Cost of Living in Lisbon
New lease contracts in Lisbon had a median rent of €17.79 per square meter a month in the 2nd quarter of 2026, up 5.1% on a year earlier, according to INE. That is 75% above the Portugal median. A monthly Navegante Municipal transport pass costs €30.00.
Rent is the largest cost of living in Lisbon. This page sets out official rents for Lisbon and its parishes from INE, Statistics Portugal, which publishes the median rent per square meter of new lease contracts every quarter, and the monthly Navegante public transport passes. INE publishes rent per square meter, not an average monthly rent per home.
Median rent on new leases in Lisbon and selected parishes, 12 months to June 2026
Transport passes and rent levels in Lisbon
What these costs mean
In the 12 months to June 2026, 17,575 new lease contracts were signed in Lisbon, 7.0% more than a year earlier, at a median of €17.43 per m². Rents differ across the city: Santo António had the highest median, €21.55, and Santa Clara the lowest, €13.39, although rents in Santa Clara rose fastest, by 12.0%. Arroios had the most new contracts, 1,664, and Carnide the fewest, 203. In the 2nd quarter of 2026 alone the Lisbon median was €17.79, up 5.1%, while the national median rose 10.2% to €10.17. According to Eurostat, 32.0% of households in the Lisbon greater city rented privately in 2021, and the average household had 2.33 people.
The monthly Navegante Municipal pass costs €30.00 and is valid within one municipality, and the Navegante Metropolitano €40.00 across the 18 municipalities of the metropolitan area, €20.00 for people over 65. Young people under 23 travel free with a personal card.
Setting pay for a Lisbon hire
Candidates in Lisbon weigh rent when they compare offers. Check pay levels on our average salary in Lisbon page, and employer costs in our Lisbon guide and guide to hiring in Portugal. Need help with the search? We find, screen and shortlist remote professionals across Europe, with 3 candidates within 21 days. See how placement works.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and collective agreements can set different terms. Confirm with a local accountant or lawyer before you hire.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Lisbon?
INE publishes rent per square meter. New lease contracts in Lisbon had a median of €17.79 per m² a month in the 2nd quarter of 2026, and €17.43 over the 12 months to June 2026.
Which Lisbon parish has the highest rent?
Santo António, with a median of €21.55 per m² on new leases in the 12 months to June 2026. Santa Clara had the lowest, at €13.39.
How much is a monthly transport pass in Lisbon?
The Navegante Municipal costs €30.00 a month and is valid within the Lisbon municipality. The Navegante Metropolitano costs €40.00 for the whole metropolitan area.
Is public transport free for young people in Lisbon?
Yes, for people under 23 with a Navegante card set up for free youth travel. The card costs €3.50.
How fast are Lisbon rents rising?
The median rent on new leases in Lisbon rose 5.1% in the year to the 2nd quarter of 2026, slower than the 10.2% rise for Portugal as a whole, according to INE.
Sources
- INE, Estatísticas de Rendas da Habitação ao nível local, 2nd quarter 2026. Checked 3 Nov 2026.
- CP, Comboios de Portugal, Navegante pass. Checked 3 Nov 2026.
- Eurostat, Living conditions, cities and greater cities (urb_clivcon). Checked 3 Nov 2026.
