Portugal is one of the best European countries to visit and one of the most affordable.
The country offers a range of fascinating sites, including beaches, food, cities, and culture.
Although cheap is relative, be sure you will find something that fits your budget.
Generally – You can get a place to stay for as low as $21.08 (€20). Additionally, food is also cheap. There are certain places where you will find sumptuous dinners for as low as $15.81 (€15).
Transport between cities is also affordable. Again, it all depends on the means of transportation you choose.
Is Portugal A Cheap Destination To Travel To?
If you are on a budget and thinking of which Western Europe country to visit, Portugal should be the place.
Portugal has cheap accommodation, transport, and food.
However, it all depends on how well you are versed in the country:
- If you want to enjoy Portugal and remain on a budget, ensure that you book accommodation in advance.
- Secondly, make sure to travel like a local and not like a tourist.
- Thirdly, before traveling, ensure that you research and understand the various option available for accommodation, transport, and eateries.
The key to making your Portugal visit inexpensive is acting like a local one, including using public transport, eating at local cafes, and shopping at the local markets.
Additionally, traveling to Portugal is based on your budget, duration of stay, and tour package.
For Budget Travel – The season is also a factor. For instance, flights might be expensive for those traveling during the summer season compared to other seasons.
The other tip is to choose cheaper destinations that still offer the same experience as those considered tourists’ favorites.
For example, you can visit Porto as a substitute for Algarve.
How Much Does An Average Trip To Portugal Cost?
The price of your trip will largely be determined by how you are traveling.
Are you going on a solo trip, a couple’s trip, or a family vacation?
Flight charges may vary depending on where you are traveling from and your final destination.
How much do air tickets cost?
Depending on the season and time of booking, it will cost a solo traveler between $398 (€377.61) and $1,031 (€978.18) to fly economy.
For a Couple – Flight charges are between $796 (€755.22) and $2,062 (€1956.36), and a family of four will have to part with between $1,591 (€1509.49) and $4,124 (€3912.71) for an economy flight.
Flights from the United States to Portugal are more during July, August, and September.
However, they are cheap in January, February, and March.
During High seasons, airlines increase flight charges by an average of 39% and reduce them by an average of 32% during low seasons.
For example, a one-way ticket from New York (JF Kennedy airport) to Lisbon (Humberto Delgado) will cost around $377 (€357.69) during low season and $1,203 (€1,141.37) during peak season.
How to find a cheap flight to Portugal?
Below are tips on how to find a cheap flight to Portugal:
- Ensure that you book early. The best time to book is 90 days before the departure date.
- Many airlines travel to Portugal; therefore, take time to go through all of them to get the one with the cheapest rates.
- In most cases, try and book morning flights as they are, on average cheaper than evening flights by a margin of around 15%.
- If not limited by time or other commitments, try to avoid high seasons.
How Much Is Accommodation In Portugal?
Accommodation is a crucial component when planning any visit and takes a considerable share of the total travel budget.
Accommodation charges depend on several factors, including the location of where you are staying, the restaurant’s class, and the room’s nature.
The other aspect is the season you plan to visit. During the high season, it will be higher compared to the low season.
During Low Season – Accommodation at the hostel dormitory ranges between $16 (€15.81) and $21 (€19.92) a night per person. For 2 or 3-star hotels in Lisbon, a double room bed costs around $64 (€60.72) per night.
However, a similar room located outside the city is cheaper.
For example, hotels in rural areas a relatively more affordable, with prices ranging between $27 (€25.62) and $32 (€30.36) a night.
Nonetheless, if your budget allows, you can book a room in the available high-end hotels charging around $85 (€80.65) a night.
Similar hotels in rural areas or regions that are not popular with tourists are cheaper, charging about $53 (€50.28) a night.
For those traveling as a family, hotel accommodation might be costly.
Therefore, it is advisable to consider renting an apartment through an online platform such as Airbnb.
Try to avoid inconveniences and high costs, try and book early, especially if you are traveling during the summer months.
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Is Transportation Around Portugal Expensive?
Transportation cost around Portugal is reasonably priced compared to other Western Europe countries.
Some Portugal cities are small, and you can explore them on foot.
If you are touring Lisbon, it is easy to explore the city on foot in case you are staying in the town.
However, you can use public transport such as Metro services if you reside outside the city.
For example, Lisbon has a metro system that is reasonably charged, and a single ticket costs around $2 (€1.90).
However, purchasing a travel card, commonly referred to as a Viagem card, is highly recommended if you want to visit several places within the city.
