The SHOCKING Cost of Living in Portugal NOW (2024) 🇵🇹

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Before moving to Portugal, open an international online Wise account: bit.ly/travel_wise and watch my Best Places to Live in Portugal video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHmcpXWqoJqsp5Y 🇵🇹 Get $75 off my Anatomie Travel Jacket: bit.ly/anatomietravel

[@mikeinfortcollinslynn7898]

I first visited Lisboa with my wife in 1985. We were 2 expats working in Riyadh at the time. It was high season (July-August) and went to Lisboa with no reservations. We had been in Germany and took a train to Portugal. The train in Portugal was like sitting in hard back pews in a Catholic church for 8 hours - but it all got wonderful when we arrived. We met a young man named Pedro on the train, who we chatted with, telling our story of an impromptu trip to Portugal. He said he would consult with his granny when we arrived in Lisboa. Long story short the granny made her husband surrender his bedroom for us! Grandpa moved back into his wife's bedroom during our stay. We became part of the family for 5 days. This gesture of hospitality to total strangers endured us to the Portuguese people. For our 5 days we contributed to the house hold with food and the great Portugese wine. The granny was a very good cook. Pedro wanted to hang around with Americans to improve his English and became our interpreter with his grandparents. This is one of my greatest travel memories.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Oh wow, thank you so much for sharing these Mike!

[@youngspiritsinging]

that is so cool.

[@nygardenguru]

Wow

[@berg8970]

I had the same type of experience in El Salvador.

[@soccerdad93446]

I love how you did this video where you are just having a conversation with the camera like it was a friend out in the real world. Even your voice isn’t so loud to draw attention to others in the restaurant or market. Nice!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks for the positive feedback, David! I do feel like I'm talking to friends through the camera. I see you 😊

[@edulcaul1146]

@@TravelingwithKristin you're very sweet and he's right, it does indeed feel like you're talking to friends :-) Also, great quality of content!

[@joaosoares2570]

It's funny to see living cost of 2000-2500 euros when in Portugal the minimum wage is 750 and the average is 1000. Just shows that Lisbon is not a city for portuguese people anymore. In other cities you can usually rent a 1 bedroom appartment for about 350-450 euros and utilities are around 100 euros per month unless you literally leave the AC on the whole day. For food, most portuguese people only go to restaurants in special ocasions and usually spend about 200 euros per month in groceries.

[@paulanthony6931]

So sad that the Portuguese got pushed out of Lisbon. Thank you for the information. Have a wonderful day.

[@JPVNG67]

what other cities can you rent a flat for 350 euros ??

[@joaosoares2570]

@@JPVNG67 in the rural areas. Anything far away from Lisbon and Porto. And maybe Coimbra. For example if you go to Évora or Beja you can easily find a 1 bedroom flat for around 400 euros or less. In Faro might be tricky but i know people paying 400-450 euros per month and around 600-700 for a 2 bedroom flat.

[@JPVNG67]

@@joaosoares2570 i thought you were referring to cities abroad

[@mickeyaugrec7560]

Joao Soares / JPVNG67 you have struck upon the problem. Major cities (in USA NYC, San Francisco, LA, Miami; Europe Paris, London, Barcelona, Madrid, and evidently Lisbon) are priced so that working people are pushed out to outlying areas.) In Chicago we live just outside the city in a small, comfortable home - it would be 1-1/2x to 4x more expensive if we lived in the City, excluding perhaps the most grievously crime-ridden areas. Separately: Evora and Beja are really nice, vibrant towns - I have been to both!

[@TimMaloneyNMactor]

Adventure exploring another Culture , new Language , new friends - Priceless . Your budget details are very helpful . Thanks Kristin .

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Glad it was helpful Tim 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@xaviermarques8061]

You can have that adventure in your country

[@capncmbk]

That was very comprehensive. I liked how you videoed different locations. I'm sure it's more work but it's more entertaining than sitting at a desk talking to us.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Glad you like the video, Damon! Thanks for sharing 😊

[@josejoe6399]

Thanks!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks, Jose - you're the best! 🥰

[@jeffreygoyer7760]

Good video - you were filming in my neighborhood! I agree with all your pricing, one of the most accurate reviews I have seen. Local restaurants and supermarkets allow a low cost of living, and I used to say that about Texas. Galera cocktail room is a great add to my street,

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Wow, thanks, Jeff! I spent a lot of time on this one, so it's great to hear your positive feedback

[@superpoodlehead]

FINALLY! A video that hits all of the most important points of Portugal!!! Thanks so much 🎉❤

[@amandadayca]

OMG yes, I'm in Lisbon right now trying to find a place to live and it is a NIGHTMARE. I was here in 2018-2019 and it was the most chill, wonderful place. Now it's crowded and greedy :(.

[@maggie8586]

Hi Amanda - is it really that bad? Seems to be an increasing trend...

@@maggie8586 yes is very very bad... I'm from Lisbon and this is not the same. Is a Sad History...

[@connieb.6061]

because of airbnb and others; people are buying as an investment

[@beng7004]

Try finding a place in cascais you’ll be lucky to find a dump for 2500e per month. Unless you want to live in the middle of knowhere and pay huge fuel and toll prices this place is massively overrated as a place to live.

[@leplane_]

It's not only foreigners, but also the Blackrocks and many of the big realstate corporations of the world. They're taking advantage of the situation. @@connieb.6061

[@samc8623]

My parents and I moved to Portugal 17 years ago (when I was still just a 12 year old child). Back then, there were some expats, mostly from the UK, as well as Germany, Netherlands, Nordic countries - and mostly in the Algarve. But over the years, it has particularly grown in popularity among the Americans, Chinese and rich people from developing countries looking for an easy way into Europe. It's absolutely crazy how expensive it has become in such a short amount of time. Luckily where my parents live it is in the countryside so things are still rather affordable (a glass of wine in our local cafe is less than a euro even), but as soon as I go to Lisbon I'm so shocked at the prices now. The funny thing is, my mum is so annoyed with the people now moving to Portugal, because it was bit a of a well kept secret back then. I have to remind her she is did the same thing 😂😂

[@christinabayma119]

Actually prices have risen everywhere recently. We are all subject to inflation. I feel for your mother, but it’s not solely due to rich immigrants it’s also just what’s happening in the world right now.

