Is Portugal expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Portugal is one of the better-value countries in Western Europe, cheaper than Spain's big cities, France or Italy for food and transport. Lisbon and Porto have become noticeably pricier for rooms, though, and a mid-range day is about €165 per person. Eating out, wine, coffee and trains remain excellent value.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | €35 | €75 | €150 |
| Food & drink | €25 | €45 | €85 |
| Sights & tickets | €12 | €25 | €45 |
| Local transport | €10 | €20 | €40 |
| Per person, per day | €82 | €165 | €320 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Portugal day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Espresso (bica) at the counter | about €0.90-1.50 |
| Pastel de nata at Pastéis de Belém | about €1.50 |
| Prato do dia (dish of the day) lunch | about €10-14 |
| Metro ride with Viva Viagem or Andante card | about €1.80-2 |
| Jerónimos Monastery | about €18 |
| Pena Palace and park (timed entry) | about €20 |
| Port lodge tour and tasting in Gaia | about €20-35 |
| Mid-range double in Baixa or Chiado | €140-230 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Rooms are the biggest share, especially in central Lisbon and Porto, where demand has pushed mid-range doubles to €120-230. Monument tickets have risen too, with Jerónimos, Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira each €12-20. Food and drink are still good value: lunch menus, local wine and pastries are cheap. Lisbon charges a tourist tax of about €4 per person per night and Porto about €3.
When it is cheaper
November to March (outside Christmas and New Year) is the cheapest time, with rooms often 25-40% below summer prices (check current rates). The Algarve is very quiet and cheap in winter.
How to spend less
- Eat the prato do dia at lunchtime in local tascas.
- Load a Viva Viagem (Lisbon) or Andante (Porto) card instead of buying single tickets on board.
- Book CP train tickets up to 60 days ahead for cheaper fares between Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto.
- Look for free entry days: many museums are free on Sundays and holidays for residents only, so check visitor rules.
- Stay in Lisbon's Anjos or Porto's Bolhão rather than the most touristy centres.
- Ride tram 28 from Martim Moniz early, or take a cheaper bus on the same route.
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Common questions
Is Portugal expensive?
Not for Western Europe. Budget about €82 a day, or €165 mid-range per person, with Lisbon the most expensive.
Is Lisbon more expensive than Porto?
Generally a little, especially for rooms. Lisbon's tourist tax is about €4 per person per night versus about €3 in Porto.
How much is a meal in Portugal?
A prato do dia lunch costs about €10-14; a mid-range dinner with wine about €25-35 per person.