This page provides current price ranges for accommodation, food, and transportation in Portugal based on 2024-2025 data from official statistics, booking platforms, and traveler expenditure reports. This guide is intended for travelers planning budgets for visits to Portugal who need realistic cost estimates across different spending levels.
Quick Overview Table
| Budget Category | Daily Total (Per Person) | Accommodation | Food | Local Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | €40-60 | €15-25 | €20-25 | €5-10 |
| Mid-Range | €80-130 | €50-80 | €35-50 | €10-15 |
| Comfortable | €150-220 | €100-150 | €60-80 | €15-25 |
| Luxury | €300+ | €200-400+ | €100-150+ | €30-50+ |
Note: Costs vary significantly between Lisbon/Porto and smaller cities. Prices reflect 2024-2025 estimates and exclude flights, visa fees, and travel insurance.
Accommodation Cost Breakdown by Type
Hostels and Dormitories
| Location Type | Dorm Bed (6-8 beds) | Dorm Bed (4 beds) | Private Room in Hostel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon/Porto | €18-35 | €25-45 | €45-75 |
| Algarve (Summer) | €20-40 | €28-50 | €50-85 |
| Algarve (Winter) | €12-25 | €18-35 | €35-60 |
| Coimbra/Braga | €15-28 | €20-38 | €40-65 |
| Small Towns | €12-22 | €18-30 | €35-55 |
Typical Hostel Amenities Included:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Shared kitchen facilities
- Common areas
- Bed linens (towels sometimes extra €2-5)
- Lockers (sometimes padlock required)
Additional Hostel Costs:
- Breakfast: €3-8 if not included
- Laundry: €5-8 per load
- Towel rental: €2-3
Budget Hotels and Guesthouses
| Location Type | Basic Double Room | Standard Double Room | Superior Double Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon City Center | €50-75 | €75-110 | €110-160 |
| Lisbon Suburbs | €40-60 | €60-85 | €85-120 |
| Porto City Center | €45-70 | €70-100 | €100-140 |
| Algarve Coast (Summer) | €60-95 | €95-140 | €140-200 |
| Algarve Coast (Winter) | €35-55 | €55-80 | €80-120 |
| Coimbra | €40-60 | €60-85 | €85-115 |
| Évora | €45-65 | €65-90 | €90-125 |
| Small Interior Towns | €30-50 | €50-70 | €70-95 |
Prices are per room, not per person. Divide by two for per-person cost when sharing.
Mid-Range Hotels
| Location Type | 3-Star Hotel | 4-Star Hotel | Boutique Hotel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon | €80-130 | €120-200 | €150-250 |
| Porto | €70-120 | €110-180 | €130-220 |
| Algarve (Summer) | €100-160 | €150-240 | €180-280 |
| Algarve (Winter) | €55-90 | €85-140 | €100-160 |
| Faro | €60-95 | €90-140 | €110-170 |
| Regional Cities | €55-85 | €80-130 | €100-160 |
Standard Mid-Range Inclusions:
- Breakfast buffet
- Air conditioning
- En-suite bathroom
- Daily housekeeping
- Reception services
- Wi-Fi
Vacation Rentals and Apartments
| Location Type | Studio Apartment | 1-Bedroom Apartment | 2-Bedroom Apartment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon Center | €60-95 per night | €85-140 per night | €120-200 per night |
| Porto Center | €50-85 per night | €75-120 per night | €100-170 per night |
| Algarve (Summer) | €70-110 per night | €100-160 per night | €150-240 per night |
