Cost of living in Coimbra
Undoubtedly, this city is one of the best in Portugal! Check out the cost of living in Coimbra before making the move.
Article by Viv Europe - Official Legal and Relocation Partner to KipperTree.
April 28, 2023
Read the full article here
If you are considering moving to Portugal but are worried about the high cost of living in the big cities, you should know that plenty of other destinations are both cosmopolitan and cheaper. Coimbra, formerly the nation’s capital, is an excellent example of such a location. Today, this beautiful city is an important historical site in Portugal. So, what exactly is the cost of living in Coimbra, especially for an expat?
With a population of just over 144,000 people from diverse backgrounds, Coimbra qualifies as a metropolitan city that is significantly cheaper than Lisbon, Porto, or even the famous Algarve region. So how expensive is living in Coimbra? If you are asking yourself this question, here is a detailed breakdown that will help unpack everything regarding the cost of living in Coimbra. Let’s get right in!
How expensive is Coimbra?
Generally, the cost of living in Portugal is relatively low compared to other European nations, and Coimbra is no different. As far as the local Portuguese standard goes, Coimbra is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive destination. However, if you are searching for a place that is alive, tranquil, and affordable, Coimbra is your best option.
Also, because Coimbra is a university city, the cost of living is often cheaper because you can take advantage of the many affordable accommodation options, thanks to the great student population. As an ex-pat, you will find living in Coimbra cheaper. In fact, Coimbra is among the few destinations in Portugal that provide a relatively more affordable cost of living while at the same time maintaining a reasonably good quality of life.
What is the cost of living in Coimbra for expats?
There is no doubt that this destination is cheap, especially for ex-pats from the world’s big economies. But what exactly is the cost of living like for ex-pats? As an individual, you will need about €546 every month without rent; however, a monthly estimate for a family of four without rent is about €1,892.
Here is a further breakdown concerning some of the most basic indicators of the cost of living in any country, which are rent, house bills, food, and leisure activities.
Cost of rent in Coimbra
As mentioned earlier, Coimbra is a university city; therefore, there are plenty of apartment options that you could opt for. However, while that is true, it is worth mentioning that apartments close to the city centre tend to be more expensive than those found further in the country. Also, most of the apartments are optimized for students. So if you have a family, renting further away from the city centre, where the apartments are more significant, might be the best option.
On average, data from Idealista shows the cost of a rental apartment is about €8/m². A regular one-bedroom apartment within the city centre is about €590, while a three-bedroom option in the same location is about €855. You need to keep in mind that the present condition of the apartment, the size, and the location are often the big determining factors of how expensive your rent will be.
House bills
The beauty of living in Portugal is that house bills are generally the same regardless of where you are in the country. However, how much you will pay per month with regard to utility bills will depend on how many services and conveniences you want in your house. Here is a rundown of some of the most common house bills and an approximation of monthly costs.
Average spending on food
Like most things, your lifestyle will also influence how much you spend on food every month. Unlike other places, eating out in Portugal is often more expensive, and the money adds up relatively fast if you do it often.
The good news is that adopting the Portuguese culture, which involves preparing your own meals, will save you a reasonable sum. Groceries can cost you around €200 to €300 per month, depending on your shopping list.
Other than saving money on food, preparing your own meals gives you unique control over the type of food you eat and, even more importantly, how the food is prepared. This way, you can lead a healthy lifestyle.
Expected transport costs in Coimbra
There are several options for moving around Coimbra; however, the two main means of public transportation are buses and the local train network. The city bus network, run by SMTUC (Coimbra Municipality Urban Transport Services), is the cheapest option. The train network is also relatively more affordable and more reliable.
This city has two train stations: Coimbra A, which serves destinations within the city centre, and Coimbra B, where you can catch a train to cities outside Coimbra. However, if you wish to tour around the city, you can easily do so on foot as you explore this destination’s history.
Other means of transport available other than public transportation include relatively inexpensive taxis. Take a look at the breakdown of the standard modes of transportation in Coimbra.
Leisure expenses
Coimbra has many beautiful places and sites to see, especially if you love history. To begin, the University of Coimbra has a lot of history as one of the first universities in Europe.
Apart from the historical sites, another fun place to visit in this city is Pedro and Inês Bridge, one of Coimbra’s most beautiful sites.
What are the cheapest areas in Coimbra?
If you are looking for an affordable neighbourhood within Coimbra to call home, Oliveira do Hospital is an excellent place to focus your search. This neighbourhood is quite small, with a population of just over 20,000 residents. Another affordable destination within the greater Coimbra district is Montemor-o-Velho.
The two mentioned destinations are further away from the city centre and less popular among ex-pat communities, which explains why they are relatively cheaper than other neighbourhoods.
What are the most expensive areas in Coimbra?
Right off the bat, the most expensive neighbourhood in Coimbra is right in the city centre. Here, you will get all the access and privileges of living within the city, but you will have to pay more for almost everything. The city centre is where all the action is, and there is a large student population thanks to the University of Coimbra.
Another expensive neighbourhood in Coimbra is Figueira da Foz; in fact, this is the most expensive location and comes in second right after Coimbra city centre. This neighbourhood boasts a good transportation network and a calm and tranquil environment fit for individuals looking to raise a family.
To Discover more about Coimbra read the full article here