Cost of Living

In spite of the perceived price increase after Euro has been introduced in 2002, Portugal has a relatively low cost of living, as compared to other EU Member States, although some products might be more expensive here than in other countries. The inflation rate in 2012 was 2.8%.

The average monthly cost of living of a student in Porto can be estimated as follows:

• Accommodation: between 150 EUR and 250 EUR;
• Meals: between 150 EUR and 200 EUR;
• Transports: 30.00 EUR (for a Z2 Andante monthly pass)

 
For your reference, these are approximate prices of some products:

• Carton of milk - 0.60 EUR;
• Bottle of water (1.5 l) - 0.39 EUR;
• Roll of bread - 0.12 EUR;
• 1 kg of rice - 0.90 EUR;
• Coffee (expresso) - 0.60 EUR;
• 1 meal - 2.35 EUR (in the canteen);
• Bus/metro - 1.20 EUR (1 Z2 ticket); 1.45 EUR (1 Z3 ticket);
• Newspapers - 1.00 EUR (daily) and 3.00 EUR (weekly);
• Cinema - 4.50 EUR (student ticket).