| Algarve (Winter) | €40-65 per night | €60-95 per night | €85-140 per night |
| Rural Areas | €35-60 per night | €50-85 per night | €70-120 per night |
Additional Vacation Rental Costs:
- Cleaning fee: €30-80 (one-time)
- Tourist tax: €1-2 per person per night (varies by municipality)
- Service fees: 10-15% of booking total (platform dependent)
- Minimum stay: Often 2-7 nights depending on season
Luxury Accommodation
| Property Type | Price Range (Per Night) | Typical Location |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Star Hotel | €250-500+ | Major cities, Algarve coast |
| Luxury Resort | €300-700+ | Algarve, Comporta, Douro Valley |
| Historic Palace Hotel | €280-600+ | Lisbon, Sintra, Évora |
| Private Villa | €400-1500+ | Algarve, Comporta, Alentejo |
| Wine Estate Accommodation | €200-450+ | Douro Valley, Alentejo |
Food and Dining Costs
Breakfast Costs
| Meal Type | Budget Option | Mid-Range Option | Upscale Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Café/Pastelaria | €2.50-4.50 | €5-8 | €10-15 |
| Hotel Breakfast Buffet | €5-8 | €10-15 | €18-30 |
| Brunch Restaurant | – | €12-18 | €20-35 |
Typical Budget Breakfast Items:
- Coffee (café/espresso): €0.80-1.20
- Coffee with milk (galão): €1.20-1.80
- Pastéis de nata: €1.20-1.80
- Toast with butter and jam: €2-3.50
- Fresh orange juice: €2.50-4
Supermarket Breakfast Supplies:
- Bread (loaf): €0.80-1.50
- Butter: €1.50-2.50
- Jam: €1.80-3
- Coffee (package): €3-6
- Milk (1 liter): €0.70-1.20
- Cereal: €2-4
Lunch Costs
| Dining Type | Budget Range | Typical Establishment |
|---|---|---|
| Prato do Dia (Dish of the Day) | €7-12 | Local restaurants, tascas |
| Fast Food (Portuguese) | €5-9 | Cafeterias, counter service |
| International Fast Food | €7-10 | McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC |
| Casual Sit-Down Restaurant | €12-20 | Family restaurants |
| Mid-Range Restaurant | €15-25 | Tourist-oriented restaurants |
| Upscale Lunch | €25-45 | Fine dining establishments |
Common Prato do Dia Inclusions:
- Main course (meat or fish)
- Rice or potatoes
- Soup
- Drink (water, wine, or soft drink)
- Bread
- Coffee
- Sometimes dessert
Budget Lunch Options:
- Bifana (pork sandwich): €2.50-4
- Sandes de leitão (suckling pig sandwich): €4-6
- Francesinha (Porto): €8-12
- Pizza slice: €2.50-4
- Kebab: €5-7
- Soup at market/café: €2-3.50
Dinner Costs
| Restaurant Category | Main Course | 3-Course Meal (Per Person) | With Wine/Drinks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Local Restaurant | €8-14 | €15-22 | €20-28 |
| Mid-Range Portuguese | €12-22 | €25-40 | €35-55 |
| Mid-Range International | €14-25 | €30-45 | €40-60 |
| Upscale Portuguese | €20-35 | €50-75 | €70-100 |
| Fine Dining | €30-60 | €80-150 | €120-200+ |
| Michelin-Starred | €60-120+ | €150-300+ | €200-400+ |
Typical Portuguese Dinner Dishes (Main Course Only):
- Bacalhau à Brás: €12-18
- Grilled fish (robalo, dourada): €14-25
- Arroz de marisco (seafood rice): €16-28
- Cozido à portuguesa: €12-18
- Polvo à lagareiro (octopus): €18-28
- Steak (bife): €14-22
- Pork alentejana: €12-18
Beverages
| Drink Type | Café/Bar | Restaurant | Supermarket (Take-Away) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | €0.80-1.20 | €1.50-2.50 | – |
