How Much Does It Cost To Move to Portugal From the US?
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to move to Portugal from the US ranges between $9,000 and $13,000, on average, depending on how much you’re moving, the international shipping method you choose, and your initial expenses like airline tickets, visa fees, and housing. The good news is that Portugal is generally more affordable than the United States.
Key costs to consider:
- One-way flights are approximately $400–$1,200, depending on departure city and season.
- The D7 visa application fee is about $100 and monthly income requirement for that visa is around $970
- A single American expat can expect to live on $735 each month (excluding rent)
- The estimated monthly expenses for a family of four total about $2,524, on average (excluding rent)
- Depending on lifestyle and location, expat retirees will need $715–$781 each month beyond the cost of rent
- A one-bedroom apartment in Portugal generally costs between $772 and $976, while a three-bedroom apartment usually ranges from $1,255–$1,658.
Below, we dive deeper into moving prices, including our recommendations for international movers, as well as cost of living comparisons, and other expenses to prepare for before moving to Portugal.
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Average cost of moving to Portugal from the US
The average cost to hire a moving company to ship your items from the US to Portugal is between $2,800 and $6,000, depending on the size of your move and your move distance, among other major factors. That price range is for international moving costs only. Additional costs, such as flights and initial housing expenses, are not included here.
Sea freight costs to move to Portugal from the US
Most international moves are made via cargo and container ships, which is more cost-effective but takes longer.
Below is a sample of the cost to ship a 20-foot container via sea freight. A 20-foot container can accommodate most two- and three-bedroom homes.
| From | To | Container Cost* | Delivery Timeline* |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Lisbon | $2,600 | 20 days |
| Miami | Lisbon | $2,900 | 25 days |
| Houston | Lisbon | $3,900 | 40 days |
| Los Angeles | Lisbon | $4,900 | 49 days |
| New York | Porto | $2,033 | 39 days |
| Miami | Porto | $2,900 | 25 days |
| Houston | Porto | $2,947 | 40 days |
| Los Angeles | Porto | $3,360 | 49 days |
*Cost data and delivery timelines are based on estimates from BRLogistics and iContainers for 20-foot shipping containers (February 2025).
Air freight costs to move to Portugal from the US
For quicker delivery of essentials, air freight is the best option, though it comes at a much higher price, relatively speaking.
Sea freight containers hold about 1,100 cubic feet worth of stuff and can handle up to 55,000 pounds. Air freight shipments, on the other hand, tend to be between 220 and 1,100 pounds because they are bound by an aircraft’s weight and volume restrictions.
If you only have a few boxes to move and don’t require a lot of space, it may be worth paying for air freight to get your items faster. But it’s not an ideal method for larger homes or multiple pieces of furniture.
Here’s what a 220-pound international air shipment might cost:
| From | To | Container Cost* | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Lisbon | $725–$967 | 2–8 days |
| Miami | Lisbon | $771–$1,028 | 2–8 days |
| Houston | Lisbon | $771–$1,028 | 2–8 days |
| New York | Porto | $725–$967 | 2–8 days |
| Miami | Porto | $771–$1,028 | 2–8 days |
| Houston | Porto | $771–$1,028 | 2–8 days |
*Source: Freightos
How much does it cost to live in Portugal?
One of the biggest perks of moving from the US to Portugal is the lower cost of living — about 35% lower, overall. Rent, groceries, and utilities are all significantly cheaper than in most American cities, according to Numbeo’s cost of living tool.
However, Portugal’s relative affordability is only an economic advantage if your income source comes from outside the country. Salaries in Lisbon, for example, are about $1,269 per month, compared to $5,530 in San Diego. If you live in Portugal but work remotely for a US-based company or organization, you’ll reap the full benefits of the difference in the two countries’ living expenses.
Housing costs in Portugal
Whether you plan to rent or buy a home in Portugal, either option is less expensive than in the US.
Housing costs in Portugal vary by city, but here’s an example of San Diego vs. Lisbon:
| Apartment | San Diego | Lisbon | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rental | $2,745 | $1,477 | –46.2% |
| 3BR rental | $4,858 | $2,682 | –44.8% |
| Price per sq. ft. (for purchase) | $852 | $637 | –25.3% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Lisbon and San Diego (February 2025)
Similar to the US, renting is far easier than buying property in Portugal. Luckily for expats, there are no visa-related restrictions on renting property here. You’ll have to supply proof of income or funds to a prospective landlord as a portion of any rental application, but that’s standard for many countries.
Before you rush into a home purchase or long-term rental, we recommend using online platforms like Flatio or Spotahome as a jumping-off point. These sites can help you find shorter- to medium-term accommodations, so you can decide first if you like where you’ve landed.
Aside from a valid ID and proof of income, you’ll need to apply for a Tax Identification Number (NIF) to be legally allowed to rent. The NIP is free but will require a short processing window of up to three days.
Once you have your ducks in a row, document-wise, you’ll need to decide on a destination.
In-demand locales for American expats in Portugal
Here are some of the more in-demand locals for American expats in Portugal:
- Lisbon: Internations lists Lisbon as the fourth-best expat destination worldwide for multiple reasons, including affordability and climate, as well as diverse restaurant and nightlife scenes. New residents also find that the friendly locals make it an easy place to settle in.
