How Much Do You Really Earn in Portugal? Analysis of the Minimum Wage and Cost of Living in 2025

If you are considering working in Portugal, the first question that arises is: what is the minimum wage in Portugal and is it really attractive? The answer is more complex than it seems. In 2025, Portugal set its minimum wage at € 870 per month for the mainland — a significant increase from € 820 in 2024 — but when considering mandatory deductions and comparing with the Brazilian reality, the story changes quite a bit.

Wage Disparity Between Portugal and Brazil: What the Numbers Don’t Say

Converting the Portuguese minimum wage to reais, we arrive at approximately R$ 5,584, an amount that seems impressive by Brazilian standards — more than three times higher than the Brazilian national minimum of R$ 1,518. However, this superficial comparison masks a more nuanced reality.

Portugal is expensive to live in. In cities like Lisbon and Porto, renting a T2 in a well-located neighborhood consumes between € 1,200 and € 1,800 of the monthly budget. Food, transportation, and essential services quickly consume what’s left. Meanwhile, in Brazil, despite the lower salary, some fundamental costs — such as basic food — are proportionally more affordable relative to income.

The Reality of Net Income: What Actually Comes Into the Account

Before celebrating the Portuguese minimum wage, it’s crucial to understand the deductions. The Social Security deducts 11% from every worker, reducing € 870 to € 774.30. If you earn above this floor, you still face IRS — the Portuguese income tax — which varies depending on dependents and family situation.

In practice, a worker with the minimum wage receives around € 770 net. A Brazilian worker with the minimum wage, although earning less nominally, faces proportionally smaller deductions, maintaining a larger portion of the gross amount available.

Regional Variations: Madeira and Azores Offer More

The minimum wage is not uniform across all Portuguese territory. The autonomous regions have slightly higher floors:

• Mainland region: € 870
• Madeira: € 913.50
• Azores: € 915

These differences reflect regional cost of living and development policies. Despite this, Portugal remains among the countries with the lowest minimum wages in the European Union according to Eurostat data — evidence that the country still does not match the EU average.

Skilled Professions: Where Is the Real Advantage

The real disparity emerges when analyzing salaries by profession. An IT technician earns between € 1,800 and € 2,500; a nurse, € 1,600 to € 2,200; an engineer, € 2,000 to € 3,500. For specialized professions, Portugal offers compensation two, three, or even four times higher than the minimum wage.

This is where the advantage lies for those with training or professional experience valued in the European market. A Brazilian developer with a solid portfolio can negotiate salaries that turn the move into a genuine investment.

Essential Costs: How Much Does It Cost to Live in Portugal

Portugal ranks as the second cheapest country in Western Europe — after Eastern European countries — but this is relative. A single person will spend approximately € 1,800 per month, while a family of four will need around € 3,304.

Food Expenses: An executive menu costs € 12; 500g of chicken costs € 3.36; artisanal cheese 500g reaches € 4.90. Fast food is not cheap — a quick meal costs € 8.

Housing: The biggest budget consumer. A T2 in a central neighborhood of Lisbon or Porto varies between € 1,200 and € 1,800. In medium-sized cities, € 800 to € 1,200 is more realistic. Studios in peripheral areas start at € 729.

Transport: Gasoline costs € 1.69 per liter; the monthly public transport pass, € 35. Those without a car can get around relatively easily in the main cities.

Services and Utilities: Gym € 34; combined electricity, water, and gas bill € 112; private medical consultation € 65.

Is It Feasible to Live on the Minimum Wage?

Technically yes, but with important caveats. In small and medium-sized cities, a minimum wage of € 870 allows for modest subsistence — especially if you share housing or live in more distant neighborhoods. Without rent — say, in a scholarship situation or with provided accommodation — life becomes comfortable.

In large metropolises, however, the scenario is tight. You would need to dedicate € 600 to € 700 just to housing, leaving less than € 150 for all other expenses. Possible? Yes. Pleasant? Hardly.

Salary Growth Trajectory in Portugal

The Portuguese government has been following a policy of annual adjustments planned until 2026, demonstrating a commitment to gradually increasing the floor. This upward trajectory reflects an effort to approach the European average, although Portugal remains distant from countries like Germany, France, or the UK.

For those negotiating entry into the Portuguese market with experience or training, opportunities for progression tend to be real — unlike scenarios where the minimum wage is the absolute ceiling.

What Really Matters When Deciding to Migrate

Comparing gross numbers between Portugal and Brazil is an incomplete exercise. The real analysis should consider: what is the salary offered for your specific profession? Which city will you choose? Can you negotiate reduced housing? What is your goal — saving money, quality of life, or professional experience?

For skilled workers with demand in the European market, Portugal represents a genuine opportunity. For those relying solely on the minimum wage, the experience varies dramatically depending on individual circumstances. The Portuguese minimum wage is attractive only as a starting point — the true differential emerges in specialized careers and realistic financial planning.