How expensive is Portugal? How much money do I need for Portugal?
How much does a trip to Portugal cost? Is Portugal expensive? The average Portugal trip cost is broken down by category here. All of these Portugal prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
Accommodation Budget in Portugal
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price for one person for accommodation in Portugal is €47. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price for a hotel room in Portugal is €94.
How much do vacation rentals cost in Portugal? Prices vary by location, date, size of the place, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Food Budget in Portugal
Calculated from travelers like you
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While meal prices in Portugal can vary, the average cost of food in Portugal is €32 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Portugal should cost around €13 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Portugal is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
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Food2
Meals for one day
€32
Typical prices for Food in Portugal are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Portugal, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
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Lunch for Two
€13
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Coffee
€1.40
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Coffee
€2.50
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Pizzaria Lunch (for 2)
€15
Transportation Budget in Portugal
Calculated from travelers like you
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The cost of a taxi ride in Portugal is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent €21 per person, per day, on local transportation in Portugal.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
€21
Typical prices for Transportation in Portugal are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Transportation prices in Portugal, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Intercity Transportation Budget in Portugal
Calculated from travelers like you
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Transportation between cities and towns in Portugal costs an average of €72. Naturally, prices vary by the length of the route, the type of transportation used, and the date.
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Intercity Transportation1
Travel between cities
€72
How much does it cost to go to Portugal? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Portugal will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Typical prices for Intercity Transportation in Portugal are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Intercity Transportation prices in Portugal, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Entertainment Budget in Portugal
Calculated from travelers like you
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Entertainment and activities in Portugal typically cost an average of €16 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
€16
Tips and Handouts Budget in Portugal
Calculated from travelers like you
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Portugal
Calculated from travelers like you
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Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Portugal is €3.09.
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Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
€3.09
Alcohol Budget in Portugal
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about €13 on alcoholic beverages in Portugal per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
€13
Water Budget in Portugal
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, people spend €1.26 on bottled water in Portugal per day. The public water in Portugal is considered safe to drink.
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Water2
Bottled water for one day
€1.26
Typical prices for Water in Portugal are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Water prices in Portugal, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Last Updated: Jun 1, 2021
Portugal On a Budget
Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal is on the Iberian Peninsula which it shares with Spain. It's a diverse country that has its own unique culture and a variety of beautiful natural landscapes. In particular, Portugal has the cliff beaches of Algarve, beautiful rural countryside, energetic cities, a traditional culture, beautiful lush green vineyards, and so much more. This beautiful country has managed to maintain its own unique rich culture while other nearby countries in Europe merge and modernize. It has rural areas that still feel a world away from the nearby cosmopolitan cities. There are parts of the country that still feel like you've stepped back in time. Even in the cosmopolitan city of Lisbon you can get lost of the back alleyways and catch a glimpse of a city that once was.
Portugal was once on of the most economically poor countries in Western Europe, but when the dictatorship ended in 1974 and it later joined the European Union, its wealth and modern amenities grew and began to thrive. Over the last few decades it has grown in popularity amongst tourist. International tourists frequently visit this fascinating city, but European tourists flock here, particularly during the cold winter months when they head south to escape the frigid temperatures. Beach towns are now filled with expats who've bought second homes in the area. With the crowds has come a significant rise in costs throughout the country. It is no longer the budget destination it once was, but it is still cheaper than most of Western Europe if you plan ahead and travel to the right places.
To keep your expenses to a minimum during your trip to Portugal, try to avoid the more popular beach towns. Cities like Lisbon also tend to be more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas. Book your hotels and train tickets in advance and travel during the off season when the crowds are less and the prices are lower. One interesting tip is that most museums are free to the public on Sundays, so try to schedule any museums visits on this day. Also be sure and eat at restaurants that are at least a few blocks from popular tourist attractions as these restaurants will be less likely to target out of town visitors. Ask residents where they recommend you go for a good Portuguese meal and you likely won't be disappointed. Also be sure and enjoy dessert at any of the bakeries you'll find around town.
Top Tourist Attractions
Costa Vincentina National Park: This national park is a stunning cliff that dramatically drops into the water. It's a beautiful place to watch the sunset and a nice place to see the ocean.
Fado Bars in Alfama: This neighborhood is a wonderfully historic area worth exploring in Lisbon. It goes down the hill between the Castle of Lisbon and Tejo River.
Azores: This area offers a dramatic landscape that is filled with charming villages, beautiful valleys, and colorful flowers.
Popular Foods
Caldo Verde: Caldo verde is a soup dish made from potatoes, kale, and chourico sausage. It's often served during celebrations such as weddings, but it's also sometimes offered as a main dish for dinner.
Bacalhau: This is a common Portuguese ingredient that is made from dried and salted codfish. It is common in many different popular dishes in Portugal and is most often used in Christmas dishes.
Pastel de Nata: This is a pastry like tart made from eggs. It's similar to small pies that are filled with custard. It's available in bakeries throughout the country and has even spread to Macau and Hong Kong where it is a popular dessert with dim sum.
