   260 EUR
HIGH$1,900   1,700 EUR
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Expenses6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)

LOW$200   180 EUR
AVERAGE$570   530 EUR
HIGH$3,700   3,400 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost20%

20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)

LOW$360   330 EUR
AVERAGE$1,000   950 EUR
HIGH$6,700   6,200 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare Expenses10%

10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)

LOW$180   170 EUR
AVERAGE$570   530 EUR
HIGH$3,000   2,700 EUR
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$100   92 EUR
AVERAGE$290   260 EUR
HIGH$1,900   1,700 EUR
Per Month

Education Cost14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$280   260 EUR
AVERAGE$800   740 EUR
HIGH$5,200   4,800 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$160   150 EUR
AVERAGE$460   420 EUR
HIGH$3,000   2,700 EUR
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Lisbon

Housing costs for Student20%

20% of total expenses on average (15% to 26%)

LOW$68   63 EUR
AVERAGE$440   410 EUR
HIGH$3,000   2,700 EUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$11   11 EUR
AVERAGE$74   68 EUR
HIGH$490   460 EUR
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost5%

5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$20   18 EUR
AVERAGE$130   120 EUR
HIGH$860   800 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries Expenditure22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)

LOW$57   53 EUR
AVERAGE$370   340 EUR
HIGH$2,500   2,300 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare Cost8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$17   16 EUR
AVERAGE$110   100 EUR
HIGH$740   680 EUR
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$14   13 EUR
AVERAGE$93   85 EUR
HIGH$620   570 EUR
Per Month

Education Cost19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$54   50 EUR
AVERAGE$350   320 EUR
HIGH$2,300   2,200 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$43   39 EUR
AVERAGE$280   260 EUR
HIGH$1,900   1,700 EUR
Per Month
evoeicarsraw©copound