Portugal’s rental market continues to soar. However, there are still plenty of affordable options if you are willing to move further away from big cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and their suburbs. While it may seem hard to believe, monthly rents can dip as low as 250 euros in the countryside.
Recent data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) published in late March 2025 paints a revealing picture of the tale of two Portugals: the city vs. the countryside. Of the 308 municipalities across the country, 212 provided rental data for 2024. Surprisingly, only 42 of these municipalities reported rental prices above the national average of 7.97 euros per square meter.
This data confirms what many Portuguese families have already discovered – the majority of municipalities in Portugal offer housing well below the national average price point. Essentially, significant opportunities are available for those willing to look beyond the typical expat and tourist hotspots.
Understanding the Data
The rental figures presented below are based on INE data collected from new rental contracts signed throughout 2024. These prices represent the average cost per square meter in each municipality for the last 12 months ending in the second half of 2024.
It is worth noting that these remarkably low prices are typically found in areas with lower population density and fewer economic opportunities compared to coastal regions and major cities. However, for remote workers, retirees, or those seeking a more traditional lifestyle, these locations offer exceptional value.
Where Is the Affordable Housing?
The search for Portugal’s most affordable rental properties leads us inland. The districts of Bragança, Vila Real, Viseu, and Portalegre are the areas that currently have the most economical housing options in the country.
These inland regions, which are often overlooked by foreign residents and visitors focused on Portugal’s coastal areas, offer comfortable apartments at a fraction of the cost found in larger cities.
The 10 Most Affordable Municipalities
1. Vila Flor (Bragança District) – 2.50 euros/m²
Claiming the title of Portugal’s most affordable rental market is Vila Flor, which is located in the northeastern Bragança district. With an average rental price of just 2.50 euros per square meter, a spacious 100-square-meter home here would cost approximately 250 euros monthly – a striking contrast to urban rates.
This municipality, known for its olive oil production and historic architecture, offers an authentic Portuguese lifestyle at remarkably low costs.
2. Vila Nova de Foz Côa (Guarda District) – 2.57 euros/m²
Coming in second place is Vila Nova de Foz Côa in the Guarda district, with average rental costs of 2.57 euros per square meter. A 100-square-meter property would rent for approximately 257 euros monthly.
Vila Nova de Foz Côa is famous for its prehistoric rock art and vineyards in the Douro Valley.
3. Mirandela (Bragança District) – 2.78 euros/m²
Mirandela, another gem in the Bragança district, ranks third with rental prices that average 2.78 euros per square meter. A 100-square-meter home here would cost around 278 euros monthly. Known for its impressive Roman bridge and delicious alheira sausage, Mirandela has a blend of history, gastronomy, and affordable housing.
4. Sátão (Viseu District) – 2.79 euros/m²
In the Viseu district, Sátão is the fourth most affordable municipality with average rental costs of 2.79 euros per square meter. This translates to approximately 279 euros monthly for a 100-square-meter home. Nestled in the foothills of the Serra da Estrela mountains, Sátão has easy access to stunning natural scenery.
5. Miranda do Douro (Bragança District) – 2.97 euros/m²
Tying for fifth place is Miranda do Douro in the Bragança district, with average rental prices of 2.97 euros per square meter. A 100-square-meter property here would cost approximately 297 euros monthly.
This border town has retained its unique culture, language (Mirandese), and traditions.
6. Campo Maior (Portalegre District) – 2.97 euros/m²
Sharing fifth place with identical rental rates is Campo Maior in the Portalegre district. Located near the Spanish border in the Alentejo region, this municipality is known for its coffee production and flower festivals.
A 100-square-meter home would cost approximately 297 euros monthly.
7. Gouveia (Guarda District) – 2.99 euros/m²
The seventh most affordable municipality is Gouveia in the Guarda district. Rental prices of 2.99 euros per square meter mean that a 100-square-meter home equates to 299 euros a month.
Positioned at the foot of Portugal’s highest mountain range, Serra da Estrela, Gouveia provides spectacular natural surroundings at bargain rental prices.
8. Moimenta da Beira (Viseu District) – 3.03 euros/m²
Just crossing the 300-euro threshold is Moimenta da Beira in the Viseu district, with average rental prices of 3.03 euros per square meter. A 100-square-meter property here would cost approximately 303 euros monthly.
You can enjoy affordable apples year round here, as Moimenta da Beira is famous for its apple production.
9. Macedo de Cavaleiros (Bragança District) – 3.07 euros/m²
The ninth position belongs to Macedo de Cavaleiros in the Bragança district with average rental costs of 3.07 euros per square meter. This equates to a 100-square-meter home renting out for around 307 euros monthly. Home to the Azibo Reservoir Nature Reserve, living in this municipality means remarkable natural beauty along with budget-friendly housing.
10. Valpaços (Vila Real District) – 3.08 euros/m²
Rounding out the top ten is Valpaços in the Vila Real district, with average rental prices of 3.08 euros per square meter. A 100-square-meter home here would cost approximately 308 euros monthly. Valpaços provides an affordable alternative with access to both natural resources and traditional Portuguese culture. It is also known for its chestnut production and thermal hot springs.
Conclusion
While Portugal’s rental market has gained a reputation for rising costs in recent years, this phenomenon is largely concentrated in specific areas – primarily Lisbon, Porto, and popular coastal destinations. The data clearly shows that there is affordable housing throughout the interior part of the country.
If you’re willing to embrace life away from the bigger cities, these inland municipalities give tenants a chance to save and also experience authentic Portuguese culture, stunning natural landscapes, and a slower pace of life. With monthly rents for spacious homes available for under 300 euros in many locations, Portugal’s interior remains one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for affordable living.
