How much does Lisbon cost? The real price of living in Portugal

[@enewberg2812]

Interesting video. I live in Lisbon since 1985 and you can spend much less. There are plenty of restaurants away from the tourist areas but in very nice parts of Lisbon where you can get a bottle of wine for 3 or 4 euros and full lunch or dinner for 7 euros. Also, if you live in Lisbon you should get a monthly pass for transportation. All Portuguese people in the city have them. For 50 euros you can ride all trams, trains, metro and buses. This includes trains to Cascais and Sintra. You can also save money, if that is an issue by renting in some of the bedroom communities at the end of the metro lines like Pontinha. Of course it’s expensive to live in the City in a nice neighborhood. It’s the same in Paris, Rome, New York, San Francisco, etc. There are very few exceptions on the planet these days. I do like how you give people the truth. People think it’s a good idea to move to a country they know nothing about and can’t speak the language and expect everything to be great lol. Granted English is the new universal language but it’s not the language of Portugal. If you don’t speak Portuguese you will always be treated like a tourist. It’s natural. Imagine if someone went to Canada or Mexico and could only speak Russian or Italian. People would lose patience no matter how nice they are. So foreigners in portugal who don’t speak the language can only go places And do business with people who speak their language. You can never really understand what is going on around you. You just live in a sort of bubble wether you know it or not. Keep up the good work :)

[@ThisisYulia]

thanks a lot for your comment 🔥

[@justmili713]

Tip for the transporte pay for a monthly transport card in Lisbon I think is around €40 or a little bit more for all areas but it comes at a better cost, Food doesnt need to be expensive, homemade is a lot cheaper, Use Bolt instead of Uber

[@noneusageatall336]

You've stated the obvious, Portugal's rent went up like crazy, but honestly I don't know why you would want to rent with a budget like yours, you could easily live for one year in a smaller and cheaper apartment, save up some money and finance a home that is yours, your monthly expenses with the "mortgage" would be be around 350 to 500 euros for an apartment like yours and as a plus, you could do whatever you want with it since it's your property. Any place is expensive to live if you don't take the time to research and properly plan your financial life.

[@ThisisYulia]

sorry, but I’m not 16 anymore to live in a studio apartment with a husband and a cat. we’d rather pay more to maintain a comfort level of life than save on essentials like apartment

[@justmili713]

@@ThisisYulia but you should trust the process it is soo much better

[@69christine1]

None usage at all, you’re absolutely right. There’s beautiful places to live outside of Lisbon for a lot less and more bang for your buck. Also mortgage rates in Portugal are so low much better to buy your own place.

[@sofiane2684]

I like watching your videos from France 🇫🇷 especially those about life in Canada 🇨🇦😃! Thank you for this informative video, appreciate it👌.

[@ThisisYulia]

thanks!

[@alexissalomon755]

I’m watching this from San Diego California amazed at how reasonable. A one bedroom apartment is about 3,000 for nothing fancy.

[@ThisisYulia]

haha yeah. California people find Lisbon very affordable 😂

[@fatarita]

Used to be “cheap” ( not especially for locals). I believe prices also increased because of the increasing foreign community, with higher incomes, living there and tourism (after the pandemic, people have to rebuild their businesses and the opportunity is there). I made a similar comment in another video about cost of living in Lisbon: people “can pay”, prices increase. It seems like Portugal is becoming for foreigners what a few years ago some countries in Asia were (which for a portuguese who lived in Asia for 2 years, it’s strange). Sometimes we have to see things in a broader way: after the pandemic, all this changes and migrations can have not so positive social and financial consequences if done in a not sustainable way or they can help the locals and people who want to live here if done in a rightful way. Remember that the average Portuguese income is around 1150 euros and the minimum wage just recently increased to 700. That means that at the moment I believe the majority of people live with less than 1000 euros of salary to “survive”, paying rent, transportation, food, etc (in a European country).