| Beer (Imperial/Fino 0.2L) | €1-2 | €2-3.50 | €0.60-1 |
| Beer (Pint 0.5L) | €2.50-4 | €4-6 | €1-1.80 |
| Wine (Glass) | €2.50-5 | €4-8 | – |
| Wine (Bottle, House) | – | €10-18 | €3-8 |
| Wine (Bottle, Quality) | – | €20-60+ | €8-30+ |
| Soft Drink | €1.50-2.50 | €2.50-4 | €0.80-1.50 |
| Water (Bottle) | €1-1.50 | €1.50-3 | €0.30-0.60 |
| Fresh Juice | €2.50-4 | €3.50-6 | – |
Grocery Shopping for Self-Catering
| Item Category | Budget Weekly Cost (1 Person) | Mid-Range Weekly Cost (1 Person) |
|---|---|---|
| Bread, Pasta, Rice | €5-8 | €8-12 |
| Fruits and Vegetables | €10-15 | €15-25 |
| Meat and Fish | €15-25 | €30-45 |
| Dairy and Eggs | €8-12 | €12-18 |
| Beverages | €5-10 | €10-20 |
| Snacks and Miscellaneous | €7-12 | €12-20 |
| Total Weekly | €50-82 | €87-140 |
| Daily Average | €7-12 | €12-20 |
Common Supermarket Chains by Price Level:
- Budget: Minipreço, Dia, Aldi, Lidl
- Mid-Range: Pingo Doce, Continente, Intermarché
- Premium: El Corte Inglés, Amanhecer
Local Transportation Costs
Public Transport in Lisbon
| Ticket Type | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Single Metro/Bus/Tram | €1.70 (Viva Viagem card) | 1 hour, single journey |
| 24-Hour Unlimited | €6.80 | All metro, bus, tram, funiculars |
| Zapping (Rechargeable) | €1.50 per journey | Pay-as-you-go on Viva Viagem |
| Monthly Pass (Navegante) | €30 | Unlimited metro, bus, tram, ferry |
| Tram 28 (Tourist Line) | €3 onboard / €1.50 with card | Single journey |
| Ferry to Cacilhas | €1.35 | Single crossing |
| Viva Viagem Card | €0.50 | Reusable transport card (one-time fee) |
Lisbon Tourist Passes:
- 24-hour Lisboa Card: €21 (transport + museum entry)
- 48-hour Lisboa Card: €35
- 72-hour Lisboa Card: €44
Public Transport in Porto
| Ticket Type | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Single Metro/Bus | €1.30 (Andante card, 2 zones) | 1 hour |
| 24-Hour Andante Tour | €7 | All zones unlimited |
| Single Andante Card | €0.60 | Reusable card (one-time fee) |
| 10-Journey Ticket (Z2) | €11.50 | 10 journeys in 2 zones |
| Monthly Pass | €30-40 | Depends on zones |
Porto Tourist Passes:
- Porto Card 1 day: €13 (transport only) / €15 (with museums)
- Porto Card 2 days: €20 / €25
- Porto Card 3 days: €25 / €33
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
| Service Type | Base Fare | Per Kilometer | Typical Short Trip | Airport Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi (Lisbon) | €3.90 | €0.50-0.90 | €6-12 | €15-25 (to center) |
| Taxi (Porto) | €3.50 | €0.45-0.80 | €5-10 | €20-30 (to center) |
| Bolt | €1.50-2 | €0.40-0.75 | €4-9 | €12-20 (Lisbon) |
| Uber | €2-2.50 | €0.45-0.80 | €5-10 | €15-22 (Lisbon) |
| Taxi (Other Cities) | €3-3.50 | €0.40-0.75 | €5-9 | Varies |
Taxi Additional Charges:
- Luggage: €1.60 per piece
- Night rate (21:00-06:00): +20%
- Weekends/holidays: +20%
- Outside city limits: +20%
Intercity Transportation
| Route | Transport Mode | Duration | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon – Porto | High-speed train (Alfa Pendular) | 2h 50min | €25-35 (2nd class) |
| Lisbon – Porto | Regional train (Intercidades) | 3h 15min | €20-27 |
| Lisbon – Porto | Bus (Rede Expressos) | 3h 30min | €19-24 |
