What does it really cost to live in Portugal in 2025: a complete guide to salaries and expenses

Thousands of Brazilians consider Portugal as a professional destination, but before making this decision, it is crucial to understand the relationship between earnings and the cost of living in the country. This article breaks down the numbers and offers a realistic view of the financial viability of the move.

How much does it cost to live in Portugal?

Portugal ranks as the second cheapest country in Western Europe, but expenses are not negligible. According to consolidated cost of living data:

Estimated monthly expenses:

• One person: € 1,800
• Family of 4 members: € 3,304

Breakdown of main costs:

Food:

• Casual restaurant meal: € 8
• Set menu: € 12
• Chicken (500g): € 3.36
• Cheese (500g): € 4.90

Housing:

• T2 apartment (85m²) in a privileged neighborhood: € 1,518
• T2 apartment in a common area: € 1,005
• Studio in a regular region: € 729

Transport:

• Gasoline: € 1.69/liter
• Monthly transportation: € 35

Essential services:

• Gym: € 34
• Electricity + water + gas: € 112
• Medical consultation: € 65

What is the minimum wage in Portugal in 2025?

The minimum wage in Portugal in 2025 is set at € 870 per month in the mainland. This amount exceeds that of 2024 (€ 820), reflecting the government’s policy of gradual wage appreciation.

In the autonomous islands:

• Madeira: € 913.50
• Azores: € 915

Conversion to Brazilian reais: € 870 is approximately R$ 5,584, more than three times the minimum wage in Brazil (R$ 1,518), but it is important to consider that, within the European Union, Portugal maintains one of the lowest salary levels according to Eurostat.

Deductions that reduce gross salary

The net amount received is substantially lower due to mandatory deductions:

Standard deductions:

• Social Security: 11% (mandatory for all)
• Personal Income Tax (IRS) (Imposto sobre Rendimento de Pessoas Singulares): applicable according to tax bracket and dependents

Practical simulation:

• Gross salary: € 870
• Social Security deduction (11%): € 95.70
• Net salary (without IRS): € 774.30

When IRS withholding applies, the final amount decreases proportionally, significantly reducing monthly disposable income.

Portugal’s minimum wage trajectory: historical context

The upward trend over recent years demonstrates political commitment to bringing Portugal closer to the European average salary, although the country remains among those with the lowest minimum wages in Western Europe. Annual adjustments are planned until 2026.

How much do different professionals earn in Portugal?

Earnings vary considerably depending on the professional sector. Qualified professions with experience or higher education often earn two, three, or even four times the minimum wage, creating significant disparities in the Portuguese labor market.

Market dynamics:

• Standard workweek: 40 hours
• Monthly hours: 176
• Approximate hourly rate at minimum wage: € 4.94
• Part-time work: around € 435/month

Sectors such as technology, specialized health, and engineering offer significantly higher remuneration than the minimum.

Portugal vs Brazil: comparative analysis of income and cost of living

Although the Portuguese minimum wage is nominally higher, the comparison should consider real purchasing power and proportional expenses:

Portuguese advantage:

• Minimum wage: 3x higher than Brazil when converted

Disadvantages:

• Cost of living is significantly higher
• Rent, food, and transportation consume a larger proportion of income
• Mandatory deductions reduce final availability

Disposable income after essential expenses: In Portugal, after mandatory deductions, the worker has approximately € 770, which should cover all expenses. In Brazil, despite the lower salary, some basic costs are proportionally more affordable in certain regions.

Comparative conclusion:

• Portugal pays more but also charges proportionally more to maintain the standard of living
• Brazil pays less, but some basic costs have a better cost-benefit ratio
• Qualified professionals find substantially higher salary opportunities in Portugal

Is it feasible to survive on the minimum wage in Portugal?

Technically yes, but with important caveats:

Factors influencing feasibility:

• Geographic location (cities like Lisbon and Porto require stricter budgeting)
• Personal lifestyle
• Fixed expenses
• Dependents or financial responsibilities

In capital cities, living on € 870 requires strict financial discipline and minimizing discretionary expenses. In medium-sized cities, adaptation is less challenging.

Recommendations for those considering moving to Portugal

The decision should not be based solely on numerical salary comparisons. A comprehensive assessment should include:

• Specific salary potential for your profession in Portugal
• Cost of living in the target region
• Opportunities for professional growth in the medium and long term
• Stability and quality of life offered by the country
• Total tax burden and social benefits
• Market demand for your area of expertise

For workers with valued qualifications, international experience, or higher education, Portugal offers favorable prospects. For those earning only the minimum wage, experiences vary depending on location, adaptability, and opportunities for professional advancement.

Final considerations

The minimum wage in Portugal in 2025 marks an important milestone in the country’s remuneration landscape, maintaining its attractiveness for potential migrants. However, the cost of living, especially in major urban centers, requires prior financial planning and realistic expectations about monetary availability at the end of the budgeting cycle.

For a safe and financially sustainable move, a contextualized analysis that goes beyond superficial comparisons is recommended, incorporating data on the local labor market, specific regional cost structures, and long-term personal goals. Portugal remains a viable option, particularly for qualified professionals, provided decisions are based on accurate information and expectations aligned with the country’s economic reality.