Recruitment Portugal

COST OF LIVING IN PORTUGAL

Portugal is the right choice for all those who want to retire in warm southern Europe. Compared to other countries in the European Union it has a very low cost of living. Despite the recent rise in property prices it is still much cheaper here than in the UK, France or Germany.

Those who are planning on relocating to Portugal and finding a job have to consider that compared to the salaries paid here the cost of living is not as low as it seems to be. Teachers get paid approximately 600 € at the beginning of their career and about 1200 € at the end of it. The minimum salary is around 350 €. In practice there are people who work eight hours a day for 250 € or less. Obviously there are also exceptions such as doctors or lawyers who do earn much more than that.

The cost of living also depends on where you want to live. Like in most other southern countries it is more expensive to live on the coast or in big cities like Lisbon than it is to live in inland and in the suburbs. The location does not only affect the property prices but also the day to day costs. It is always cheaper to by food in the markets than it is to by them in the supermarket.

In general the overall cost of living in Portugal can be half of what it is in countries like Germany, the UK and other EU members. Depending on where you eat, you can enjoy a three course meal for two for less than 14 € - including wine! Meat, fish, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, vegetables, labour (plumbers, electricians, etc.), leisure activities and many other things are relatively inexpensive, but it will cost you more to buy a car or electronic goods. On average, rents are approximately 20 % to 40 % lower than in the UK.