Braga is becoming an increasingly popular relocation destination for expats from all over the world. The oldest city in Portugal, Braga is located in the north of Portugal and is known as the “Rome of Portugal” due to its abundance of churches and astonishing architecture.
But is it expensive to live in Braga? Braga’s cost of living is relatively lower than other Portuguese cities like Lisbon. Consumer prices are around 16% lower than in Lisbon, and rent is almost 50% lower.
If you’re considering Braga as a permanent or temporary home, let’s take a look at the average monthly budget for expats without children, families, and digital nomads.
Guide to Braga
Cost of Living in Braga for an Expat
The monthly budget for an expat in Braga is at least €1090.
A one-bedroom apartment costs around €590 in the city center. However, you can save by renting outside the city center for around €445.
A monthly transportation pass is around €30 or less. You can also get a train to many cities from Faro, such as Lisbon and Porto.
Utilities cost around €130, including phone data and cable TV.
For exploring Braga, eating out at your favorite restaurants, and exploring the nightlife, budget around €160 a month. You can easily spend less or more, depending on your lifestyle.
Groceries for a single person average out at around €45 a week.
Health care could add to your monthly budget in Braga. EU citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card can use the National Health Service (SNS) for free for up to 90 days in Portugal. This allows them time to get registered as legal residents to continue using the public health system.
However, non-EU citizens are only entitled to use the public health system if they are employed and pay social security in Portugal, having to be registered as legal residents as well.
Even if this is the case, they must purchase private health insurance to cover medical care before arriving in Portugal and becoming a legal resident.
Cost of Living in Braga for a Digital Nomad
The cost of living in Braga for a digital nomad is at least €1140 a month.
If you are looking to stay at a private Airbnb, this could almost triple your budget as it will cost around €2000 a month.
A shared room in a hostel starts at around €20 a night, and a private room is around €40 a night.
Renting a desk at a co-working place in Braga can cost around €150 a month. Transportation costs around €30. There are plenty of buses in the city and a train station connecting you to other main Portuguese cities.
Budget at least €200 for leisure such as eating out, nightlife, and trips to nearby cities and villages.
Food can easily max out your monthly budget. If you want to save and have a kitchen at your disposal, a weekly shop shouldn’t cost more than €40.
However, if you plan to eat out, an affordable meal is around €10 nowadays.
Cost of Living in Braga for a Family of Four
Living with Braga with kids is a lot more affordable than in another European cities. Expect to spend at least €2035 a month for a family of four in Faro. This amount can be a lot higher depending on your kids’ education and healthcare.
A three-bedroom apartment in Faro will set you back around €916. However, prices can go up to €1000 or more, depending on the apartment type and amenities.
Budget around €150 a month for monthly transport passes. However, it is definitely more convenient for a family of four to own a car and drive. Fuel will cost you anywhere between €150 and €250 a month.
Utilities cost around €160 and include electricity, heating, water, etc. However, this can be much higher in the winter or depending on your family’s consumption.
Groceries for a family of four in Braga should cost around €125 to €150 a week, so budget at least €500 a month.
If you need to purchase health insurance for the whole family, this will cost you at least €200 a month.
However, you might be eligible to use access to healthcare for free. EU citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card can use the National Health Service (SNS) for free for up to 90 days in Portugal. After becoming legal residents, they can continue to use the SNS.
However, non-EU citizens are only entitled to use the public health system if they are employed and pay social security in Portugal, having to be registered as legal residents as well.
If you want your kids to attend a private school, this will cost you. While public schools are free, private international schools can cost between €6,000 and €20,000 a year. You could pay around €2000 a month for two kids just for education.