[@samc8623]

@@christinabayma119 I agree, the whole world is seeing some level inflation. But also, there are people with physical location dependent jobs part of the local economy with local wages living side by side with people who are part of the global digital economy who can work from anywhere with clients from anywhere. It's a complex issue - especially in places like Lisbon which is attracting a lot of nomads who can easily move with their 6 figure San Francisco tech pay and $1000 a month for a 1 bed apartment is no problem for them. I am a nomad myself, so I definitely don't wanna be telling people not to travel and work, but it is causing some unintended economic issues.

[@ghassanjneinaty4421]

I am planning to move to Portugal as digital nomad as well. I am not interested in Lisbon even if it became the cheapest city on earth with my respect to this wonderful city but I like the country side and mountains more. May I ask if you know any accessible and convenient countryside to live ? How do you view the health care system in Portugal as a whole?

[@samc8623]

@@ghassanjneinaty4421 Portuguese healthcare in general has been quite good in my experience. And I think if you like countryside and mountains then the north of Portugal is a good place to consider. There are lots of medium sized towns so its still quite well connected. Coimbra is also nice and other areas in central Portugal. My family lives near Tomar which is also a pretty nice place in central Portugal, and you can usually find everything you need there. Also it's central but it's still about an hour drive to the beach, 1.5 hours to Lisbon too, so rather convenient.

[@csd1449]

Why do you still insist to call yourselves expats when in fact they are immigrants in Portugal, that's how you are seen by the law and by the people.

[@scottman895]

That's a very good breakdown on the overall costs of living in Portugal! I'm glad to see it is quite affordable especially with the great weather there!

[@FidgetyGuy]

It's also a target for nuclear war now. Last week, they announced that they would support NATOs war against Russia by sending Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.

[@jforester7]

@@FidgetyGuy It's not NATO's war against Russia, genius. Blame who's responsible, not who is helping the country that was invaded, that or just move to Russia if you're gullible enough.

[@FidgetyGuy]

@@jforester7 Gullible? Like you who turned on his TV and immediately believed what you heard. The US (my country) used a group of Nazis to overthrow a duly-elected Ukrainian President, Viktor Yanukovych in 2014. When the people of the Donbas region in Ukraine voted to separate from the Nazis, the Nazis bombed the people for 8 years. You're a Nazi supporter, nothing more. Probably hail from a long line of Nazis.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Lots of pluses, for sure!

[@daveaway]

Girl, your editing skills are on point. Good Job.

[@300rivers4]

Headed there next month for an exploratory visit. Accommodations are a bit on the high side, but food and drinks are easily affordable if you're careful. Still way cheaper than where we're located in the US. The weather is much better, and you don't necessarily need a car!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

All the best to your trip, 300 Rivers! 😊

[@klaudiasolyom2336]

Again selfish people from the US

[@christinabayma119]

@@klaudiasolyom2336 just curious about your perspective. Why do you consider them selfish?

[@victordasilva5255]

Stay away, thanks

[@victordasilva5255]

@@christinabayma119because Karens laugh like hyenas after 3 glasses of wine bothering everyone around them…..

[@davidchilton4301]

Great video, Kristin! Loved Lisbon, going back later this year, and considering it for long term.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks, David! Enjoy the trip 😊

[@cachecow]

I thought you were in Porto? I hate those hills so here's a tip for getting uphill from the Baixa-Chiado area. At the east end R. de Vitoria hidden inside a building is the Elevador do Castelo. That will take you up to the 2 Euro sandwich place As Bifanas do Afanso, I think it's the best bifana in town. Behind that is a Pongo and inside the Pongo is another elevator that will take you up towards Castelo de S. Jorge or Graca, where you can walk down hill or catch the 28

[@lucchese20]

Great tip! Thank you. 👍🏻

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks Avery! Great tip

[@Rovingkiwi0516]

You packed a lot of info into 20 short mins. Great stuff! I visited Portugal for the first time last year. In addition to the beautiful architecture, nature, and delicious affordable food, I was so taken with the civility and friendliness of the Portuguese people.

[@sourcedtravel]

I completely agree that the people there are so friendly and welcoming. It really adds to the overall experience of visiting a new place.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks, Frances! Glad we were able to fit a lot in and it wasn't too much

[@discoverglobeliving]

Super informative video on living costs in Portugal for 2024! Makes planning a move or visit so much easier. Thanks for the insights!

[@suebowman7258]

This is an awesome video to cover the cost of living in Lisbon. I like that Kristin breaks down the costs for everything and the price range is about right. Thank you for the helpful information.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Glad you enjoyed it, Sue! 💗

[@Cultured_Barbarian]

Awesome video! We love the format ;-) Hope it catches on. Great job keeping your composure with the smoke 15:01.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you so much! Great to hear. And yes - you know I hate cigarette smoke!

[@dennytaylor1005]

Thank you. That was a helpful video. My wife and I still have a lot of research to do, but its always helpful seeing some actual costs as well.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Glad it was helpful, Denny! If you’d like help with a future relocation abroad, send me a message at www.TravelingWithKristin.com/relocation 😊

[@dennytaylor1005]

@@TravelingwithKristin Thank you very much. We might take you up on this. I retire in 2 months ... I suspect we wouldn't actually be looking to move for about a year, so I don't want to waste your time at the moment. When would be a good time to start a conversation with you?

