Rent affordability guide · PT
Cost of living in Lisbon: salary and rent guide
Typical 1-bedroom rent in Lisbon ranges from €950 to €2,900/month. To live comfortably here you generally need at least €66,000/year.
Rent distribution in Lisbon
€950
Budget
cheapest 10%
€1,650
Median
most common
€2,900
Premium
top 10%
These figures are for a 1-bedroom apartment equivalent in Lisbon. Prices vary significantly by neighbourhood.
What salary do you need?
How locals spend in Lisbon
Renters in Lisbon typically spend 32–62% of their gross income on rent.
Source: INE Portugal + Confidencial Imobiliário rental index 2023 — income data limited · 2023
Rental market overview
Lisbon transformed from one of Europe's most affordable capitals to one of its fastest-rising in under a decade. Driven by golden visa investment, digital nomad influx, and insufficient new housing supply, rents have increased 50–80% since 2017. The government abolished the golden visa programme in 2023, which may gradually reduce speculative demand.
Lisbon attracts remote workers and entrepreneurs from across Europe and North America, drawn by warm climate, lifestyle, and relatively low costs compared to western European capitals — though the gap has narrowed considerably.
Renter tip
Mouraria, Intendente, and the northern half of Alameda are Lisbon's best-value walkable neighbourhoods. The Odivelas and Loures suburbs offer the most affordable rents with Metro access.
Neighbourhood guide
Budget areas
Mid-range areas
Premium areas
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Frequently asked questions
Is Lisbon still affordable for expats?
Less so than five years ago — rents have risen sharply. Expats earning northern European or US salaries still find Lisbon very affordable; those earning local Portuguese salaries (median ~€1,200/month net) face severe housing cost burdens.
What is the average rent in Lisbon?
A 1-bedroom in Lisbon averages €1,100–€1,600/month in 2023. Central historic neighbourhoods (Chiado, Príncipe Real) run €1,500–€2,500, while outer areas with Metro access start around €750.
Are there rent controls in Portugal?
Portugal introduced emergency rent controls for existing tenancies in 2023, capping increases at 2% annually. New tenancies remain market-rate. Long-term landlord-tenant contracts under the older Regime do Arrendamento Urbano may have different terms.