The card costs around 50 cents and is occasionally topped up if the need arises.
When you use the card, the travel cost for a single trip reduces to about $1.5.
Keep In Mind – Rather than having a single card across the country, different cities have different cards. Therefore, it is vital to understand them and learn about their terms and conditions—some charge unlimited access to the metro services for 24 hours.
For inter-cities transportation, the cheapest mode of transportation is the train.
The cost of the tickets flactuates depending on booking time and promotional offers. For example, same-day booking from Lisbon to Porto will cost around $27 (€25.62).
However, booking early or using promotional tickets may decrease the cost by around 50%.
On the other hand, children with the required travel card and adults above 65 years are charged less than the different age sets.
We recommend investing in Eurail Portugal Pass, especially if you plan to travel across several parts of Portugal.
The pass provides unlimited use of the train services for a given number of days.
There are also bus companies that connect different cities.
Lastly, you can opt to hire a rental car.
However, rentals can be costly mainly due to other factors associated with a rental, including:
- Actual renting costs
- Tolls and parking fees
- Fuel
- Other risks such as accidents that will require footing repair charges.
How Much Does Food Cost?
In comparison to other Western Europe countries, Portugal’s food and drinks are reasonably priced.
In contrast to the United States, Portugal’s cost of living is 40% cheaper.
However, food prices vary depending on where you are residing or your choice of eateries.
Food is expensive for those residing in urban cities such as Lisbon or Porto compared to eateries food in village towns such as Douro Valley.
In Lisbon or Porto, a three-course meal for two people costs around $40 (€37.95) in a 2 or 3-star hotel.
A similar course meal in other countries such as Spain and France will be higher by more than $10.
However, if on a tight budget, ensure you eat in areas where locals eat, such as food courts, renowned food chains, or restaurants famed for local cuisines.
In such places, you are sure to get great meals, mingle with the locals and learn more about the culture of Portuguese. A full meal costs around $8 (€7.59).
To get the best deal on food, try and engage a local who will guide you to the most affordable cafes and restaurants.
They are usually located on the outskirts of the city.
Another Tip – Water is provided for free. Therefore, do not buy bottled water at restaurants because a glass of water will be provided for free if you ask.
What To Do On A Budget While In Portugal?
In Portugal, most activities can be accessed for free or at a small fee.
For example, with less than $10, you can visit either of the following:
- Padrão dos Descobrimentos
- Belém Tower
- Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
- Castelo de São Jorge castle
- Elevador de Santa Justa
Other things you can do include;
- Walk Tours: You can opt to visit several walking tours to understand the Portuguese people’s diverse culture and local cuisine. However, I recommend seeking the services of a local guide.
- River Cruises: River cruises are charged depending on the time. For a 50 minutes tour, you will have to pay around $16, including a guide. The guide will give you commentary on the various iconic structures and features around the river. However, you can still opt for a public ferry which is much cheaper.
- Go to the beach: The beach is another option if your budget is limited. Portugal has excellent beaches with cheap entry fees. For example, Algarve was voted the most affordable beach holiday destination in Western Europe. Although Lisbon has the best beaches with fascinating weather and sights, for a budget traveler then, I recommend Porto.
- Experience Portuguese wine: If you are a wine lover, then make sure to visit the Douro Valley, home to the best vineyards in Portugal.
- Enjoy Portugal`s nightlife: Portugal’s nightlife is something you cannot leave without tasting. Prices of beer, wine, or cocktails vary depending on where you purchase them. For example, local beer costs around $3 in city restaurants and approximately $1.2 at supermarkets. In bars targeting local markets, alcohol prices are relatively lower. Furthermore, the best experience is commonly found in areas frequented by the locals, so why not try them?
- Be classy and go for an Opera: For opera lovers, there are several theatres in the city with prices ranging between $11 and $78, depending on the choice of theatre activity.
Final Thoughts
Portugal is the least expensive tourist destination in Western Europe.
However, this is dependent on individual preferences. In summary, accommodation for a single person per night will range between $22 and $43, depending on where you choose to lodge.
Secondly, transportation will cost between $7 and $22 return journey per day, depending on the mode of transportation.
For meals, in major cities, it will cost less than $40 for two in 2 or 3-star hotels and much less in eateries targeting locals.
On the other hand, for 3 beers budget will range between $4 and $11, depending on where you are purchasing them.
On average, you will enjoy your Portugal vacation with a total of $120 per day.
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