[@martypoll]

Here is a housing comparison in Bangkok, Thailand. I have been renting a 1 bedroom 50 square meter (540 sqft) condo, fully furnished, AC, 10th floor, 2 balconies, nice view for $750/month. The building has an adequate gym and a spectacular pool. The condo is set back from the main Sukhumvit road so the city noise level is reduced but I am a short walk to the central BTS train which is only 4 stops from central downtown. It is a vibrant neighborhood with street food and restaurants. Even your low cost example is significantly more expensive than my central Bangkok condo. Looking at all the expenses you mentioned I would say Portugal, in the city, is at least 2-3x more expensive than central Bangkok which is the most expensive location in Thailand. It is possible though to find luxury expensive housing and live a HiSo lifestyle here

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks for sharing this Martin! 😊

[@amiyrbarclift1640]

This was useful to mention. It seems like the entire world is just getting more expensive and so anywhere you go you are paying a premium.

[@LordSenile]

Bangkok sounds very expensive! It's cheaper than Oslo, but it's still a lot of money. I live in Norway, the most expensive country in the world, and I rent a 250 square meter house with a barn and large garden, field, etc, for only 287 Euros per month.

[@martypoll]

@@LordSenile It was a nice condo in the center of a world class city. You can’t really compare it to a house in the suburbs. It was a moderately priced condo for Bangkok. My wife’s best friend and her husband rent a room for $50/month. A friend of mine rents a two story condo with a private pool. I can’t imagine what he is paying.

[@deadstock82]

@@LordSenile right. in the middle of nowhere maybe

[@viniciusdr10]

Visually the first breakfast is, in Portuguese: Croissant, café espresso e suco de laranja

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Delicious!

[@gerritspittaels7582]

Cafesinho e sumo natural😂..Normaly 1,80€ ...😊

[@petwilbah]

We like your ways of explaining in details the prices, without added flavor. God bless you! Keep going same way as you.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@petwilbah]

@@TravelingwithKristin you are welcome

[@Xeneon341]

I didn't realize there was that much of a range in rental prices in Lisbon. $1,250 per mo is about as much as my brother is paying for his 1 bedroom apartment in Downtown Dallas. Thanks for the info, Kristin!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

You're welcome!

[@cookmaster3626]

Lisbon, Porto rentals are going out of control and the expats are driving prices up in speculation. This is driving locals out of the city where they were able to live affordably and its not Fair to them.

[@i_wonder1967]

I love your vlog talking about the costs of goods in Lisbon. I am interested to live for a month just want to experiment if I am financially comfortable to live there. Again, thank you.

[@TravelTheWorldHouseSitting]

Hi! Great video, we are retired americans living in Tavira, Portugal. We absolutely love it here. We are also international house sitters and have been doing that for nine years.

[@tamaramadelin4831]

Great video! Coming from the US and France Portugal is affordable and it depends on your lifestyle! Buy at this point because rents are out of control...Our mortgage on a 4 br house 30 mins north of Lisbon is a third of rental prices...You must do the footwork and find your 'affordable'!! Food, restos, utilities, healthcare etc are way less than where I come from and it all depends on you and your expectations! Gas is expensive, but public transportation is cheap and good so drive less!! ❤Portugal 🇵🇹

[@rexx9496]

Are the high rents solely due to foreigners and remote workers?

[@nomadic-mind]

@@rexx9496 The correct framing is that rents are high because of the government, and local landlords cashing in on foreigners and remote workers.

[@rexx9496]

@@nomadic-mind I get that but what I'm trying to understand is were rents cheap before remote workers and social media starting hyping Lisbon to the moon?

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks Tamara! I found everything except the housing to be pretty affordable

[@periscope7731]

@@rexx9496 Evidently Lisbon rents were much lower before Madonna hyped Portugal, to the moon and back. She moved there in 2017 to support her son David’s football dreams. The New York Times wrote an article about a Portuguese widow who had to move in with her daughter. After living in her apartment building for over 30 years, the landlord decided to triple her rent! I understand that housing costs in the Principe Real neighborhood are especially high, catering primarily to a wealthy expat clientele. Fortunately zoning laws are such that historic buildings that undergo gut renovations must retain their original exterior facades.

[@amarie3309]

Funny I’ve read numerous blogs and YT stories of utilities being in the $100/200 range. Cold nights in the winter and hot wasn’t it 117 in central portugal last summer. Plus the need to run dehumidifiers to control mold. Yes food can be less but rent and utilities more. Heard Portugal is considering banning foreigners from buying due to rising prices

[@simplylive2466]

The latter is ironic.. because it is the sellers who set the prices and take that profit.. so they will lose out. It is frustrating that the foreigners, who are getting ripped off, get the blame for this

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Loved the look and feel of this video. Great job, Kristin! - Josh & Kalie

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks guys! ❤️

[@izakniemann5734]

We plan to move to Portugal soon, not because we look for a 'low cost of living' country, but because Portugal is a beautiful, great and safe country to live in. And needless to say, we love the Portuguese people! We have a long history with those wonderful people.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Yes it's very beautiful and safe with friendly people!

[@riseevolution]

nomad!? yes it is good for your kind

[@izakniemann5734]

@@riseevolution Yes, we are very happy GN's (Digital Nomads ). We were in Turkey, Georgia and South Africa the past 2 years. Going back to Turkey soon for another year, then to South America, then finally settling down in Portugal.

[@eddycarpenter8989]

@@riseevolution let me give you some advice as an American whos hometown was lost to gentrification. The moment women who talk like this and are named "Kristen"... start coming to your city making videos. It's not going to be affordable anymore... Lol

[@riseevolution]

@@eddycarpenter8989 exactly! where i live is a housing problem with digital nomads even worst

[@jackoneil3933]

Try $6 for that coffee, juice or Croissant. I just went the the cheapest PHO place in town and it was $13 for a cup sized portion of Broccoli and beef, $18 for a of PHO noodles and $8. for a side of Spring rolls, with a cup of tea over $40.

[@AlexPanfilo-o9s]

This is a more realistic take on prices.

[@paulharkins4866]

Thanks to Kristin for this great video and excellent detailed information. I really enjoyed Lisbon and the local people in 1968

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Glad it was helpful Paul!

[@fancyfaces10]

Thanks for the great video. I will be living there soon so i appreciate all the information

[@TravelingwithKristin]

So glad it was helpful, Felicia!

