Portugal has become one of Europe’s hottest destinations. Lisbon’s viewpoints, Porto’s wine cellars and the Algarve’s dramatic coastline attract millions of travelers every year.
But rising popularity brings the big planning question:
Is Portugal still affordable — or has it become expensive?
The honest answer: Portugal is still one of the best-value destinations in Western Europe, but prices have increased in tourist hotspots. The good news is that with smart planning, Portugal can still be a very budget-friendly European trip.
For the full European budget overview, read: how much does a trip to Europe cost.
Quick answer: is Portugal expensive?
Portugal sits in a unique price category: cheaper than most Western Europe, but more expensive than Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia.
| Region | Cost level |
|---|---|
| Southeast Asia | Very cheap |
| Eastern Europe | Cheap |
| Portugal | Mid-range (good value) |
| Spain / Italy | Mid-range to expensive |
| France / Switzerland | Expensive |
Portugal offers Western European culture, infrastructure and safety at noticeably lower prices than neighboring countries.
Average daily cost in Portugal
Your daily budget depends heavily on travel style and season.
| Travel style | Daily budget per person |
|---|---|
| Budget traveler | €55–€75 |
| Mid-range traveler | €95–€140 |
| Luxury traveler | €220+ |
Summer travel can increase costs by up to 50%, especially in Lisbon and the Algarve.
Accommodation prices in Portugal
Accommodation is the biggest travel expense, especially in Lisbon.
Budget accommodation
Portugal has some of Europe’s best hostels.
• Hostel dorm bed: €18–€30
• Budget guesthouse/private room: €45–€75
Mid-range hotels
• 3-star hotels: €90–€150
• Boutique hotels: €120–€180
Luxury hotels
• 4–5 star hotels: €220–€400+
Lisbon and the Algarve are the most expensive areas. Porto and smaller towns are cheaper.
Food prices in Portugal
Portugal is one of the best food-value countries in Europe. Eating out is affordable, portions are generous and quality is excellent.
Budget food prices
• Pastel de nata: €1.20–€1.80
• Coffee/espresso: €0.80–€1.50
• Sandwich/snack: €3–€6
• Bakery breakfast: €3–€5
Restaurant prices
• Lunch menu (menu do dia): €10–€14
• Casual dinner: €15–€20
• Seafood dinner: €20–€30
• Beer: €2–€3
Two people can easily enjoy dinner with wine for €30–€40.
The prato do dia secret locals use
Most travel guides talk about the Menu do Dia, but the real local money-saving trick is the Prato do Dia (plate of the day).
In traditional taverns called tascas, the prato do dia is often just the main dish and a coffee — and it can cost as little as €7–€9.
Look for handwritten chalkboard signs outside small restaurants. That usually means you’ve found an authentic local place with the best value meals.
Portugal is significantly cheaper for food than Spain, Italy and France.
For comparison with Asia budgets, see: how much does a trip to Southeast Asia cost.
Transport costs in Portugal
Portugal is compact and easy to travel around.
Public transport in cities
Lisbon and Porto have excellent metro, bus and tram systems.
• Metro/bus ticket: €1.70–€2.00
• 24-hour transport pass Lisbon: €6.80
• Tourist tram ride: €3.00
The Uber vs Bolt price war
Portugal has some of the cheapest ride-hailing in Western Europe.
Bolt is often significantly cheaper than Uber in Lisbon and Porto. A typical 15-minute Bolt ride costs €5–€8, which can actually be cheaper than two people taking Lisbon’s tourist trams.
For couples and mid-range travelers, ride-hailing often becomes the best value transport option.
Train travel between cities
Portugal’s train network is affordable and reliable.
| Route | Price |
|---|---|
| Lisbon → Porto | €25–€35 |
| Lisbon → Faro | €25–€30 |
| Porto → Coimbra | €15–€20 |
Booking early can save 30–40%.
Attraction and activity prices
Portugal offers excellent value compared to most of Western Europe.
Typical attraction prices:
• Castles and palaces: €10–€15
• Museums: €5–€12
• Sintra palaces: €15–€20
• Wine tasting in Porto: €15–€25
• Surf lesson Algarve: €30–€50
Many viewpoints and beaches are completely free.
The free museum Sunday myth
Portugal used to offer free museum entry on Sundays for everyone. Today, many attractions restrict free entry to Portuguese residents only.
Instead of relying on free entry, travelers should consider city passes.
• Lisboa Card (~€22/day)
• Porto Card (~€15–€20/day)
If you plan to visit three or more monuments in one day, the Lisboa Card often saves money by covering public transport and attraction entry.
Is Lisbon expensive?
Lisbon is Portugal’s most expensive city.
Typical daily budget:
• Budget traveler: €70/day
• Mid-range traveler: €120/day
Accommodation drives most of the price increase.
Is Porto expensive?
Porto is slightly cheaper and often considered the best-value major city.
Typical daily budget:
• Budget traveler: €60/day
• Mid-range traveler: €100/day
Food and hotels are noticeably cheaper than Lisbon.
Is the Algarve expensive?
The Algarve has extreme seasonal pricing.
| Season | Cost level |
|---|---|
| Winter | Cheap |
| Spring/autumn | Mid-range |
| Summer | Expensive |
Algarve transport warning most travelers miss
The Algarve coastline is much larger than many travelers expect.
Public transport between famous beaches is limited. To visit highlights like Benagil Cave and Praia da Marinha, you usually need:
• Rental car (~€25/day), or
• Boat or guided tours (~€40+)
Without a car, transport can quickly become one of the biggest Algarve expenses.
Cost of a 1-week Portugal trip
Budget traveler
• Flights: €120–€250
• Accommodation: €200
• Food: €120
• Transport: €70
• Activities: €90
Total: €600–€730 per person
Mid-range traveler
• Flights: €150–€300
• Accommodation: €550
• Food: €260
• Transport: €120
• Activities: €160
Total: €1,240–€1,390 per person
Luxury traveler
€2,500–€4,000+ per person
When Portugal becomes expensive
Portugal feels expensive when:
• Traveling in July–August
• Staying in Lisbon center
• Visiting Algarve beaches in summer
• Booking accommodation late
Traveling in spring or autumn significantly reduces costs.
Is Portugal cheaper than Spain?
Portugal is generally 10–20% cheaper than Spain.
| Category | Portugal vs Spain |
|---|---|
| Hotels | Cheaper |
| Food | Cheaper |
| Attractions | Cheaper |
| Transport | Similar |
This makes Portugal one of the best value Western European destinations.
Portugal travel cost decision table
| Travel question | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Is Portugal cheap for Western Europe? | Yes |
| Is Portugal cheaper than Spain? | Yes |
| Is Portugal cheaper than Eastern Europe? | No |
| Best value season | Spring & autumn |
| Most expensive season | Summer |
Money-saving tips for Portugal
• Travel in April–June or September–October
• Eat prato do dia meals in local tascas
• Use Bolt for short city trips
• Consider Lisboa or Porto cards for attractions
• Rent a car when visiting the Algarve
Portugal rewards travelers who plan smart.
FAQ about Portugal travel costs
Is Portugal expensive for tourists?
Portugal is one of the cheapest Western European countries to visit, especially outside summer.
How much money do I need per day in Portugal?
Budget travelers can manage with €60/day. Mid-range travelers average €110/day.
Is Lisbon expensive compared to Porto?
Yes. Lisbon accommodation is significantly more expensive.
Is Portugal good for budget travel?
Yes. It offers excellent food, affordable transport and many free attractions.
Is Portugal worth visiting in 2026?
Absolutely. Portugal offers Western European culture at a much lower cost than most neighboring countries.
