Moving to Porto - cost of living?

[lfsalinas]

I am researching the cost of living in Porto city. I and my wife, with a four years old girl, would be relocating to Porto city in April 2020 and would like to know if a Monthly income around 1500 Euros is enough for us to have a decent lifestyle at Porto city. Also, What neighborhoods do you recommend? We're ok if we can't live near downtown.

[Tiago_Neves]

I assume you will be looking for a 2 rooms apartment. House prices have sky rocketed in the last year or 2, so now a 2 rooms apartment near downtown will cost you 1000. A family of 3 with that income is not very much... A couple both earning the minimum wage get 1200 per month so you can't ask for a good life style. I would suggest locations outside the city like Gaia, Maia, Valongo, Vila do Conde, Gondomar, Paredes, Penafiel. You can look them up in the map to see the distances to downtown. Some of them have good public transportation to the city center like metro and train. Do you already have an idea where will you be working? Maybe that can help you choose a location to live.

[lfsalinas]

Hi Tiago!, I'll be working in the downtown of Porto, the idea is to look in those locations that you suggested. Living there, Do you think that monthly income should work? Thank you for your comments.

[Tiago_Neves]

I did a quick search for 2 bedroom apartments in the surroundings and you should be able to find one for 700 a month. Water, light, gas, internet and tv should cost you a bit over 100. Groceries would be around 400. Summing other expenses like mobile, transportation, etc, you won't have a lot left by the end of the month... You can definitely make it, just don't expect any luxuries

[lfsalinas]

Thanks for your support Tiago!