Is Portugal Expensive? An In-Depth Guide To Budgeting Your Trip

With its white sand beaches, rugged mountains, and charming towns, Portugal has much to offer the traveling adventurer. But how much does it cost to visit this beautiful country? Is Portugal expensive? The answer is both yes and no – depending on how you budget your trip. Whether you’re looking to explore the wonders of Lisbon, visit the wine country in the Douro Valley, or relax on the beaches of the Algarve, this guide offers an in-depth look at the costs associated with a trip to Portugal. By understanding the costs involved, you can make an informed decision about what kind of trip you want, and create a budget that works for you. So come on a journey with us and explore the cost of a trip to Portugal – and have an unforgettable experience.

Is Portugal Expensive?

Yes, Portugal can be expensive depending on the type of lifestyle you want to lead and the activities you want to do. Generally, restaurants and accommodation tend to be more expensive than in other European countries but there are plenty of ways to save money. 

Accommodations In Portugal: Where To Stay And How Much It Costs? 

1. Accommodations in Portugal vary widely in price, depending on the location and the season. Generally speaking, Portugal is slightly more expensive than other countries in Western Europe. For example, a meal at a restaurant will run you about $15 USD. A pint of beer will cost you about $5 USD. And a night’s stay at a hostel can cost anywhere from $10 to $20 USD per night (though if you’re staying in Lisbon or Porto, it can get as high as $40 USD). However, if you’re looking for more luxurious accommodations, Portugal also has some of the best four-star and five-star hotels in Western Europe for around $150 USD per night (or less).
2. Hostels – Hostels are very popular with backpackers and budget travelers who want to save money. A dorm bed will cost you anywhere from $10 to $20 USD per night. Private rooms with bathrooms can be found for around $40 USD per night but will be much more expensive in the major cities of Lisbon and Porto.
3. Hotels – Hotels are another popular option for travelers who want to keep their costs low but still want a comfortable place to stay. A basic room in a hotel can run you anywhere from $75 USD to $100 USD per night (and up), depending on the location and amenities offered by the hotel.
4. Apartments – If you’re looking for an affordable and comfortable place to stay, you might consider renting an apartment for your trip. Many apartments are located in historic buildings, giving them a unique character that you won’t find at hotels or hostels. You can rent an apartment directly through Airbnb or your travel agent, or through a local agency like HomeAway or VRBO. Prices will vary depending on the location and size of the apartment, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $100 USD per night.
5. Meals in Portugal are generally more expensive than in other countries in Western Europe. For example, a meal at a good restaurant will cost you about $15 USD per person. A pint of beer will cost you about $5 USD. And a meal at a fast food restaurant will run you around $10 USD. However, if you’re looking for budget dining options, there are many affordable restaurants that serve traditional Portuguese cuisine for as little as $5 USD per person – or less! Here is an overview of how much it costs to eat out and buy groceries for your trip:

1. Restaurants – A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will typically run you around $15-$20 USD per person, depending on the location and type of food served. An average meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost about $30 per person. And an average meal at a fancy restaurant in Lisbon or Porto – where the food is of higher quality – will run you about $45 per person.
2. Breakfast – Breakfast is not included in most hotel rates, so unless you’re staying at a hotel that offers free breakfast, you’ll have to pay for it yourself. You can find great breakfast options for as little as $3-$4 USD per person if you stick to cafes and bakeries in the morning hours (before 10:00).
3. Lunch – Lunch is also not included with most hotel rates, so if you want to eat lunch during your trip, expect to pay about $10 USD per person.
4. Dinner – Dinner is the most expensive meal of the day, and it will typically cost you around $20-$30 USD per person, depending on where you go.
5. Groceries – You can find many grocery stores throughout Portugal that offer fresh produce, dry goods, meats, and dairy products. Prices vary depending on the location, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $1 USD to $5 USD for a loaf of bread or a pack of gum. A dozen eggs will cost you around $2-$3 USD. And a pound of ground beef will cost around $7-$11 USD. Milk is quite inexpensive in Portugal, usually selling for less than half as much as it does in the United States or Canada – usually only around 50-75 cents per liter!

Eating Out In Portugal: What To Expect And How Much It Costs

• Portuguese cuisine is known for its simplicity and use of local ingredients, so you can expect hearty meals that are both tasty and affordable.
•  Meals at cafes and casual restaurants in Portugal are often less than $20, while sit-down meals at fancier restaurants can cost between $15 and $30. Portuguese people love to snack, so you’ll be able to find lots of affordable snacks and drinks on the street.
•  If you want to try traditional Portuguese food, expect to pay about $10 per person for a meal. Portuguese people love to eat out, so you can find many restaurants in Portugal, no matter where you go. 
• You can find cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in every city, village, and beach.

Transportation In Portugal: What Are The Costs And How To Get Around

1. Portugal has a well-connected transportation system that makes it easy to travel throughout the country. Whether you want to explore the beaches of the Algarve, the lively city of Lisbon, or the rugged mountains of the Douro Valley, you can get there by train, bus, or car. 
2. The public transportation system in Portugal is quite good and reasonably priced. A single journey ticket on the subway or bus costs around $2, while a return ticket costs $3. And if you’re planning to go to the beach, a one-way car rental starts at around $30 per day.
3. If you’re planning to drive, the car rental company will most likely charge you extra for using the highways.

Attractions And Activities In Portugal: What To Do And How Much It Costs

• A Porto Wine Tasting Tour – Wine lovers will want to explore the Douro Valley, home to some of the best ports in the world. You can take a guided wine-tasting tour for about $15 per person. 
• A Beach Day – A day on the beach is always a good idea. While the main beaches in Lisbon and the Algarve are a bit pricey, there are lots of free beaches in Portugal.
•  A City Day Trip to Coimbra – Explore the charming university town of Coimbra, about 2 hours from Lisbon, for around $10 per person.
•  A Day Trip to the Sintra Mountains – Sintra is a charming town located in the Sintra Mountains, and you can spend a day exploring it for about $20 per person.

Shopping In Portugal: What To Buy And How Much It Costs

1. Portuguese people are known for their excellent craftsmanship, and you’ll find lots of unique souvenirs in Portugal, such as hand-painted tiles and Portuguese ceramic items. 
2. A handmade ceramic tile or bowl costs around $10, while a hand-painted tile starts at around $20. For higher-quality ceramic items, expect to pay $20 and up.
3.  If you want to bring home some Portuguese wine, you can find bottles for as low as $8, while a bottle of the port can cost $20 or more. 
4. You can also take a look at some local art galleries or craft stores for handmade gifts, ranging in price from $5 to $100+.

Tips For Saving Money And Sticking To Your Budget

• If you want to make the most of your trip, follow these tips to save money and stick to your budget. 
• You can save money by booking your trip in advance, choosing a slower travel season, and traveling off-season.
•  You can also save money by eating at local restaurants, avoiding tourist traps, and staying at hostels.
•  Finally, take time to research transportation options, and try to avoid using taxis whenever possible. 
• You can save money by using public transportation, taking advantage of free attractions, shopping at the local markets and flea markets, and avoiding expensive activities such as wine tastings and boat tours.

Final Word

Portugal is a beautiful country with rich culture and friendly people. Whether you’re looking to explore Lisbon, visit the beaches of the Algarve, or relax in the wine country of the Douro Valley, there’s something for everyone. This guide offers an in-depth look at the costs associated with traveling to Portugal, so you can make an informed decision about what kind of trip you want, and create a budget that works for you. So come on a journey with us and explore the cost of a trip to Portugal – and have an unforgettable experience.