Western Algarve, Portugal

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The Picturesque Western Algarve

Reviewed by Lief Simon

Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.

Alentejo Natural Park on Western Algarve

The Cost Of Living In The Western Algarve, Portugal

Life in Portugal is a different adventure depending on where you want to settle.

Apartment Or House Ownership Budget (For A Couple)

ExpenseMonthly CostsNotes
Mortgage3% to 4%It’s difficult to get a mortgage unless you deposit comparable funds in a Portuguese bank account.
HOA Fees€67 to €100This can range from €0 to €100 depending on the unit size and value as well as property amenities.
Property Taxes€42About €450 annually. If you purchase a small unit, the value of that unit may qualify for a special program that waives property taxes for the first three years of ownership. Ask your real estate lawyer if you qualify.
Transportation€63New cars range from €14,000 and up. Extensive coverage car insurance ranges from €350 per year and up.
Gas€50Using a water heater.
Electricity€100With heating and air conditioning in each room, plus costs for appliance-use and cooking. These figures are based on a 125-square-meter, ground-floor, condo apartment built in 2007 with a B+ energy rating. Heating and air conditioning costs will be affected by your energy rating.
Water€27 to €30Including water, sewage, garbage collection, and community landscaping provided by Tavira Verde.
Cell Phone€35
Internet€55Package with internet and cable TV.
Cable TVIncluded in internet fee.
Household Help€300Two five-hour visits, twice a week monthly. The standard rate is €7.50 per hour.
Entertainment€398Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant: €40 per couple per meal out.
Local drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole: €20 (€1.50 for a beer; €2.50 for a glass of wine; €12 for a bottle of wine).
Movie theater trip twice a month: tickets €3.50 per person.
Groceries€320 to €400
Gym Membership€50Rolling membership at Hitio Gym or pilates classes twice a week.
Medical Appointment€4.50 to €75Basic clinic/GP visit using National Centro de Saude: €4.50 (€3.50 for prescription).
Private appointment without insurance: €50 to €70.
TOTAL€1,511.50 to €1,698

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Apartment Or House Rental Budget (For A Couple)

ExpenseMonthly CostsNotes
Rent€470 to €800One-bedroom, unfurnished apartment in the city center: €470.
Two-bedroom, unfurnished apartment in city center: €650.
Three-bedroom apartment in a modern urbanization (with a parking garage) in walking distance to downtown: €800.
Transportation€63New cars range from €14,000 and up. Extensive coverage car insurance ranges from €350 per year and up.
Gas€50Using a water heater.
Electricity€100With heating and air conditioning in each room, plus costs for appliance-use and cooking. These figures are based on a 125-square-meter, ground-floor, condo apartment built in 2007 with a B+ energy rating. Heating and air conditioning costs will be affected by your energy rating.
Water€27 to €30Including water, sewage, garbage collection, and community landscaping provided by Tavira Verde.
Cell Phone€35
Internet€55Package with internet and cable TV.
Cable TVIncluded in internet fee.
Household Help€300For bi-monthly, four-hour visits. The standard rate is €7 per hour.
Entertainment€398Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant: €40 per couple per meal out.
Local drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole: €20 (€1.50 for a beer; €2.50 for a glass of wine; €12 for a bottle of wine).
Movie theater trip twice a month: tickets €3.50 per person.
Groceries€320 to €400
Gym Membership€50Rolling membership at Hitio Gym or pilates classes twice a week.
Medical Appointment€4.50 to €75Cost for private GP and medical specialist visit at Taviclinica. Dental check-up/cleaning at Ecodenta is €60.
National Health System charges tax only on visits (€4) and basic tests (upwards from €10). However, no dental or specialist services are available at the local health center.
TOTAL€1,872.50 to €2,356

Penny-Pincher’s Budget (Bare Minimum Costs, For A Couple) In The Western Algarve

ExpenseMonthly CostsNotes
Rent€400Cheapest part of town; basic one-bedroom rental.
Transportation€40Bus ticket: €4 to €5; monthly pass: €40.
Gas€35 to €40For cooking and hot water.
Electricity€65More if using heating or air conditioning.
Water€27 to €30Including washing machine use.
Cell Phone€7.99Cell phone service for one phone with a pre-existing number with MEO.
Internet€78TVMucho annual subscription; Wi-Fi but no cable; internet TV only.
Cable TV
Entertainment€204Two “prato do dia” lunches for two per week; walking in the park or beach is free.
Groceries€70All local-brand items only, shopping at markets and grocery stores.
TOTAL€926.99 to €934.99

Click here for currency conversions at today’s exchange rates.

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