Western Algarve, Portugal
The Picturesque 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)
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | 3% to 4% | It’s difficult to get a mortgage unless you deposit comparable funds in a Portuguese bank account. |
| HOA Fees | €67 to €100 | This can range from €0 to €100 depending on the unit size and value as well as property amenities. |
| Property Taxes | €42 | About €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 | €63 | New cars range from €14,000 and up. Extensive coverage car insurance ranges from €350 per year and up. |
| Gas | €50 | Using a water heater. |
| Electricity | €100 | With 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 €30 | Including water, sewage, garbage collection, and community landscaping provided by Tavira Verde. |
| Cell Phone | €35 | |
| Internet | €55 | Package with internet and cable TV. |
| Cable TV | – | Included in internet fee. |
| Household Help | €300 | Two five-hour visits, twice a week monthly. The standard rate is €7.50 per hour. |
| Entertainment | €398 | Eating 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 | €50 | Rolling membership at Hitio Gym or pilates classes twice a week. |
| Medical Appointment | €4.50 to €75 | Basic 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 |
Apartment Or House Rental Budget (For A Couple)
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | €470 to €800 | One-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 | €63 | New cars range from €14,000 and up. Extensive coverage car insurance ranges from €350 per year and up. |
| Gas | €50 | Using a water heater. |
| Electricity | €100 | With 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 €30 | Including water, sewage, garbage collection, and community landscaping provided by Tavira Verde. |
| Cell Phone | €35 | |
| Internet | €55 | Package with internet and cable TV. |
| Cable TV | – | Included in internet fee. |
| Household Help | €300 | For bi-monthly, four-hour visits. The standard rate is €7 per hour. |
| Entertainment | €398 | Eating 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 | €50 | Rolling membership at Hitio Gym or pilates classes twice a week. |
| Medical Appointment | €4.50 to €75 | Cost 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
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | €400 | Cheapest part of town; basic one-bedroom rental. |
| Transportation | €40 | Bus ticket: €4 to €5; monthly pass: €40. |
| Gas | €35 to €40 | For cooking and hot water. |
| Electricity | €65 | More if using heating or air conditioning. |
| Water | €27 to €30 | Including washing machine use. |
| Cell Phone | €7.99 | Cell phone service for one phone with a pre-existing number with MEO. |
| Internet | €78 | TVMucho annual subscription; Wi-Fi but no cable; internet TV only. |
| Cable TV | – | |
| Entertainment | €204 | Two “prato do dia” lunches for two per week; walking in the park or beach is free. |
| Groceries | €70 | All 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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