| Lisbon – Porto | FlixBus | 3h 30min | €10-20 |
| Lisbon – Faro | Train | 3h | €22-30 |
| Lisbon – Faro | Bus | 3h 30min | €19-25 |
| Lisbon – Coimbra | Alfa Pendular | 1h 50min | €20-28 |
| Porto – Coimbra | Train | 1h | €11-15 |
| Lisbon – Lagos | Bus | 4h | €20-25 |
Advance Booking Discounts:
- Train tickets: 5-25% off when booked 5-60 days in advance
- Bus tickets: 10-30% off for online advance purchase
Car Rental
| Vehicle Type | Daily Rate (Low Season) | Daily Rate (High Season) | Weekly Rate (Low Season) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Car | €15-25 | €35-50 | €100-150 |
| Compact Car | €20-30 | €40-60 | €130-180 |
| Mid-Size Car | €25-40 | €50-75 | €160-240 |
| SUV | €35-55 | €70-100 | €220-350 |
| Van (7-9 seats) | €50-80 | €90-140 | €320-500 |
Additional Car Rental Costs:
- Full insurance (CDW/TP): €10-25 per day
- Additional driver: €5-8 per day
- GPS: €5-8 per day
- Child seat: €5-10 per day
- Young driver fee (under 25): €15-25 per day
- Airport pickup surcharge: €15-30
Fuel Costs (2024-2025):
- Gasoline (95 octane): €1.65-1.85 per liter
- Diesel: €1.55-1.75 per liter
- Average consumption: 6-8 liters per 100km
Toll Road Costs:
- Lisbon-Porto (A1): €22-25
- Lisbon-Algarve (A2): €19-22
- Electronic toll roads (Via Verde): €2-8 per segment
Parking Costs:
- Lisbon city center: €1.50-3 per hour
- Porto city center: €1-2.50 per hour
- Algarve towns: €0.80-1.50 per hour
- Shopping center parking: Often free for 2-3 hours
- Hotel parking: €8-25 per night (if not included)
Regional Cost Variations
Lisbon vs. Other Regions
| Expense Category | Lisbon | Porto | Algarve | Interior Cities | Rural Areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Accommodation | €20-35 | €18-30 | €20-35 | €15-25 | €12-20 |
| Mid-Range Accommodation | €70-120 | €60-100 | €70-130 | €50-80 | €40-65 |
| Budget Restaurant Meal | €10-15 | €8-13 | €10-15 | €7-12 | €7-11 |
| Mid-Range Dinner | €25-40 | €20-35 | €25-40 | €18-30 | €15-25 |
| Local Transport (Daily) | €7-10 | €5-8 | €8-12 | €3-6 | €3-5 |
| Coffee | €1-1.50 | €0.80-1.20 | €1-1.40 | €0.70-1 | €0.70-0.90 |
| Beer (Bar) | €2-3.50 | €1.50-2.50 | €2-3 | €1.20-2 | €1-1.80 |
Seasonal Price Variations
| Season | Accommodation Multiplier | Affected Regions | Price Peak Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Season (Summer) | 1.5x – 2.5x | Algarve, Lisbon, Porto, coastal areas | July-August |
| Shoulder Season (Spring/Fall) | 1.1x – 1.4x | All regions | April-June, September-October |
| Low Season (Winter) | 0.7x – 1.0x | Most regions except Christmas/New Year | November-March |
| Christmas/New Year | 1.8x – 2.2x | Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, Funchal | December 20 – January 5 |
| Easter Week | 1.3x – 1.6x | Religious sites, coastal areas | Varies (March-April) |
| Festival Periods | 1.5x – 2.0x | Specific cities (Porto São João, Lisbon Santos) | June 12-13, June 23-24 |
Daily Budget Calculation Examples
Budget Traveler (Solo)
Daily Breakdown:
- Hostel dorm bed: €20
- Breakfast (café): €3.50
- Lunch (prato do dia): €9
- Dinner (budget restaurant): €12
- Snacks/drinks: €5
- Local transport: €7
- Miscellaneous: €5
