Having visited Braga a few times now, I’ve come to learn that the cost of living may not be as cheap as of Mexico or say, living in Asia. But it’s definitely less expensive than Florida, where I’ve been living, as well as most of America from my experience. There are basic things like the actual cost of goods and services which tend to be less, but also small things like cocktails tend to be significantly cheaper and tipping is minimal, if at all.
Equally, Braga is still a small town, comparatively. Yes, it’s the third largest city but in all honesty, the third largest place folks move to in Portugal is a collection of cities known as the Algarve. Braga would be a distant 4th, in my opinion.
Yet that doesn’t hold back the city from it’s vibrant culture and truly impressive restaurant scene. During my visits, I’ve been setting up our flat, establishing utilities, hiring help, buying groceries, eating out, etc, etc.
Using various resources, I’ve navigated a look at the average cost of living according to reports, including splurges. I would say this is an accurate look though some items, such as healthcare, I have yet to experience, which is why I am verifying sources. Please let me know what you’re experience has been if you’re a local.
Housing Costs in Braga
| Type of Housing | Average Monthly Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment, city center | €650 – €800 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside center | €500 – €650 |
| 3-bedroom apartment, city center | €1,000 – €1,400 |
| 3-bedroom apartment, outside center | €850 – €1,200 |
- Tip: Renting outside the city center can save you 20-30%.
- Note: Short-term rentals (Airbnb-style) tend to be more expensive, especially during peak seasons.
🔹 Source: Idealista – Braga Rentals
Utility Costs
| Utility Type | Average Monthly Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage (85m2 apartment) | €100 – €150 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More) | €25 – €40 |
| Mobile Phone Plan | €10 – €20 |
Utilities are relatively affordable, but heating costs can spike during the winter months due to Braga’s cooler climate compared to southern Portugal.
🔹 Source: PORDATA – Utilities Pricing
Food and Grocery Costs
| Item | Average Price (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 liter) | €0.90 |
| Bread (loaf) | €1.20 |
| Rice (1 kg) | €1.00 |
| Eggs (12) | €2.30 |
| Chicken Breast (1 kg) | €6.00 |
| Wine (mid-range bottle) | €4.00 |
| Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant | €10 – €15 |
Farmers’ markets offer fresh produce at even lower prices, and eating out is generally affordable compared to other Western European cities.
🔹 Source: Numbeo – Cost of Living in Braga and Mercado Municipal de Braga
Transportation Costs
| Mode of Transport | Average Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Public Transport Monthly Pass | €30 – €40 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | €3.50 |
| Taxi per km (Normal Tariff) | €1.00 |
| Gasoline (per liter) | €1.80 – €2.00 |
Braga has a good public bus system, and many areas are walkable. If you plan to drive, be aware that parking in the city center can be tricky.
🔹 Source: Transportes Urbanos de Braga
Healthcare and Insurance Costs
Portugal’s public healthcare system (SNS) is available to residents, but many expats choose private healthcare for quicker service.
| Healthcare Item | Average Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Private Health Insurance (per month) | €30 – €100 |
| GP Visit (private) | €40 – €70 |
| Specialist Visit (private) | €70 – €100 |
🔹 Source: SNS – Portuguese Healthcare
Entertainment and Leisure Costs
| Activity | Average Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Gym Membership (Monthly) | €25 – €50 |
| Cinema Ticket | €7 – €10 |
| Museum Entry | €5 – €10 |
| Night Out (Dinner + Drinks for Two) | €40 – €70 |
Braga offers plenty of low-cost leisure activities, from exploring ancient churches and gardens to enjoying a night out in one of the city’s lively squares.
🔹 Source: Visit Braga
Monthly Cost Estimate for Living in Braga
To give you a clearer idea, here’s a rough monthly cost breakdown for a single person living in Braga in 2025:
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom, city center) | €700 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet) | €130 |
| Groceries | €250 |
| Transportation (Public Transport Pass) | €35 |
| Health Insurance (Private) | €50 |
| Entertainment and Leisure | €100 |
| Dining Out | €100 |
| Miscellaneous (gym, shopping, etc.) | €100 |
| Total Estimated Monthly Cost | €1,365 |
Splurges and Luxuries:
- Fine Dining: A meal at a top-tier restaurant can cost €40-€80 per person.
- Weekend Getaways: A short trip to nearby cities like Porto or Guimarães might cost €100-€200.
- Cultural Events: Tickets to concerts, theater, and special events range from €20-€70.
- Spa Days: A spa treatment session can cost around €50-€100.
With occasional splurges, you might add an extra €200-€400 monthly depending on your lifestyle preferences.
Final Thoughts: Is Braga Affordable for Expats?
In 2025, Braga continues to offer a highly affordable and attractive lifestyle for expats, retirees, and long-term visitors. With smart budgeting, a comfortable life is easily achievable—allowing you to enjoy everything this beautiful city has to offer.
