Cost of Living in Setubal - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,668 per month with rent, or $658 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $2,390 per month with rent, or $1,251 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $3,113 per month with rent, or $1,843 without housing.

Overall, Setubal is 10–24% above the global median across household types. Within Europe, costs are close to average – just 6% lower.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$11.37 €9.78
$6.27 €5.39
$13.65 €11.74
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$46.04 €39.60
$34.53 €29.70
$69.1 €59.4
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.98 €7.73
$7.86 €6.76
$10.11 €8.70
Cappuccino
$2.00 €1.72
$1.18 €1.01
$3.53 €3.03
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.75 €1.51
$1.17 €1.00
$2.33 €2.00
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.28 €1.10
$1.19 €1.02
$1.78 €1.53
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.37 €2.04
$1.79 €1.54
$4.16 €3.58
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.57 €3.07
$2.38 €2.05
$4.77 €4.10
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.06 €0.91
$0.88 €0.76
$2.27 €1.95
White Bread (500g)
$1.77 €1.52
$1.06 €0.91
$3.36 €2.89
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.92 €1.65
$1.28 €1.10
$2.57 €2.21
Eggs
$3.01 €2.59
$2.47 €2.12
$4.13 €3.55
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.27 €9.70
$9.09 €7.82
$23.04 €19.82
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.98 €6.86
$4.70 €4.05
$9.41 €8.09
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$14.08 €12.11
$11.59 €9.97
$27.83 €23.94
Apples (1kg)
$2.57 €2.21
$1.87 €1.61
$3.53 €3.04
Banana (1kg)
$1.51 €1.30
$1.29 €1.11
$2.95 €2.54
Oranges (1kg)
$1.76 €1.52
$1.64 €1.41
$2.34 €2.02
Tomato (1kg)
$2.99 €2.58
$2.34 €2.02
$5.99 €5.15
Potato (1kg)
$1.31 €1.13
$0.68 €0.58
$4.53 €3.90
Onion (1kg)
$1.80 €1.55
$1.12 €0.96
$3.38 €2.91
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.60 €1.38
$0.69 €0.59
$2.34 €2.02
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.88 €0.76
$0.36 €0.31
$2.01 €1.73
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$6.20 €5.33
$6.08 €5.23
$8.34 €7.18
Wine (Bottle)
$4.68 €4.03
$3.52 €3.02
$5.86 €5.04
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.09 €0.93
$0.56 €0.48
$2.24 €1.93
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.70 €2.32
$1.32 €1.13
$4.70 €4.04
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$4.29 €3.69
$1.41 €1.22
$4.96 €4.27
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$47.11 €40.52
$47.11 €40.52
$47.11 €40.52
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.68 €3.16
$3.39 €2.92
$4.53 €3.89
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.03 €0.89
$1.03 €0.89
$1.03 €0.89
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$14.54 €12.51
$5.82 €5.00
$23.26 €20.01
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.97 €1.70
$1.94 €1.67
$2.26 €1.94
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$38.8K €33.4K
$36.5K €31.4K
$41.2K €35.4K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$39.9K €34.3K
$39.9K €34.3K
$39.9K €34.3K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$102 €87.7
$74.5 €64.1
$229 €197
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$21.19 €18.23
$14.96 €12.87
$27.62 €23.76
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$41.62 €35.80
$31.46 €27.07
$57.2 €49.21
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$31.03 €26.69
$29.15 €25.08
$32.54 €27.99
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$16.35 €14.06
-
Cinema Ticket
$7.97 €6.85
$7.97 €6.85
$8.54 €7.34
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$350 €301
$350 €301
$350 €301
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$7,286 €6,268
$4,602 €3,959
$11.5K €9,896
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$69.6 €59.8
$28.98 €24.93
$139 €120
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$33.84 €29.11
$28.43 €24.46
$45.49 €39.13
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$71.2 €61.2
$63.5 €54.6
$138 €119
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$99.0 €85.2
$99.0 €85.2
$175 €150
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$957 €823
$750 €645
$1,269 €1,091
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$829 €713
$642 €552
$1,051 €904
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,381 €1,188
$986 €849
$2,553 €2,196
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,144 €984
$916 €788
$1,634 €1,406
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$4,333 €3,727
$4,252 €3,658
$4,494 €3,866
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,441 €2,100
$2,112 €1,816
$3,100 €2,666
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,343 €1,156
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
5.01
3.4
10

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: June 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $957, dropping to $829 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 71% of the average salary ($1,343) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $1,343 – below monthly costs of $1,668. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $253 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $46.00 – well below the European average of $75.0.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $47.11 – roughly in line with the European average of $48.00.