- Total: €61.50 per day
Budget Couple (Shared Accommodation)
Per Person Daily Breakdown:
- Double room budget hotel (divided): €30
- Breakfast (included or café): €4
- Lunch (prato do dia): €10
- Dinner (shared meal + drinks): €18
- Coffee/snacks: €5
- Local transport: €7
- Miscellaneous: €4
- Total: €78 per person per day
Mid-Range Traveler (Solo)
Daily Breakdown:
- 3-star hotel: €80
- Breakfast (hotel or café): €10
- Lunch (casual restaurant): €15
- Dinner (mid-range restaurant + wine): €35
- Coffee/snacks: €8
- Local transport/taxi: €15
- Museum/activity: €12
- Miscellaneous: €10
- Total: €185 per day
Mid-Range Couple (Shared Accommodation)
Per Person Daily Breakdown:
- 4-star hotel room (divided): €75
- Breakfast (hotel buffet): €12
- Lunch (restaurant): €18
- Dinner (nice restaurant + wine): €40
- Coffee/drinks: €10
- Transport: €12
- Activities: €15
- Miscellaneous: €8
- Total: €190 per person per day
Comfortable/Upscale Traveler
Daily Breakdown:
- Boutique/4-star hotel: €140
- Breakfast (hotel): €15
- Lunch (quality restaurant): €28
- Dinner (upscale restaurant + wine): €65
- Drinks/coffee: €15
- Taxis/private transport: €25
- Activities/tours: €30
- Shopping/miscellaneous: €20
- Total: €338 per day
Money-Saving Strategies
Accommodation Cost Reduction
Booking Timing:
- Book 2-3 months in advance for summer: Save 20-30%
- Last-minute winter bookings: Save 30-40%
- Avoid major holidays and festivals
- Stay Sunday-Thursday for lower rates in cities
Location Choices:
- Stay in residential neighborhoods outside tourist centers: Save 25-40%
- Use metro/bus to access main areas
- Consider nearby smaller towns with good transport links
Alternative Accommodation:
- University residences (summer only): €20-35 per night
- Religious guesthouses: €30-50 per night
- Long-term apartment rentals (1+ months): 30-50% cheaper than nightly rates
Food Cost Reduction
Meal Strategies:
- Lunch as main meal using prato do dia: Save €10-20 daily
- Supermarket breakfast items: Save €5-8 daily
- Self-cater 1-2 meals per day
- Eat where locals eat (away from tourist areas)
- Free buffet breakfast at hotels (check if included)
Shopping Locations:
- Municipal markets: 20-40% cheaper than supermarkets for produce
- Discount supermarkets (Lidl, Aldi): Save 15-25%
- Buy wine at supermarkets, not restaurants: Save 200-300%
Dining Times:
- Lunch menus (12:00-15:00): 30-50% cheaper than dinner prices
- Early dinner in tourist areas: Some offer happy hour menus
Transport Cost Reduction
Urban Transport:
- Multi-day passes: Save 20-30% vs single tickets
- Rechargeable cards: Save €1-2 per journey vs buying onboard
- Walking distances under 2km instead of using transport
Intercity Travel:
- Regional trains instead of Alfa Pendular: Save 30-40%
- Buses instead of trains: Save 15-25%
- Advance booking discounts: Save 10-30%
- Travel midweek: Cheaper than weekends
Car Rental:
- Book 1-2 months in advance: Save 30-50%
- Pick up away from airports: Save €15-30
- Decline unnecessary insurance if covered by credit card
- Rent for full weeks: Daily rate drops 30-40%
Free and Low-Cost Activities
Free Activities
Cultural and Historical:
- Walking historic centers (Alfama, Ribeira, etc.)
