As one of the highly sought-after cities for graduate studies, Lisbon has a constantly growing international student community.

But how much does it cost to live in this iconic city?

In this post, we will provide a broad idea of how much it may cost to live in Lisbon as an international student.

Key Takeaways

The general cost of living for an international student in Lisbon depends on many factors, such as the choice of accommodation, location, transportation, food, and miscellaneous expenses.
Lisbon can be affordable, depending on your preferences. The cost of living for regular students can be around €800 per month, but this number will be considerably higher for affluent international students.
Student Luxe provides some of the most luxurious Lisbon student accommodation options available for rent in the most prestigious neighbourhoods in the city. Whether you want a spacious studio or an ultra-modern penthouse, these apartments will tick all your boxes.

Cost of Living in Lisbon

Understanding the cost of living in Lisbon will help you plan effectively. Here’s a general overview of what students can expect in terms of expenses:

General Cost Comparison

Lisbon is considered relatively affordable compared to other major European cities like Paris, London, or Zurich. However, the cost of living can vary significantly based on lifestyle choices and accommodation types.

Average Monthly Budget

For international students, the average monthly budget in Lisbon can range from €800 to €8000, depending on the level of luxury and personal preferences. This budget includes accommodation, utilities, food, transportation, entertainment, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Some factors affecting these costs are:

Accommodation type: Luxury student apartments with premium amenities will significantly increase monthly expenses compared to standard student housing.
Lifestyle choices: Dining out frequently at upscale restaurants, using private transport, and engaging in high-end leisure activities can add to the cost.
Location: Living in prime neighbourhoods such as Baixa, Chiado, or Parque das Nações can be more expensive than in other areas.

Lisbon Accommodation Costs

As an international student, you have several options ranging from luxury apartments to more budget-friendly choices. Here’s a detailed look at the accommodation costs:

Luxury Student Accommodation

Lisbon offers various luxury student apartments for students who want a high-end living experience. These accommodations typically come with premium amenities such as concierge services, rooftop pools, private gyms, and state-of-the-art security systems.

These apartments range from €740 to €1,500 weekly and come with amenities such as concierge service, pools, on-site gyms, high-security systems, etc.,

Demand for luxury student housing in Lisbon is high, so start your search and secure your apartment before the academic year begins. Work with well-known accommodation providers like Student Luxe to ensure quality and reliability.

Mid-Range and Budget Options

Lisbon has numerous mid-range and budget accommodations for those who prefer more cost-effective options. These might lack some luxurious amenities but still provide comfortable living conditions.

They cost about €500 - €800 monthly, and come fully furnished with basic amenities. Some units are also shared.

Transportation Costs

Here’s a detailed look at the transportation costs and choices available:

Public Transport

Lisbon has an efficient and extensive public transport network, including metro, buses, trams, and trains. This is an affordable and convenient option for students.

Monthly passes: A monthly public transport pass costs approximately €40 - €50. This pass allows unlimited travel on the metro, buses, trams, and certain train lines within the city.
Metro: The metro is the fastest way to travel around Lisbon, with four lines covering most parts of the city. Fares start at €1.50 per journey if not using a monthly pass.
Buses and trams: Lisbon's iconic trams and extensive bus network provide comprehensive coverage of the city. Single tickets cost around €1.80.
Student discounts: Many transport providers offer discounted fares for students. To take advantage of these savings, make sure to apply for a student card.

Private Transport

Several options are available for those who prefer the flexibility and comfort of private transportation, although they come with higher costs.

Owning a Car: The cost of purchasing a car in Lisbon ranges from €5,000 for used vehicles to over €20,000 for new models.
Ride-Sharing Services: Uber, Bolt, and Free Now are widely available in Lisbon. Typical fares range from €5 to €20 per ride, depending on the distance and time of day.
Taxis: Taxis are readily available throughout the city. The starting fare is around €3, with additional charges per kilometre. The average trip costs €8 - €15.

Wrapping Up

Living in Lisbon can cost about €800 to €8500 per month, depending on your preferences. For example, rent for a luxury Lisbon student accommodation starts from €740 per week and could go up to €1500.

This will significantly affect your overall monthly cost of living as an international student in Lisbon. Other factors like transportation also come into play.

You can ccess the most private, flexible, and luxurious Lisbon student accommodation on Student Luxe.

These apartments are designed for the well-traveled, wealthy, and international student with a taste for affluence in living spaces.

Here’s our flex…

Flexible living experience, no long-term contracts, no UK-guarantor needed, proximity to universities, and ultra-modern, stunning apartments designed for your comfort.

Reach out to our experts, who can secure a special stay for your studies.

How Much Does it Cost to Live in Lisbon for International Students?