[@mariadaponte2440]

Thank you Kristin. This was very informative.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

You are so welcome, Maria! 😊

[@leandrotuche1]

Yes, all of you can come here so you keep the rental prices going up. It's good to have the rent higher then our earnings. I'm glad that you like Portugal. The prices doubled in the last few years mostly or all because of foreigners buying and renting houses here. I'm so happy! 1/4 of the Portuguese population earns the 760 euro minimum wage. The average earnings are 1360 euros,and that's including the rich ones to make that average. I don't remember exactly all the numbers but I believe that more than half the population earns less than 1000 euros. It's so good that there isn't apartments with 1 bedroom cheaper than 1000 euros anymore. It's so good that I'm starting to be afraid of being thrown out of my apartment so the landlord can charge more. My rent, 720 euros, isn't cheap already. I need to work a lot to earn that money. I'm so happy for you! Well... Maybe the problem is also that the government policies allows this to happen and the taxes that are charged to the landlords. The reasons for this to happen are complex for sure. I know that you have good intentions. I also have to say that I like tourism and the contact with tourists. The tourism is also part of my income, I'm a musician. But have no doubt, the main reason rents have gone up so much is the fact that many foreigners with higher incomes than the Portuguese come to live here. The tourism also does that a lot, because many houses where converted to tourist rental.

[@rutherfordbhayes423]

So sorry Leandro . All over the world “ rulers” are destroying quality of life for all countries in different ways .

[@rir79]

@@rutherfordbhayes423 ano you are not sorry, deep down you are laughing at him because you will take his house soon, right?

[@rvjoyjunkie2301]

Let’s be honest here. Higher prices are not because people who have more, move to a certain place. It’s because of greed. The people who own these properties are the ones raising the prices. Why don’t we hold these landlords accountable instead?

[@connieb.6061]

happened to canada too; airbnb has people buying for investments. these platforms should be banned altogether.

[@simplylive2466]

Just remember, it is the locals/owners who set the rental/selling prices. People who come into Portugal don't want to be ripped off and overcharged, like they are; and have NO control over what is being charged. So maybe you can find a better group to direct your anger at?

[@xbmcme9768]

The biggest open secret is that everything costs way more in the touristy areas. Once you get out of those zones, things get cheaper. Of course they might not have as much, but it will be much cheaper.

[@ericlurz7357]

This is true with literally every city, so hardly an open secret

[@megbes2193]

@@ericlurz7357 This is not known to those who are new to travel.

[@ciprianoneves7246]

After your lunch at Restaurante Muchaxo, take a uber up the mt to Sintra, but do not forget to check out praia grande praia pequena e praia da ajuda. Beautiful place …but all of Portugal is beautiful. I am thinking of re visiting and doing a recon for a place to purchase.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks for the tips Cipriano! 😊

[@mcp2112]

My most recent utilities bill for my modest 3br apartment (120 sq.m.) in Northern Portugal was 575 euros. Last month it was half that.

[@anabengalinha4049]

last "month"..... rly?

[@tamaramadelin4831]

That sounds obscene...We have a 4 br house near Lisbon and our utilities in winter are around 120€...Check if you have a problem, wear more clothes and switch things off!! We have a washer, dryer, dishwasher, electric heaters...Nowhere near that price! We are frugal I guess...

[@mcp2112]

@@tamaramadelin4831 Central heat with gas. You pay on the estimated usage, and they overestimated for sure, but gas prices must have at least doubled.

[@tamaramadelin4831]

I agree...Prices on the rise, but we are careful and no central air or heat! It is cold, but area heaters work for us! We moved in August, hottest, and our home doesn't need a/c...Well, on the second floor master bed and bath I think it will, but that is for the future!!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Wow that's a lot!

[@alanbell6999]

Hi Kristin It use too cost 1200 a month now its more 1700 to live a lifestyle. My internet is 16 unlimited with 21GB a month for the rest of euro zone. Conclusion U.S.A. expensive.

[@pnkfuzz]

Thanks for the updates on Portugal. So beautiful!!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

My pleasure, Christy!

[@AmiraCelonOracle]

Good to see you back on the road Kristin. I am heading to Albania this year.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks Amira 😊 Enjoy your trip to Albania! I did a video on Albania if you're interested kzbin.info/www/bejne/jF7Od3unga6sm80

[@shannonphillips9344]

Really nicely produced and hands down the best "what does it cost" videos I've seen!

[@michael99985]

Great videos and life perspective. Lived in Japan, Hong Kong, California, Florida, Uzk and now Portugal

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Glad you enjoyed it, Martin - fellow traveler!

[@michael99985]

Thanks. I have learnt a great deal and had fun. I truly like your videos and advice. I'm still trying to decide to stay in Portugal or spend some time back in Florida. Nice problem to have!

[@anikavandermeer9058]

Wonderful in depth video Kristin !! really loved it !! Thank you )

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Glad you liked it, Anika! 🙏

[@Voluntia]

Thanks for this video. My nephew recently moved to Porto, not Lisbon, from Pakistan and he has been watching several videos. He loves there so far. Planning to visit him soon and will use this video as tool.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

That's awesome! hope your nephew is enjoying Porto! 😊

[@CC-vq7qy]

Just for reference of how freaking high it is for Portuguese to live in Lisbon or Porto. I live in Switzerland . I pay 1400 euros for my two bedroom and a living room apartment with a garden. in the city center. my home internet and phone are 50euros, health insurance is 300 per month and my salary is at least 5 times the Portuguese average. If you're a foreigner in Portugal please stop doing real estate investments there. that would help! And it's true, in Portugal people don't switch on the heating until its possible to breath cold air. I still love you Portugal. it's a shame....

