What it costs to live in…Viseu, Portugal

by Leigh Fergus

In this occasional column, we report on the costs incurred to you, should you make the move to Europe. This week, we visit Viseu, Portugal, for the low down on some general items you'll be paying for.

The cost of living in central Portugal is one of the lowest in the country-much cheaper than the southern Algarve region and the area around the capital, Lisbon. Viseu is close to the mountainous Serra de Estrela, and an hour-and-a-half-drive from the university city of Coimbra and the Silver Coast. Low-cost carrier Ryanair flies to Porto from the UK as well as from Paris, France, and Tap Air has regular flights.

Rental of a modestly furnished, 700-square-foot, two-bedroom apartment in town will cost about 350 euros ($480) per month, and you could rent a small house in the surrounding countryside for that price as well. Portugal is one of the cheapest places to live in Europe, but grocery shopping in the inland rural areas is even more affordable than in the major cities of Lisbon, Coimbra, and Porto, as is accommodation.

The outdoor produce markets offer fresh fruit and veg that is organic in all but name, and smaller specialized shops, such as butchers and bakers, are usually cheaper than supermarkets like Pingo Doce or Minipreço. A wider selection of imported goods can be found in the Intermarché chain of supermarkets or the cash and carry Lidl chain. The following are examples of prices in a mini-market in Viseu: