Porto is increasingly chosen by people moving to Portugal: cheaper than Lisbon, with a strong identity, the ocean nearby, prestigious universities and a growing tech ecosystem. But here too rents have risen far faster than salaries in recent years. Here are the key figures. It is part of the Porto guide; see also working in Portugal and the cost of living.
Salaries and jobs
Portuguese salaries remain among the lowest in western Europe: the 2026 minimum wage is 920 euros gross a month over 14 payments, and national average gross pay in 2025 was about 1,700 euros a month. Porto and the north have a different economy from Lisbon: more industry (textiles, footwear, cork, furniture, metalworking), Leixões port, wine, tourism and a fast-growing tech sector, with many software companies and international service centres. Porto's universities and engineering school train many sought-after professionals. Tourism and hospitality offer many jobs, but often with pay close to the minimum.
Housing
In September 2025 the average asking rent in the city of Porto was 18.1 euros per square metre, below Lisbon but well above the national average, and rising. A 60-square-metre flat therefore costs around 1,100 euros a month: more than the minimum wage.
As in Lisbon, the growth of tourist lets in the historic centre, the arrival of foreigners and students and the shortage of new building have pushed prices up. Many young locals live with their parents until late or move to neighbouring municipalities such as Gaia, Matosinhos, Maia, Gondomar and Valongo, well connected by metro. A room in a shared flat often costs 350-550 euros a month.
Cost of living
| Item | Indicative price |
|---|---|
| Coffee (cimbalino) | 0.70-1 euro |
| Prato do dia | 9-12 euros |
| Francesinha | 10-14 euros |
| Small beer (fino) | 1.20-2 euros |
| Andante metropolitan pass | 40 euros a month |
| Municipal pass | 30 euros a month |
| Utilities for a one-bedroom flat | 80-130 euros a month |
Quality of life
Porto is a human-scale, safe city with a rich cultural life, good universities, quality hospitals and the ocean half an hour away by metro or tram. Its people are considered among the country's most hospitable. The weak points are rents, low salaries, rainy winters in often poorly insulated and heated homes, and slow bureaucracy.
Paperwork
- For stays over three months EU citizens request a registration certificate from the municipality; non-EU citizens need a visa or residence permit.
- The NIF, the tax number, is essential for renting, opening an account and signing contracts.
- The NISS, the social security number, is needed to work.
- Registering at a health centre gives access to the National Health Service.
Studying in Porto
The University of Porto is one of the country's largest and most prestigious, with well-known faculties of architecture, engineering, medicine and economics; there are also the Catholic University and several polytechnics. Porto is one of the favourite Erasmus destinations, for its low costs and welcoming atmosphere. See studying in Portugal and Italians in Portugal.