[@tonyztiger75]

In use. You get a nice apartment for 2,000 euro. I think portugal is very expensive

[@JA-vl7nl]

It's very expensive

[@mango4ttwo635]

well done to the Portuguese government!! Ending the Golden Visa, and limiting new Airbnb licences. Yes, I want an open world but pricing out locals is not cool. Countries have to find some balance between those of us whop want to travel and locals who want a stable life which must include affordable housing. Rent in too many paces is outta control

[@brenlh6484]

Thanks for an in-depth idea of cost. There are so many videos that I typically have to go through, just to find one where prices are explained.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

You're welcome, BrenLH! 😊

[@burtonknows9201]

LOL! It continually shocks me how many people don't understand basic economics--and you don't have to be an economist. I've been in Chicago for six years. I occasionally visit downtown and have a few co-workers that live there. I was shocked, but not surprised (if that makes sense), that they pay at least $2000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. I live ten miles north of downtown and pay $500 less for a one-bedroom apartment. Additionally, I used a real estate agent to assist with my apartment hunting (the landlord pays the fee to the agent). Yes, it's a trendy area, but some apartments are more aligned with what I want to pay for, and apartments have fewer units than a mega-unit apartment building. No, I don't have a doorman, an exercise center, a convenience store, dry cleaners in the lobby, or an underground parking garage in my building. But businesses providing these services are a two to three-block walk and cost considerably less than downtown. Cutting to the chase, you will pay more if you want to live in trendy or popular downtown areas. My Chicago neighborhood is popular, but I live on its fridge. That translates into a considerably lower rent. Lastly, people should understand their life situation will change, or as they become more familiar with a city they recently moved to, the desirable areas they want to live in will change. This happened to me as I've moved four times in six years in Chicago--strictly created because of landlords not abiding by the lease. For the first three apartments, I contacted the buildings department with my complaint, and the landlord was cited, in one instance, fined $30K by the city (non-familiarity with rental laws, I assume, also a problem living in a foreign country). Lastly, popular places cause problems for locals and foreigners alike, causing problems that your host country has to address, according to a recent Bloomberg article (www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-01-24/foreign-demand-drives-portugal-home-prices-to-30-year-high). I have five years until my retirement. I'm going on a seven-day tour of one of my three prospective retirement destinations, Panama, Yes, my first choice is Panama City, but I may abandon that choice for another city in that country. My other two are the Philippines and Thailand (which has/is amending its requirements for a long-term visa). I apologize for the long rant. It just escapes me that people move to foreign locations thinking that others won't be attracted to the same location, or refuse to assimilate into the new culture. The same thing happens in the USA when you move to a different neighborhood, city, state, etc. Those who fail to plan should plan on failing. Do the due diligence, STAY in the country you desire for a bit before you move, and learn the culture, language, and people.

[@sirgalahad1470]

Awesome video, Kristin. I have rented a small studio apartment in Belem for the month of May 2023 for $1350 USD. It's very small, but has a nice bed, a desk to work from, and a private bathroom, and that's all I need. My food budget will be $10-$12 euros per day. I typically eat only one meal a day, usually at 2pm, and my work schedule will be from 3pm - midnight on weekdays. I will spend a little more on the weekends and also plan to visit Porto for at least 2 days. And since my flight from the US will be free due to credit card points travel hacking, I plan to spend no more than $2000 USD total for the entire 30 day trip. Discovering your channel during the pandemic inspired me to travel and work remote. I've worked in 10 different countries since the summer of 2021, and Portugal will be my 11th. 🙂

[@TravelingwithKristin]

That's awesome! I am glad to be able to inspire you to travel Sir Galahad! All the best to you 😊

[@simplylive2466]

That is a VERY expensive price for a studio, although Belem is a high tourist area. It is such a shame the locals have pushed pricing up so much, and pushing out their own citizens from being able to afford to live in the city. You are paying more than the monthly wage of many in Portugal

[@lanewill1]

You’re very pleasent to listen to. Also easy on the eyes.

[@AlexPanfilo-o9s]

My son visited the Algrave recently and he said that a typical single dish in a cafe was about 15 Euro, 12 Euro if you got out of the tourist area!

[@alexdoubeykovskiy38]

Just recently found this channel, enjoying every video since. If possible, please, cover one more major troubling point for expats, a relationships with American financial institutions.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Noted! Thanks Alex and welcome to the channel!

[@seamusp5991]

Great info, as always, sensei. And I love the video generally! 😀

[@TravelingwithKristin]

So happy to hear - thanks Seamus!

[@jaimecosta2966]

Excellent video.. I bought the flat and bought a treadmill and got a especial deal with all house and mobil servecis 800 per month his more than enough for me.. Wish you well

[@PopPipPop]

Thanks Kristin! I’m from the west of the Netherlands which is definitely more expensive than this on all fronts. I’m planning on moving to Lisbon next year to learn European Portuguese and more about the culture. Wish me luck 🤓

[@TravelingwithKristin]

That sounds like an exciting adventure @PopPipPop! Wishing you all the best with your move to Lisbon and your language learning journey. 🌟😊

[@rapidresponserepairllc.man9552]

Kristin how about the Azores Terceira Azores??? Do video on it please.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

I haven't been yet - would love to go!

[@rapidresponserepairllc.man9552]

@@TravelingwithKristin go go it's close a boat ride come on

[@lxportugal9343]

@@rapidresponserepairllc.man9552 close? A boat ride????? It's in the middle of the Atlantic

[@rapidresponserepairllc.man9552]

@@lxportugal9343 ehh so what 😆 lol fun boat day trip haha. Come on let's do it

[@msmargiek48]

Fabulous video Kristin! I think 2000 a month would be ideal for our budget. Really appreciate the breakdown, it hit all the things I wanted to know. The Blueberries was so funny because that is one of the things we always check out. In the US you can pay 4-5 a pint and strangely enough they are like 5-6 here in Mexico, because they are imported. So 3-4 sounds pretty good. So being in Lisbon would that be one of the most expensive cities where things could be cheaper a little farther out in the suburbs or a smaller city?

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks Margie. Yes blueberries can be expensive in the US. Lisbon is definitely the most expensive city in Portugal, so it's a good ballpark to estimate from

[@brunofernandes2924]

@Margie K 3 in 4 people in Portugal live with less than a 1k a month. 2k would be in the top 8% earners of the whole country and that's before taxes. A beer can cost 1 ou 1.20€.

