Cost of Living: Portugal vs Singapore

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Portugal and Singapore.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Portugal is 67.4% cheaper than Singapore. The biggest difference is in Property Prices, where costs are 80.8% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Singapore, you would spend about $33 in Portugal for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Property Prices 80.8%

Portugal is 80.8% cheaper

Transportation 72.9%

Portugal is 72.9% cheaper

Salaries And Financing 71.0%

Portugal is 71.0% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 67.4%

Portugal is 67.4% cheaper than Singapore

Most Expensive Categories

  • Mobile and Internet +12.7%

Is Portugal cheaper than Singapore?

Yes, Portugal is cheaper than Singapore

Overall, living costs in Portugal are 67.4% lower than in Singapore.

Where Portugal is cheaper:

  • Property Prices 80.8% cheaper
  • Transportation 72.9% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 71.0% cheaper

Where Portugal is more expensive:

  • Mobile and Internet 12.7% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Portugal: 12.52 $ Singapore: 10.90 $
14.9% more expensive in Portugal

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Portugal: 1,064.25 $ Singapore: 3,140.74 $
66.1% cheaper in Portugal

Monthly public transport pass

Portugal: 45.53 $ Singapore: 93.46 $
51.3% cheaper in Portugal

1 liter of milk

Portugal: 1.07 $ Singapore: 3.01 $
64.5% cheaper in Portugal

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Portugal is indeed cheaper than Singapore. You would save approximately 67.4% on living expenses by choosing Portugal over Singapore. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

67.4%

Portugal is 67.4% cheaper than Singapore

Restaurants

20.1%

Portugal is 20.1% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Markets

43.8%

Portugal is 43.8% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Other Expenses

52.0%

Portugal is 52.0% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Transportation

72.9%

Portugal is 72.9% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Household Utilities

17.4%

Portugal is 17.4% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Mobile and Internet

12.7%

Portugal is 12.7% more expensive than Singapore in this category

Sports And Leisure

50.9%

Portugal is 50.9% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Childcare

59.4%

Portugal is 59.4% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Clothing And Shoes

9.3%

Portugal is 9.3% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Rent Per Month

67.0%

Portugal is 67.0% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Property Prices

80.8%

Portugal is 80.8% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Salaries And Financing

71.0%

Portugal is 71.0% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Portugal Singapore Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 12.52 $ 10.90 $ 14.9%
Portugal is 14.9% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 51.22 $ 77.88 $ 34.2%
Portugal is 34.2% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 9.11 $ 7.79 $ 16.9%
Portugal is 16.9% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 2.13 $ 4.88 $ 56.4%
Portugal is 56.4% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.97 $ 1.68 $ 17.3%
Portugal is 17.3% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 1.37 $ 1.22 $ 12.3%
Portugal is 12.3% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.78 $ 1.52 $ 48.7%
Portugal is 48.7% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 2.59 $ 2.00 $ 29.5%
Portugal is 29.5% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 2.21 $ 2.49 $ 11.2%
Portugal is 11.2% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 11.84 $ 10.00 $ 18.4%
Portugal is 18.4% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.14 $ 2.21 $ 3.2%
Portugal is 3.2% cheaper
Milk (1L) 1.07 $ 3.01 $ 64.5%
Portugal is 64.5% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.57 $ 2.35 $ 33.2%
Portugal is 33.2% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 1.62 $ 2.92 $ 44.5%
Portugal is 44.5% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 3.05 $ 3.35 $ 9.0%
Portugal is 9.0% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 11.74 $ 19.37 $ 39.4%
Portugal is 39.4% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 7.61 $ 11.15 $ 31.7%
Portugal is 31.7% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 11.25 $ 15.21 $ 26.0%
Portugal is 26.0% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 2.20 $ 4.57 $ 51.9%
Portugal is 51.9% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.45 $ 2.97 $ 51.2%
Portugal is 51.2% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 1.83 $ 4.51 $ 59.4%
Portugal is 59.4% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 2.48 $ 2.71 $ 8.5%
Portugal is 8.5% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.68 $ 2.39 $ 29.7%
Portugal is 29.7% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.98 $ 2.20 $ 10.0%
Portugal is 10.0% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 1.56 $ 1.86 $ 16.1%
Portugal is 16.1% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 45.53 $ 93.46 $ 51.3%
Portugal is 51.3% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 6.26 $ 13.05 $ 52.0%
Portugal is 52.0% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 2.28 $ 1.56 $ 46.2%
Portugal is 46.2% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 3.98 $ 3.58 $ 11.2%
Portugal is 11.2% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 1.12 $ 0.78 $ 43.6%
Portugal is 43.6% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 17.07 $ 16.28 $ 4.9%
Portugal is 4.9% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 1.94 $ 2.22 $ 12.6%
Portugal is 12.6% cheaper
New Economy Car 34,149.78 $ 140,192.38 $ 75.6%
Portugal is 75.6% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 38,767.37 $ 128,887.54 $ 69.9%
Portugal is 69.9% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 130.63 $ 158.22 $ 17.4%
Portugal is 17.4% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 21.30 $ 18.54 $ 14.9%
Portugal is 14.9% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 42.34 $ 37.95 $ 11.6%
Portugal is 11.6% more expensive
Gym Membership 43.55 $ 115.77 $ 62.4%
Portugal is 62.4% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 16.47 $ 12.22 $ 34.8%
Portugal is 34.8% more expensive
Movie Ticket 8.54 $ 11.68 $ 26.9%
Portugal is 26.9% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 498.40 $ 1,272.43 $ 60.8%
Portugal is 60.8% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 12,122.62 $ 29,780.50 $ 59.3%
Portugal is 59.3% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 90.35 $ 80.91 $ 11.7%
Portugal is 11.7% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 38.23 $ 42.93 $ 10.9%
Portugal is 10.9% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 88.45 $ 105.33 $ 16.0%
Portugal is 16.0% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 105.25 $ 126.28 $ 16.7%
Portugal is 16.7% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,064.25 $ 3,140.74 $ 66.1%
Portugal is 66.1% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 840.53 $ 2,267.71 $ 62.9%
Portugal is 62.9% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,819.47 $ 6,205.41 $ 70.7%
Portugal is 70.7% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,334.77 $ 3,723.55 $ 64.2%
Portugal is 64.2% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 4,229.06 $ 22,697.92 $ 81.4%
Portugal is 81.4% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 3,022.39 $ 15,076.91 $ 80.0%
Portugal is 80.0% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 1,198.60 $ 4,151.48 $ 71.1%
Portugal is 71.1% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 4.80 3.17 51.4%
Portugal is 51.4% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Singapore. Enter your monthly expenses in Portugal to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Portugal and Singapore goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Portugal vs Singapore

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Portugal

Singapore

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.
  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.