[@ThisisYulia]

I can agree that it is partially happening due to the expats and tourists but it's the Portuguese landlords who set those crazy rent prices. Same with the government: they create a nice environment for the expats (low taxes + exemptions) but they don't give a shit about their own people (minimum wage is a joke, taxes are just ridiculous). I find this very frustrating for Portuguese people ☹️

[@fatarita]

This is Yulia Absolutely agree with you, not in any way the expats/tourist fault, but the system/government, etc. It’s from a place of frustration that I write this and also to share some light to the situation, sometimes people are not aware. In my personal case, I’ve been a teacher for almost 20 years and in the public system my salary is around 1200 monthly - I’m a privileged individual though. Regarding housing, I have a couple of friends, middle class workers, who are trying to relocate for about a year and can not do it easily because of rent/real state prices, and every single time they find a nice place to rent or eventually buy it’s rapidly sold out (most of the time for investment purposes), so the few who have means to do it are buying “everything” to invest and people in need for a better place to live, or a different place to live, can not afford it anymore (this is also a middle class “problem” and kind of a privileged one compared to a lot of situations but sometimes I find myself thinking things are getting worse and worse and hopping I’m wrong). Also I believe credit debts are increasing, etc.. That being said (and sorry for the loooong vent) there are good things that we all can enjoy and rely on still :) I hope things can improve in the future for everyone. Thank you for your time reading this comments. Wishing all the best :)

[@ThisisYulia]

Thanks Fatima and all the best to you too :)

[@ManishSharma-sk2zh]

Hi Yulia, Informative video. I appreciate your efforts. Thank you,

[@ThisisYulia]

thank you 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@damlaguvenc03]

Hi Yulia! Thanks for this video, it's very helpful also for erasmus students like me. I was wondering if there are any dorms for us like 6 months or if you know any cheap place to rent.

[@mgtccnl]

From a European point of view, it's very cheap. I live in France and I moving to Portugal next week and, for me, the prices you showed were actually pretty reasonable for me. I guess it depends on where you come from. But thank you for your video it was very interesting :)

[@user-rp4om8cr3n]

It’s cheaper than my 2 bedroom in the US. Im paying 2500 and i dont have a hard bathroom lol not even in the city too.

[@ThisisYulia]

well, it always depends where you’re coming from. If you compare the Bay Area prices to Lisbon prices, Lisbon will be cheaper. If you compare Montréal prices to Lisbon process, Montréal will be cheaper. btw, where in the US are you from?

[@imadch5226]

Keep going sweet Yulia! ❤️

[@ThisisYulia]

will do :)

[@made2123]

Back when I was still working as a sailor, in Lisbon I think the prices for food and drinks were normal (not expensive and not too cheap).... In Bali Indonesia is cheap😍 warm greetings from Bali Kuta

[@ThisisYulia]

hiiiii 🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️ yeah, Lisbon used to be cheap but not anymore 🥲

[@made2123]

Now, is the value of life in Lisbon different? I visited there 10 years ago😁

[@PG-yi9iz]

Lisbon is the next Barcelona. Ruined as far as cost of living goes. However, outside of Lisbon and Porto there are plenty of awesome little beach towns that are still relatively affordable. Next up is Southern Italy going nuts. People looking for cheap living should try Hungary, Romania, Poland, etc. But there too, stay away from Budapest, etc.

[@AlexKaduk]

Nah, in Poland is the same, especially popular cities like Krakow and Warsaw. Rent prices are actually similar to Lisbon.

[@mrssubhani8524]

The apartment rent is so cheap as compared to location and size. I am living 8 Km way from city centre and 70 square meter area of apartment with 900 euro rent/ month in Sweden.😔

[@ThisisYulia]

it’s cheap for a big city but Lisbon is not one of those haha

[@meio_feio]

I'm watching this from California thinking wow that is so cheap

[@Ouiclaire_diary]

Hello Yulia, May I know the website you use to look for an apartment? Thank you 🙏🙏

[@ThisisYulia]

idealista and casa sapo 🙌🏻

Hi Yulia. Just came across your video. In regards of the internet+cellphone package, you are severely overpaying. You need to re-check the best options. To put into context, i have 1Gbps fiber + 200 TV channels + fixed landline with free calls + 3 cellphones with 9GB of data each for 66€. I'm with NOS. Also, there lied to you when they said no internet only packages. There are. 25€ per 100Mbps.

[@ThisisYulia]

I’m gonna go to NOS and yell at them haha. I’m with NOS too. thanks for the info 💪🏼

[@PTFighterBras]

@@ThisisYulia that's the spirit LOL

[@mrssubhani8524]

Is tape water drinkable in Lisbon or people buy water for drinking?