[@msmargiek48]

@@brunofernandes2924 thank you so much for clarifying this.

[@brunofernandes2924]

@@msmargiek48 Lisbon is overhyped. I'm not kidding 75% of the population earns less than 250€ a week (I have evidences) and my family medicine physician earns about 22k a year before taxes, google is wrong, I talked with him about it and everyone can search locals news. In some places renting is 3 to 4 times the minimum wage. I read a article that Lisbon have now places for rent more expensive than in Paris (that the minimum wage is more than the double). There are really beautiful places in the country 5 times less expensive than Lisbon. Last summer I made a road trip and visited the Portuguese Venice, the Portuguese Santorini, the medieval city. I'm tired of seeing tourists and locals being explored and charged so much more because of greedy people.

[@brunofernandes2924]

@@msmargiek48 The worst is American people. They think, wow this is really cheap and they are being charged the doble. I view a girl bragging that their marriage was just 80k in Portugal and in America would be the double and I was like Holy Moly for 80k in Portugal you should have a zebra 🦓, a giraffe 🦒, the entire circus 🎪 for you.

[@adventureswithyar5654]

Awesome video ! Keep up the good work !

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you! Will do :)

[@juansebas61]

Best channel for Digital Nomads

[@dawg7915]

On my last flight back on TAP airlines, a gentlemen heading to New York was sitting next to me and told me how home prices and rent have exploded in cost. Now I go to Portugal at least three times a year then over to the Azores and this was my first trip where i had the pleasure of speaking with someone from Lisbon who owned apartments there. And right away, he exclaimed that Californians were buying up real-estate and causing the market to be unattainable for locals in certain areas.... I told him, well Californians have a long history of doing that up and down the west coast for years. Seattle and most of Oregon were taken over my them. I learned a lot in the 9 hour flight, He suggested if anyone is interested dont wait, the government is considering a much higher tax on those from outside the country.

[@christinabayma119]

Being from California I wonder what people expect us to do with real estate prices. I’d love to pay less rather than jack up the prices, which I see happening in Portugal. But we are paying the prices being asked. Of course some are savvy enough to negotiate. But it’s all supply and demand.

[@jorgevaladas788]

@@christinabayma119 not much to be done as gentrification is a problem in most European cities and there's little motivation to change the situation in Portugal, especially taking into account many of the working age Portuguese are fleeing the country every year.

[@doncoder-channel]

Yes, what you are saying is very true, and one of the main reason prices went up so much is preciasly because all these social media promotion, videos, Instagram etc Greedy people trying to make money out of a poor country, this lady has bussiness which is bring more people to Portugal, is just terrible!

[@doncoder-channel]

@@christinabayma119 Golden visa is finish, things went to far, locals can not live in their own land, consider other places

[@tatianaschoenfield9819]

Don’t understand why Californians find the need to move to Portugal. Did you vote for the wrong candidates and now it becomes unattainable? It is very sunny in California… with the higher taxation of foreigners , that’s not correct.

[@williamking632]

Hi Kristin, loved the video and it really looks nice there.. so my biggest question would be.. i dont use computers, i work with heavy equipment.. how would i be able to find construction or quarry work there? Would you suggest this type of work there or would you stay with the x-pat type of life style? Great video.. Portugal is lucky to have you there..

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Hi William, for these questions you can book a call here: bit.ly/30MinDiscoveryCallKW.

[@josephquillian2866]

This was very informative, Kristin! A lot of these prices are comparable to Querétaro, México, where Jorge, our happy and handsome Golden Retriever Buddy, and I live. We just moved to a new rental home in a lovely, peaceful neighborhood called Jurica Campestre (about 15-20 minutes north of downtown) where we pay 31,000 pesos a month (roughly 1,600 dollars, depending on the exchange rate). It is a four-bedroom / four-bath two-story home with a spacious back yard. We had a sprinkler system installed in the back yard (our gift to the house and to us); the new grass will be delivered in a few days. We are starting to plant a lot of flowers and bushes in the flower beds on this sunny Sunday. It’s hard work, but we love it! Buddy (our dog) is supervising us. :-) Greetings and a big hug from your friend and Dallas native Jody Quillian

[@Myminimalistlife_x]

I love that jacket. Do you have a link for it? ❤

[@brianwraight4966]

Sounds you have a great place.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks Joseph, I've been wanting to visit Queretaro to see what all the fuss is about :) Sounds like a great town!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Hi Shireen, I love it, too! you can get $75 off here and it's called the Kenya Jacket bit.ly/twk_anatomie

[@josephquillian2866]

@@TravelingwithKristin You just come and visit, Kristin! I’d love to show you around - Jorge and I (and Buddy) would love to! I’ll send you a short video I did yesterday right before dawn. I have a KZbin channel … primarily for “storing” my videos so they won’t take up so much space on my phone. :-) ¡Saludos! Jody

[@ralphlazio505]

Just got back from Portugal 🇵🇹 this past month. It’s absolutely beautiful just like you❤️. In terms of location and cost of living you’re right; it all depends; but my favorite was the Fatima area and Porto….. absolutely beautiful; and yes; food is extremely inexpensive compared to Los Angeles.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time in Portugal. Safe travels! 🌍🇵🇹❤️

[@briansample1364]

This was a really good video. Very helpful. Thanks.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Glad you found it helpful, Brian! 🙏 You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@paulanthony6931]

Kristin, thank you so much, I saw your first video about Portugal during the pandemic two years ago. This coming Thursday next week (March 2 - 6), I will be visiting Lisbon for the first time. You inspire us. Will keep you posted.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Wonderful, Paul. Time flies when you're having fun!

[@paulanthony6931]

Indeed. I enjoyed my tour so much in Lisbon. Four days is not enough. I am so going back this month of June before I head back to San Francisco, CA.

[@BRecuyer]

Hello Kristin, my business is about bees and beekeeping, I am from Portugal but now I would like become a digital nomad and work in anywhere.

