How much does it cost to live in Portugal versus what you earn: a 2025 guide for those looking to move

Many Brazilians dream of working in Portugal, but the essential question remains: is the money coming in enough to cover the money going out? The answer isn’t simple — it depends less on the gross number and more on how that income is distributed between actual expenses and mandatory deductions.

The current scenario: minimum wage in Portugal in 2025

Since the beginning of 2025, the Portuguese minimum wage on the mainland has reached €870 per month, marking a 6% increase compared to €820 in 2024. In the islands, the figures are slightly higher: Madeira offers €913.50 and the Azores, €915 per month.

This progression reflects a government strategy of gradual alignment with the European average, although Portugal still maintains one of the lowest minimum wages in the eurozone — a position that will persist until 2026 according to the scheduled plan.

Conversion to reais: understanding the real reach

For the Brazilian context, €870 is approximately R$5,584 at current exchange rates. At first glance, it seems like a substantial amount. However, this direct conversion can be misleading.

The nominal value three times higher than the Brazilian minimum wage (R$1,518) does not necessarily translate into proportional quality of life — Portugal properly accounts for this difference in the cost of living.

The deductions: where the money really goes

Here lies the crucial detail that makes €870 much smaller in your pocket:

Social Security: 11% mandatory deduction for all employees. On €870, this means €95.70 less.

IRS (Income Tax): Applied progressively based on income brackets, number of dependents, and tax situation. A worker earning only the minimum suffers moderate withholding, but not negligible.

Practical result: from €870 gross, approximately €774 net remains — already an 11% reduction before any additional IRS deductions.

Professions and salary variation: not everyone earns the minimum

The minimum wage sets a floor, but it doesn’t reflect the reality of the Portuguese job market. Qualified professionals earn significantly more:

• Electricians and plumbers: €1,200–€1,800/month
• Nurses: €1,100–€1,600/month
• Teachers: €1,300–€2,000/month (depending on experience)
• Programmers: €1,500–€2,500/month
• Managers: €1,800–€3,500/month

The hourly wage at minimum salary is about €4.94, considering a monthly work schedule of 176 hours. Technical professions multiply this value by two, three, or even four times.

Cost of living: the other half of the equation

Portugal is the 2nd most affordable country in Western Europe, according to Expatistan data. But “affordable” is relative — especially in capital cities.

Monthly expenses for one person: €1,800

This estimate includes:

• Rent: €729–€1,518 (depending on location)
• Food: €250–€350
• Transportation: €35 (monthly pass)
• Utilities (water, electricity, gas): €112
• Gym/leisure: €34

For a family of four: €3,304/month

Regional analysis: Lisbon and Porto versus smaller cities

The reality changes drastically depending on the city chosen.

In Lisbon or Porto, renting a T2 in a prime area costs €1,518. Immediately, a net minimum salary of €774 is insufficient to cover just housing. The situation improves if the region is less central — €1,005 for a standard T2 — but still requires strict financial control.

In medium-sized cities like Covilhã, Guarda, or Viseu, a T2 rents for €600–€750, making it feasible with a minimum salary.

Minimum wage in Portugal versus Brazil: a comparison beyond numbers

Superficially, it suggests: Portugal pays more than three times the Brazilian minimum wage, so it’s advantageous. But the reality is more nuanced.

Portugal:

• Minimum wage: €870 gross / €774 net
• Cost of living (1 person): €1,800/month
• Monthly deficit with just the minimum: ~€1,026

Brazil:

• Minimum wage: R$1,518 gross
• Deductions: usually 8–9% (INSS)
• Net income: ~R$1,400
• Cost of living: variable, but in medium cities, manageable with the minimum

Qualified professionals, however, find significantly better salary opportunities in Portugal. A programmer in São Paulo earns R$4,000–R$6,000; in Lisbon, €1,800–€2,500 (R$11,600–R$16,100), plus more robust labor benefits.

Is it feasible to live on minimum wage in Portugal?

Technically, yes. Practically, it depends:

• Location: outside capitals, it becomes feasible
• Lifestyle: sharing housing, public transportation, avoiding excessive consumption
• Opportunities for advancement: working only at the minimum indefinitely is unsustainable; growth is expected

Many Brazilians arrive in Portugal with a temporary minimum wage — as an adaptation period — before progressing or moving into better-paying positions.

Summary for decision-making: is it worth moving to Portugal?

The move is justified if:

1. You have professional qualifications — engineer, doctor, IT technician earn well above the minimum
2. Your goal is long-term stability — public healthcare, social security, legal security
3. You are willing to start modestly — accepting a temporary minimum wage while establishing yourself

It’s not justified if:

1. You expect to leave Brazil just to earn a little more — without specialization, life in Lisbon or Porto will be tight
2. You seek quick wealth — Portugal offers stability, not quick fortunes
3. You cannot tolerate financial adaptation periods — the first months will be challenging

The decision requires honest analysis: minimum wage in Portugal is higher than in Brazil, yes. But the cost of living is also higher. The real differential lies in salary progression by profession, the quality of institutions, and long-term security — factors that turn a temporary move into a sustainable life project.