[@ThisisYulia]

it is drinkable but I prefer bottled / filtered

[@albertoleitao94]

If u are talking about moving the u need to take about public transportation pass and not just the 1 ticket

[@ThisisYulia]

you can check all the prices online 👌🏼 also, there are a lot of people like myself who don’t buy passes and walk / use bikes

[@mafaldavalentepinto]

To use a ticket is to be a visitor. With a 30€ pass you can use all the public transports in Lisbon during a month (including trams and lifts). With a 40€ pass you can also travel around Lisbon (40km) by train, bus or boat (Sintra, Cascais, Almada, Setúbal and so on)

[@syoofmadkhaneh6570]

Hiii... thanks alot..so informstive.. do you have any idea if other cities are cheaper than Lisbon or its the same?

[@ThisisYulia]

my pleasure! anything is cheaper than Lisbon haha

[@mnwstudiosph]

i like that the budget comes with "our baby cat" expense

[@ThisisYulia]

🐱🌞

[@rubinaakter6437]

Hi Yulia, I love to watch your every video. 💜💜💜 from Bangladesh 🇧🇩

[@ThisisYulia]

thank you!

[@jfn467]

Which neighborhood do you guys live in? I am on my way moving there from Spain, stunned by the prices in Lisbon, I can't for my life understand how people in Portugal can afford living there, at all!!

[@psychology7466]

Very useful, thx

[@Agentana]

3$ mimosas is all I need!

[@ThisisYulia]

yes please!

[@andresnicolassilvaiglesias1931]

Hey! Thank you so much for the video, I'm a sudent from Argentina and I was offered a job position in Lisbon related to customer service, they told me they would pay 1000 euros with accomodation included with all expenses and also performance bonus, do you think it is possible to live decently with that?

[@ThisisYulia]

Andres, if the accommodation is included, then you should be good with your 1k salary 💥

[@kemi5313]

Hello! I'd like to start a fresh new year online while living in Lisbon next year, or another affordable place for students in Portugal. I will still be enrolled at my uni in Paris but with online classes, and i'd like to know if it is possible for a student like me to move there, I'm alone and European... I wish you could help me xoxo

[@kisanafuabu228]

I really appreciate you dear

[@spottercorp]

This was really helpful! Thank you, I'm very much confused about whether to move to Canada ( Toronto, Montreal) or Portugal (Lisbon) since you are familiar with both places, well at least getting familiar with Portugal, can you make a video about some fair comparisons between these two places? Would be very much helpful. Thanks again!

[@ThisisYulia]

I have this video planned actually but I need to live in Portugal for a bit longer to compare these two countries 💪🏼

[@spottercorp]

@@ThisisYulia yeah sure that makes sense... Will be waiting for one whenever you're ready to do that :-) 🙌🏻

[@robinellingsen2805]

compared to stockholm your apt is a mansion.

[@mrssubhani8524]

How can I get family accommodation? I have a plan to come lisbon in July so what are suitable way to get accommodation for family of 4

[@mrssubhani8524]

Are there portugese language learning institute run by government?

[@ThisisYulia]

I think there are some courses available to the public. Haven't done my research yet :(

[@ryanmendonca7985]

So what was the total monthly cost of living with rent come to in Lisbon

[@ThisisYulia]

I’d say 2-2.5k+ for a family of 2 and a cat 🐱

[@b.munkhnaran9168]

hello! i wanted to get advice on what winter jacket would be useful for canada winter. im a first year student in ontario.

[@ThisisYulia]

get the warmest one haha

[@TigerTiger-dz4fv]

Please tell me, how mach costs one room for three weeks, thanks

[@ThisisYulia]

you can check airbnb.com for short rentals

[@ViSmile91]

Hi. Thank you for your video! Very helpful. What about sports? Have you tried Gyms, yoga, Pilates? May be you also have info about prices?

[@ThisisYulia]

not yet but I’m looking for a yoga studio 🧘🏼‍♀️🧘🏼‍♀️🧘🏼‍♀️

[@rawkrXbabee]

Im canadian too! but from toronto area, looking to move to a more rural area in portugal with my parents (they want to retire). The rent seems crazy honestly I was expecting much less but I guess its getting expensive everywhere.

[@ThisisYulia]

if you're planning to live in the country, then it shouldn't be that bad. Lisbon is overpriced for sure 🥲

[@rawkrXbabee]

@@ThisisYulia Ohh okay! Good to know. What is it like living there not being a native portugese speaker? I'm worried about communication. I'm going there next month for a vacation so hopefully I'll get a sense of what its like then

[@ThisisYulia]

Portuguese speak English really well. we drove all over Portugal and everyone spoke English, so you're gonna be good here 👌🏼

[@rawkrXbabee]

@@ThisisYulia oh sweet! thanks for replying, much appreciated

[@JasonJFlippingLife]

Wouldn't the comparison be more comparable to Toronto than Montreal?