[@paulmarvik]

You getting better and better. Who does the camera work?

[@TravelingwithKristin]

1% improvements! I hired a local videographer to help out

[@paulmarvik]

@@TravelingwithKristin Well done! You know that I receive a lot of fake comments from people pretending to be you. This is really an issue.

[@lxportugal9343]

@@paulmarvik it's bots.... not people

[@paulmarvik]

@@lxportugal9343 well controlled by humans

[@tonycardoso6818]

I appreciate your document on Portugal and specially in my city of birth Lisbon , excellent job keep it up

[@suzannebazeghi5698]

Thanks a lot we will visiting there so usefull .

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Always welcome

[@robertmcfarlane4151]

Informative as always and a good breakdown. Hard to anticipate the needs and wants of all viewers. One question would be the change in costs from off-season to peak season. I would imagine Lisbon in January would be much cheaper than June. Peak summer season would be still higher. Seasonal destinations could presumably have a large variance. I have heard that food and entertainment costs are dramatically lower from Portugal to North America. Thanks for posting.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you for the thoughtful feedback, Robert

[@mwhaley63]

Very interesting and informative

[@RGC198]

Hi Kristin, thanks for a most interesting video. Our Internet is more expensive with about $89.00 a month for unlimited Internet and landline phone. It works out well with the phone, as it is paid for with calls to all of Australia and only adds to the cost if we phone overseas or a local 1300 number. The rent can be quite high here with something like $600.00 a week. Most house prices range between &800,000.00 to over $2,000.000.00 for the more expensive ones. Incidentally, do the Lisbon trolleys cover many of the suburbs or are they just limited to the city? Anyway, wishing you the very best. Rob in Melbourne Australia.

[@Lotuslaful]

Wow Times have changed I feel like youtube videos sadly drive up prices at the same time they are informative and helpful

[@simplylive2466]

Only if the owners/locals are greedy and want to capitalise on foreigners who don't have control over pricing. And it appears that they are, if you hear the complaints about increasing prices

[@Sirjohnny]

Great information, we lived in Portugal for a while, and now planning to get citizenship there for some very important reasons, First off, they do not tax international income, they allow dual citizenship, and you only have to live there for 7 days a year for 5 years to get citizenship, that is an EU citizenship, so you can live and stay and work in the EU all year. You will not find these gems anywhere else in the EU

[@amarie3309]

Don’t text international income?

[@JuliaSochnikova]

Kristin, we live in Turkey and we love it here, you should check Turkey out

[@TravelingwithKristin]

I loved Istanbul! kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3OcgaicqbelbKs

[@InMyBrz]

I remember some 10 years ago you could buy a small apto outside of Lisbon for eu $35,000, now it will cost you up near eu$100,000 or more for a ratty wreck I paid $27,000 usd for a 3 year old 2br condo in the south of Brasil last year, BIG DIFFERENCE Brasil is Portugal on the cheap with all kinds of beautiful Portuguese buildings and landmarks for 25% of what you'd pay in PT I enjoy Portugal and would do a D7 visa if they didn't have such strict residency requirements, I don't want to overspend for a place to live for longer than I care to I am wondering what happens when many Tech companies lay off their remote workers by the thousands ? Will be a mass exodous back to the states to live with Mommy

[@nygardenguru]

Thanks I should consider Brazil lol

[@barneygoogle4003]

All over the net, we hear how high energy and egg prices have soared In Europe during the last year, but according to your report sounds like they're WAY cheaper in Portugal. What's up with that???

[@paulettenguyen5688]

Good video with very useful information!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Glad you think so, Paulette! Thanks for watching 😊

[@Pulse2AM]

Thanks for the video very informative! If you live outside the city proper can you get the cost down for a single person to around $1,500.00 USD? But still have an easy commute to the city?

[@carloslopes4486]

Yes

[@Pulse2AM]

@@vincentsherlock6179 Thanks! This is on my list for possible retirement, that's about my budget.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

You're welcome! Yes that would be doable for sure

[@VADACHE]

There nothing in that small city’s only retired ppl

[@as-1982]

@@VADACHE Well, he's looking for a retirement place. That would be a good location.

[@renatomartins8566]

Conclusion: If you're a local you're basically screwed because your monthly budget, even for people earning double ou triple the minimum wage, isn't enough for this type of prices. If you're a foreign with a foreign wage and without a minimum respect for locals this place is good for you. You'll have nice people treating you, great food, facilities and culture, you'll be connected to the rest of europe easily (if you live in Lisbon, Porto or nearby) and you'll have the best time of you're life.

[@rcpd18]

i live in Hamburg and around here 2000 a month is easy to spend, but Lisbon even more expensive when their salaries are like half than in Germany? maybe for fancy places and rent for foreign who have bigger incomes, but probably locals deal with all that with a 700-1000 a month and of course most people still live with their parents.

[@MamaLlama007]

I Love your jacket with pockets! Nice to have the shopping link, but wow $378 jacket. Great video!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@MeyTribe]

Was just discussing with my best friend today to move to Spain later this year.. with Portugal in mind as well. We are currently in bansko (I actually came here following your pre-covid videos in may 2021 when it was easier to travel) Bansko is soooo much pricier now! Apartments I think doubled since you were here … but mostly electricity that can be more than rent in the winter… even 600-800 euro per month for a 1 bedroom. But the shocking thing was seeing similar or cheaper food prices in Lisbon, and cheaper coworking spaces 😆😆 Crazy given the fact that minimum wage here is 320 euros seeing how food prices are so much more affordable to locals in Lisbon. Great video!!! And if you happen to be around other cities in Portugal I’ll probably watch all of those videos too ! Happy February And safe travels ❤

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Glad to know you liked the video and thanks for sharing your insights and experiences, Mey! I can see that a lot of places has become pricer now. Safe travels to you as well! 💗

[@sassy0010]

Mey, make sure to investigate other cities and regions in Portugal. Lisbon is definitely the most expensive city there, especially for housing.

