Cost of Living in Algarve
The Algarve is cheaper than Lisbon outside of the summer tourist months. Inland towns are significantly cheaper than coastal ones. A single expat can live on €1,400-2,000/month.
Single adult
€1,400-2,000
per month
Couple
€2,000-2,900
per month
Family of 4
€2,800-4,200
per month
Housing
1-bed apartment, Lagos / Albufeira coast
€900-1,500
1-bed apartment, Tavira / Olhao (east)
€650-1,000
1-bed apartment, Faro
€700-1,100
2-bed villa inland (Loule, Sao Bras)
€900-1,500
Summer short-term rentals
Double normal price — avoid
Food & groceries
Bica at a cafe
€0.80-1.50
Lunch menu
€8-14
Dinner out (coastal)
€20-40 per person
Dinner out (inland)
€12-25 per person
Weekly groceries
€50-90
Transport
Car is effectively mandatory
€400-800/month (car + insurance + fuel)
Petrol
€1.75-1.95/litre
Faro airport parking (long-term)
€20-40/week
Utilities
Internet
€30-45/month
Electricity (AC for summer)
€70-150/month
Leisure & lifestyle
Golf green fee
€60-150
Gym
€25-50/month
Private health insurance (couple, age 50)
€150-300/month
Salary you need
€1,800/month net for a comfortable single life. D7 income threshold (~€820/month) is easy to clear, but bank will scrutinize 12 months of statements.
Is Algarve right for you?
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