Portugal offers dramatically different cost profiles depending on where you study. Lisbon has seen rental prices double or triple since 2018 and now rivals other Western European capitals for accommodation costs — but Porto, Coimbra, Braga, and Aveiro remain significantly more affordable while offering excellent universities and a genuinely high quality of life. The key to managing costs in Portugal is acting early on accommodation — the rental market is competitive and moves fast, especially for university-area properties.
Monthly Budget Estimates by City
| Lisbon | €1,400–€2,200/month; shared room €800–€1,400; accommodation crisis — apply for residências universitárias immediately; Mouraria, Arroios, and Almada (across the bridge) are more affordable than Príncipe Real or Bairro Alto |
|---|---|
| Porto | €1,000–€1,600/month; shared room €500–€900; significantly better value than Lisbon; excellent quality of life; Bonfim and Campanhã neighborhoods more affordable |
| Coimbra | €900–€1,400/month; shared room €400–€700; true university city where student life dominates; Universidade de Coimbra neighborhood (Alta) is central and well-connected |
| Braga | €800–€1,200/month; shared room €350–€600; Universidade do Minho; young, vibrant student culture; excellent IT and engineering programs |
| Aveiro | €800–€1,200/month; shared room €350–€600; compact canal city; Universidade de Aveiro strong in engineering, tech, and language sciences |
| Smaller cities (Évora, Bragança, Faro) | €700–€1,100/month; shared room €300–€500; lowest cost profile; specialized universities |
Day-to-Day Cost Breakdown
- University canteen (cantina): €2.50–€4/meal with valid student card — use this daily; it is subsidized and nutritious
- Supermarket groceries: Continente, Pingo Doce, Lidl, and Mercadona are cheaper than equivalent Brazilian supermarkets; a weekly shop for one runs €30–€50
- Coffee and pastry at a pastelaria: €1.50–€3 — one of Europe's great affordable pleasures; the pastel de nata at a local café is around €1.20
- Eating out (restaurant, not tourist area): €8–€15 for a main course with a drink; prato do dia (daily special) lunches €8–€12
- Transport — Lisbon monthly pass (Navegante Metropolitano): €40/month; under-23 discount: €30/month; NIF required to apply for the youth card
- Transport — Porto monthly pass: €30/month; Coimbra: €25/month
- Phone: Portuguese SIM cards (MEO, NOS, Vodafone) — student plans from €10–€15/month with unlimited calls and 20–30 GB data
- Gym: €20–€40/month for commercial gyms; university sports facilities are free for enrolled students
- Internet (shared apartment): typically split between housemates; fiber broadband is excellent and cheap in Portugal (~€30–€40/month for the household)
Money Transfer and Banking Tips for Brazilian Students
- Wise (formerly TransferWise): best mid-market BRL→EUR rate available; low flat fees; set up a Wise account in Brazil before departing
- Remessa Online: Brazilian fintech specializing in international remittances; competitive rates and reliable for regular monthly transfers from Brazilian family members
- IOF tax: Brazil currently levies a 1.1% IOF (Imposto sobre Operações Financeiras) on international transfers — factor this into your transfer budget when calculating costs
- Portuguese bank accounts: Millennium BCP (extensive student branch presence), Caixa Geral de Depósitos, and ActivoBank (fully online, zero monthly fees) are the most student-friendly; require NIF and Portuguese address — get your NIF first
- Neobanks: Revolut is widely used among students in Portugal (including Brazilians) and has no foreign transaction fees; useful as a bridge account before Portuguese banking is set up
- Nubank: many Brazilian students keep their Nubank account active for receiving money from Brazil and using the international card; the Nubank card (Mastercard) works at Portuguese ATMs and POS terminals
- University residências universitárias (halls of residence): applying directly for a place in university accommodation is the single best way to reduce accommodation costs — significantly below market rent; apply immediately upon receiving your acceptance letter
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — Lisbon rental prices have risen dramatically since 2019 and are now comparable to cities like Barcelona or Amsterdam for shared accommodation. A room in a shared apartment in a central Lisbon neighborhood now typically costs €800–1,400/month. This makes Lisbon challenging for self-funded students without a generous scholarship. Mitigation strategies: apply for university residências universitárias (significantly below market rate, but limited places and competitive); consider living in Almada (across the 25 de Abril bridge — a 20-minute ferry ride to Cais do Sodré) where rents are 30–40% lower than equivalent Lisbon neighborhoods; consider Porto, Coimbra, or Braga as alternatives if your chosen degree is available there.
Explore the full guide for Brazil students in Portugal
Back to the Complete Guide