[@MeyTribe]

@@sassy0010 I’ve asked in a nomad group about the cities in Portugal being walkable for me - AKA flat… seems like I won’t be able to live in Portugal due to that.

[@Quidproquo1143]

@@MeyTribe try Aveiro.

[@danielsemyck7683]

My wife and I are retiring to Portugal in 2-4 years. This is great information!! Thanks!!!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Awesome! You're welcome Dan 😊 feel free to let me know if you need help www.TravelingWithKristin.com/relocation

[@quarter_moon_and_a_guitar]

plus the drinking fountains double as sprinklers

[@TravelingwithKristin]

HAHAHAHA

[@sarasimoes9845]

Portugal is affordable only if you compared with US. If you check other European cities it's not affordable anymore.

[@the_dog_goddess]

HI Kristin- Have been watching your videos, listening to your podcasts and also subscribe to International Living. BTW- Congratulations on your new affiliation with International Living! That is so amazing ! My family /ancestors all hail from Europe and every since I was a tiny kid(decades ago) lol! people from kids to seniors have commented that I am very 'European' in SO many ways, and should highly consider moving there permanently. It's very important to me how humans treat other humans, but its also very important how humans treat animals. Namely Dogs and Cats as My life's purpose and business is to be a liaison between the human and animal world and I run dog-centric business and can work from anywhere via online and if necessary, in person consultations. I have always had a Service Dog until she passed away tragically from Covid a little over a year ago just after we moved to a new place in the USA. So, I've observed that in pretty much all videos and podcasts I listen to regularly from various podcasters/videographers, travellers, nomads, entrepreneurs, no one mentions' how animals are treated in any given country' and I rarely if ever even SEE dogs in even the background of videos. * My Question to you would be: What are some of the most Dog-Friendly Countries/Towns/Cities in the World now in 2023, and Who shows them the most respect and offers them the most protection? My little under 20 pound pup I have now is not yet a Service Dog, so unlike my former girl she cannot legally go as many places as my Service Dog girl could even though she is well behaved. I want to make SURE or at least Reasonably sure that wherever I choose to Relocate to; especially if it is Overseas to Europe in all probability, that she will be welcome and respected. * This is an old email associated with a former business and the place we watch all KZbin videos. Our newly revised/branded business is on other Social Media but not yet here on KZbin. I am not a city/urban person by any means. I prefer peace, harmony and tranquility of a diverse, friendly, welcoming, safe, clean, quiet; yet not remote area to live/work and if I choose to come into the city for things I need or want then That's great. Warm is my preferred climate. Not HOT/Desert-like and definitely not COLD. Sun over clouds for sure. My Russian Travel agent friend says Portugal would be amazing for me or Southern Spain but he notes that he has little information about how the culture/people treat or are receptive to Dogs as Pets or as Service Animals. IM of Irish and Danish Ancestry so the Green and nature are in my blood but I could only live/travel there in Warmer months and be honestly comfortable. If you can share your thoughts/feelings about this subject I;d certainly appreciate it as I'd love to make the move across the pond with in the year if possible. ~Thank You

[@not_in_the_know]

Thanks Kristin 👍 would love to visit Lisbon again.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

I hope you can go!

[@PeeGeeThirteen]

Thanks for suggesting Flatio. I aim to retire in 2030 and would use it to scope out different towns before deciding on that right one

[@christiansailor2880]

Thanks for posting!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

You're most welcome!

[@rupertmiller4718]

With regards to property rental prices, there are at least 2 factors at play. 1 you are talking about a Capital City anf the financial centre of Portugal. Its also a compact city so you are living close to the centre. A similar property in london will cost between 2 and 3 times as much. Paris probably that too and who knnows what in NY. 2 The Golden Visa drove up property prices, now it has been scrapped they might settle down.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks for sharing your insights, @rupertmiller4718 👍

[@patricialyons7917]

Great video, lots of important info. Can you do one for Porto please? I am going to move to Porto soon.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Hi Patricia, glad you liked it! I don’t have a cost of living in Porto video but I have a travel guide here that you might like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoOveZ98nLKShcU

[@ninelr222]

Question about the language. How comfortable , or not, would be a person that does not speak Portuguese and only speaks English?

[@bartstewart8644]

Lisbon prices! So, that's the top end. In a smaller town in a less urban part of the country, I think your costs drop significantly. My question is - - How long will Portugal be affordable??? It sounds like it is being "discovered" now, by everybody on earth, and the human flood is pouring in. Does anyone have any predictions for five or ten years down the road?

[@Alex-j3b6l]

Thank you so much! Speak, please - price for what? One kilogramme ore 300 grams and so on

[@chetwynd]

thanks Kristin for this informative video. I wanted to live one month in Portugal but considering the cost you showed, I think I have to reconsider it. I mean, it would be lovely but it's already too expensive for me.. 😞

[@Quidproquo1143]

It's not the price of Portugal, it's the price to pay to live in Lisbon. If the rest of the country wasn't more affordable, half of the Portuguese would already starved to death.

[@chetwynd]

@@Quidproquo1143 thanks for correcting me buddy. Maybe when I thought about Portugal, only Lisbon came to my mind. How about Porto? do you think it's not that different than Lisbon?

[@TravelingwithKristin]

I'm glad it was helpful for you to make a decision ❤️

[@sassy0010]

@@Quidproquo1143 Absolutely. Do yourself a favor and investigate in the rest of Portugal, as Lisbon is the most expensive city there.

[@groovysecondhalf]

Lisbon is fantastic!! Very informative Video. We’ve been living in Portugal in The Algarve Region close to the coast for 1 1/2 years after traveling thru europe in our small camper for several years. I am surprised by the 2k euros per month in Lisbon. My hubby and I have been renting and selecting our apartments based on cost (less than $900) and most American couples our age would probably not live in such a small space. We’ve traveled all over Portugal and chosen to purchase a home on the island of Madeira. Owning a home with no mortgage and car will make it possible for us to live on $2,000 a month comfortably including travel.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks, GroovySecondHalf 🙏 Glad you found the video informative and thanks for sharing your experiences! All the best 😊