[@ThisisYulia]

maybe but I’m from Montreal, so I’m comparing Lisbon to it😉

[@cookwithdora7753]

Hi Yulia, could you help me with knowing the cost better as I'm planning to move to Portugal sooner. Being Single ,how much it costs monthly for rent,utilities,groceries,phone and internet,insurance,gym,monthly good? Did I miss any ?

[@ThisisYulia]

Hey Dora, you can check this platform for all the expenses: nomadlist.com/

[@enen6616]

Hi, Can d-7 passport lead to citizenship?

[@adamputh1090]

Which is more cheap Montreal or Lisbon?

[@ThisisYulia]

it’s hard to tell. I feel like Montreal is cheaper

[@adamputh1090]

@@ThisisYulia Wow and the wages are high in Montreal as compare to Lisbon?

[@ThisisYulia]

yes but I think taxes in Quebec are higher as well

[@hjdreams1429]

You didn't add it all together for a final total??

[@ThisisYulia]

sorry! the total is €2-2.5k (need to calculate all the food for an accurate number) 😤😤😤

[@hjdreams1429]

@@ThisisYulia Thanks!

[@MissSarahRich]

Hi Yulia, this is really helpful! One question: what insurance did you buy? My husband and I are moving to Portugal next month, and we need to find private insurance. The amount you mentioned seems really good. Thanks!

[@ThisisYulia]

hey Sarah, we got Aegon Future Health 🌻

[@MissSarahRich]

@@ThisisYulia Thanks so much!!

[@PTFighterBras]

@@joaocosta3374Real estate is going up OK but with new expats from around the world, restaurants will bloom, stores will stay open and etc. don't be narrow minded please

[@LunaRose316]

Watching from Chicago & this is relativaly cheap compared to here. 😅

[@ThisisYulia]

🥹🥲

[@Oreoshake02]

That recurring Russian accent 😍😘...

[@ThisisYulia]

😉😉😉

[@robertowhyte2836]

I agree ❤️

[@arunj6564]

Nice video

[@ThisisYulia]

thanks!

[@ritanshusrivastava1660]

Hi Yulia, I am from India, working in IT(tech) industry. I need one suggestion. I have got an offer to relocate to Portugal lisbon on permanent work visa. How much minimum wage I should ask for from the offerring company. I would be living with my wife.

[@ThisisYulia]

if you’re planning to live in Lisbon with your wife, 3k+ should be good

[@naguezmedayoub3505]

Lisbon is expensive, however Braga is known as the cheapest city in Europe

[@ThisisYulia]

is it? I’m gonna go visit 😏

[@naguezmedayoub3505]

@@ThisisYulia yes Yulia you should visit it, it's amazing a lot of things to discover, I've been there believe me it's super cheap

[@ThisisYulia]

thank you!

[@vickykundr1245]

Lisbon looks blood sucking insect 🙂 What do you think , Canada was better ? You look cute as usual Yulia 👉👈❤️

[@ThisisYulia]

thanks! it’s too early to say yet, still exploring Lisbon 🙏🏼

[@nacht98]

it is crazy too expensive, I woud say...

[@ThisisYulia]

I agree! I thought Lisbon would be cheaper haha

[@neetasavla1168]

People love your Russian accent

[@ThisisYulia]

spasibo 🤍

[@gaganjast]

This is not Yulia

[@ThisisYulia]

This is not Yulia, please leave a message

[@gaganjast]

@@ThisisYulia This is wonderful Yulia

[@visaworldinformation5556]

Hi

[@K_H-Channel]

These prices are not expensive if you are from Toronto. It’s cheaper than Toronto prices.

[@ThisisYulia]

it is! but I’m from Montreal and Montreal is defs cheaper haha

[@cicihusainah999]

Lisbon is beautiful likes Moscow 😉☺️😇👌🏻

[@ThisisYulia]

yeah, it’s not bad 🤪😂

[@bellanivitor]

You should’ve come to Brazil instead. Hahaha Give us a chance when you have a time off.

[@ThisisYulia]

I’d love to one day!

[@jazzyeric21]

I'm currently debating Brazil versus Portugal. Brazil seems much cheaper especially when living in the interior. My wife is Brazilian but we are headed to Portugal in July for a very close look.