- Viewpoint (miradouro) visits
- Church visits (most free except major monuments)
- Street art tours (self-guided)
- Free museum days (many museums free Sunday mornings)
Natural Activities:
- Beach access (all beaches public and free)
- Hiking trails
- Public parks and gardens
- Sunset watching at coastal viewpoints
Low-Cost Activities (Under €10)
- Municipal museums: €3-5
- Wine tasting at cooperatives: €5-8
- Public swimming pools: €3-6
- Local festivals and events: Often free
- Mercado visits (food markets): Free entry, minimal purchase
Common Budget Misconceptions
Portugal is Not Always “Cheap”
Recent traveler reports indicate:
- Lisbon prices comparable to other Western European capitals in tourist areas
- Algarve summer prices equal or exceed other Mediterranean destinations
- Quality hotels in cities have increased 40-60% since 2019
- Restaurant prices in tourist zones inflated 30-50% above local neighborhoods
Hidden Costs Often Overlooked
- Tourist tax: €1-2 per person per night in most cities (not included in booking prices)
- Service fees on vacation rentals: 10-15% additional
- Restaurant cover charge (couvert): €1-4 per person
- Bread and butter at restaurants: €1-2 (can refuse)
- Minimum consumption at cafés with seating: €2-3
- ATM withdrawal fees: €2-5 for non-EU cards
Regional Restaurant Price Differences
Based on menu analysis from multiple regions:
- Same meal in Lisbon tourist area vs. local neighborhood: 40-60% price difference
- Lisbon vs. interior cities: 30-50% price difference
- Coastal vs. interior regions: 25-40% price difference for seafood
- Tourist restaurants vs. local tascas: 50-80% price difference
Payment and Currency Information
ATM and Card Usage
ATM Withdrawal Costs:
- Portuguese bank ATM fee: €0 for most banks
- Foreign card fees: Varies by home bank (typically 2-3% + €2-5 per transaction)
- Multibanco network: Widespread, reliable
- Daily withdrawal limits: €200-400 typical
- Recommendation: Withdraw larger amounts less frequently
Card Acceptance:
- Credit/debit cards widely accepted in cities
- Minimum purchase requirements: Some establishments require €10-15 minimum
- Contactless payments: Available at most locations
- Rural areas: Cash preferred or required
- Markets and small tascas: Cash only
Tipping Practices and Costs
Standard Tipping Guidelines:
- Restaurants: 5-10% for good service (not obligatory)
- Cafés: Round up or leave small change
- Taxis: Round up to nearest euro
- Hotel porters: €1-2 per bag
- Tour guides: €5-10 per person for group tours
- Service included: Often 10% already added (check bill)
Currency Exchange
Best Exchange Locations:
- ATMs: Best rates, avoid currency exchange offices
- Banks: Good rates but often require account
- Currency exchange offices: Worst rates (5-8% markup)
- Airport exchanges: Very poor rates (8-12% markup)
Official Cost Information Sources
Portuguese Statistical Agencies
Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE) Publishes official consumer price indices and cost of living data
Turismo de Portugal Provides tourism statistics including average visitor expenditure
Portuguese Consumer Protection Authority (DECO) Publishes consumer price comparisons
Municipality Tourist Offices
Lisboa Tourism Office Provides current pricing for attractions and transport passes
Porto Tourism Office Maintains updated information on regional costs
Algarve Tourism Bureau Seasonal pricing information for southern region
Transport Authority Sources
Metropolitano de Lisboa Official metro pricing and pass information
Metro do Porto Porto public transport fares and cards
CP – Comboios de Portugal National rail operator with official fare schedules
Rede Expressos Major intercity bus operator with published fares
Verification Recommendation
Prices fluctuate based on season, location, and current economic conditions. Travelers should verify current prices through official booking platforms, transport authority websites, and municipal tourism offices closer to travel dates for most accurate budgeting.