- Porto: Porto comes highly recommended by many within its growing expat community for many of the same reasons that Americans are drawn to Lisbon. However, Porto is more laidback and has much less of the hustle and bustle of Portugal’s capital. If you’d like quieter surroundings, this could be more your speed.
- Chaves: Chaves features historical architecture and an even lower cost of living than many of Portugal’s more prominent locales. Despite its small population, it also offers access to both private and public healthcare options.
Utilities costs in Portugal
Standard home-related bills are far cheaper in Lisbon than in San Diego, most notably when it comes to cellphone plans.
| Utility | San Diego | Lisbon | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Basic housing utilities | $295.11 | $131.42 | –55.5% |
| Internet | $73 | $38.50 | –47.3% |
| Monthly cell phone plan | $69.25 | $20.62 | –70.2% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Lisbon and San Diego (February 2025)
*Based on the combined cost of electricity, water/sewer, and trash for a 915 square foot apartment (February 2025)
Food costs in Portugal
Whether you’re dining out or eating in, food costs are lower across the board in Portugal.
| Food | San Diego | Lisbon | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast food meal | $15 | $9.41 | –37.3% |
| 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant | $90 | $57.51 | –36.1% |
| Gallon of milk | $4.65 | $3.83 | –17.6% |
| 1 dozen eggs | $4.84 | $2.82 | –41.7% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Lisbon and San Diego (February 2025)
Transportation costs in Portugal
Many EU countries have higher public transportation costs, and Portugal is no different. However, keep in mind that European countries typically have top-notch transit systems that are more connected and accessible — and typically safer — than US buses and rail systems. So, while you’re getting more bang for your buck.
| Transportation Mode | San Diego | Lisbon | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-way public transit ticket | $2.50 | $2.09 | –16.3% |
| Monthly public transit pass | $72 | $41.83 | –41.9% |
| Cost of one gallon of gas | $5.06 | $7.05 | +39.3% |
| *Cost to buy a new car | $27,059 | $35,463 | +31.1% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Lisbon and San Diego (February 2025)
*Based on the cost of Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort or equivalent new vehicle (February 2025)
Education costs in Portugal
An international school isn’t necessary for American kids living in Portugal due to the country’s high English proficiency. However, you can get a private-school education for a fraction of the price there, which is one of the reasons we named Portugal one the top countries for raising families.
| Type of Education | Full-day private preschool/kindergarten (monthly) | International primary school (annual) |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego | $1,776 | $28,750 |
| Lisbon | $557 | $14,976 |
| % Difference | –68.6% | –47.9% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Lisbon and San Diego (February 2025)
Portugal’s visa & immigration requirements
For your first 90 days in Portugal, you won’t need a visa of any kind. However, short- or medium-term residency in the country will require that you apply for a temporary residence permit.
You’ll need to show proof that you have a monthly income of at least $1,121, ideally via gainful employment, and commit to live in the country 183 days or more each year. It helps seal the deal on application approval if you submit a letter from your boss verifying employment and can prove your intent to live and pay taxes in Portugal.
Documents needed for temporary residency:
- Passport
- Bank statements proving $3,000 per person in assets in a Portuguese bank
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of income
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Your temporary residence permit is good for one year, with opportunities to renew for up to five years. At that point, you’ll be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Moving to Portugal from the US
We won’t sugar-coat it, moving is a beast of a task, even when everything goes according to plan. But international moves are a different animal altogether.
They require a lot of extra oversight and paperwork, and delays can happen for a number of reasons, including improper customs documentation or inspection issues. It’s a lot to keep up with, so we always advise letting the pros take care of it.
Top international moving companies
Experienced international movers have the know-how to handle your customs clearance paperwork and all associated labor and logistics during your move. They also provide services tailored to a relocation abroad, provide you with helpful resources, and have a wide global reach.
Check out these highly rated interstate moving companies:
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Shipping your vehicle to Portugal
You can get around most major Portuguese cities without a vehicle, but in more rural areas, it might come in handy. Whatever your reason for not leaving your car behind, you’ll need to sort out international auto transport as part of your move.
Movers like International Van Lines, JK Moving, and Allied Van Lines offer car shipping as one of their international moving services.That’s a nice perk, since it means you’ll have a single point of contact for your overseas relocation.
However, you may decide to use a company that specializes in auto transport. If that’s the case, we think these are the best car shipping companies for international moves:
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Tips for moving to Portugal from the US
Any professional mover will tell you a successful relocation begins with thorough and careful planning. Often, this will require you to do some legwork ahead of time.
Take these steps before moving day:
- Downsize. This is especially for anyone trying to save money on their relocation. Movers often charge by volume or weight. Decluttering by having a yard sale, donating items, or even just dropping them at your local dump will make the overseas packing process far easier, aside from any price breaks you may get.
- Keep a checklist. Whenever possible, begin the planning process for any international move at least four to six months prior to your planned move date. Compile an international moving checklist, which should include all preparatory steps surrounding housing, hiring a mover, and your own self-guided moving tasks like packing.
- Pack your own goods. Paying someone to pack up all your stuff can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars extra. Save that money by handling the packing yourself. Give yourself a couple of months to get everything boxed up so you won’t have to rush or stress about the process as much. Ideally, you’ll pack a few boxes per day, at most.
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