Cost Highlights

Setubal is more expensive than 55% globally but cheaper than 54% within Europe.

Setubal Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

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Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

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Latency
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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Setubal - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the overall affordability of Setubal compare for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Setubal strikes a balance between coastal charm and practical costs. Depending on your lifestyle, you can enjoy a modest budget with affordable eats and simple accommodations, while upscale options exist nearby. The Cost of Living in Setubal, Portugal tends to be friendlier than major hubs like Lisbon, particularly for rent and daily groceries, though service charges and seasonal demand can shift monthly costs. Expect neighborhood variety from old-town apartments near the marina to newer flats inland. For nomads, pick a micro-neighborhood with reliable fiber and easy transit. Tip: Start with a short-term stay to calibrate your budgeting before committing long-term.
What does daily life look like in Setubal for housing, food, transport, coworking, errands?
You’ll find daily life in Setubal approachable and practical. Housing search tends to reward location: harbor-adjacent flats are convenient but pricier, while inland blocks offer more space for similar rents. Food options include cooperative markets, fresh seafood, and casual cafés, letting you keep meals affordable without sacrificing flavor. For transport, a combination of trains to Lisbon, buses, bikes, and walking keeps costs predictable. Coworking spaces are sprinkled around the center and waterfront for flexible workdays. Errands are simple with good local shops and a friendly neighborhood feel. Setubal, Portugal living cost is typically balanced, with value leaning toward long-term stays. Tip: Build a short-term schedule to test neighborhoods.
What factors affect your quality of life in Setubal, and how can you plan a seasonally aware budget while finding a good neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Setubal appeals to those who want a coastal vibe with practical expenses. Create a simple budgeting framework: fixed housing, flexible food, transport. Emphasize off-season travel and planning ahead for summer tourist season to lock in lower rates for accommodations. Neighborhood fit: the historic center for easy access to dining and culture; hillside zones for quieter mornings; near the port for sea breeze. Local options for groceries and prepared meals allow you to adjust daily spend. For longer stays, connect with a local community or coworking group to learn about discounts and seasonal deals. Tip: use a simple budgeting framework and plan ahead to stretch your budget.
Is rent in Setubal too high relative to local incomes?
Housing in Setubal takes a heavy bite – about 71% of a typical income, which is above the 30% international benchmark. That squeezes the budget for everything else and is one of the main pain points for residents here.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Setubal?
All in, Setubal runs about $1,668 monthly with rent, or $658 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.
Does the average salary in Setubal cover rent and expenses?
At $1,343 per month, the average salary in Setubal falls short of the $2,502 needed for truly comfortable living. Most people bridge the gap by sharing housing, relying on a second income, or cutting back on extras. Basic needs are covered, but consistent saving takes real discipline.
Are apartments reasonably priced in Setubal?
Rent in Setubal is middle-of-the-road – 1-bedroom apartments fall between $829 and $957 per month. Not cheap, not outrageous, with reasonable options across most neighborhoods.
How expensive is preschool in Setubal per month?
Private kindergarten in Setubal costs about $350 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Setubal?
Expect to pay about $31.03 per month for a gym in Setubal – on par with the regional average. That typically gets you weights, cardio machines, and group classes. Boutique studios, yoga centers, and personal trainers charge extra.
Does $3,000 cover living expenses in Setubal?
$3,000 is below the $1,668 average in Setubal, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
Why do digital nomads choose Setubal?
Setubal has become a go-to for digital nomads thanks to fast internet, low crime rates, coastal lifestyle. At around $1,668 monthly all-in, the value is strong for the infrastructure and lifestyle you get. Coworking spaces, solid internet, and a growing international crowd make remote work here both productive and social.
Is Setubal affordable for the average person?
Setubal is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,668, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

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