Wondering how much it really costs to eat in Lisbon, Portugal? As an American living abroad, one of the most common questions I get is: "Is food in Lisbon expensive?"
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Let’s break it down! I tracked every euro I spent on groceries and eating out for the first 3 months of 2025 — and compared it to what I spent in the same months of 2024. The results? Super interesting!
What I Eat at Home vs Eating Out
At home, I eat mostly plant-based — lots of beans, lentils, veggies, oats, and simple meals. But when I go out to eat? I’m flexible! If there aren’t great vegetarian options, I’ll order seafood or meat.
Note: Travel meals aren’t included here — this is just my Lisbon life!
Note: Travel meals aren’t included here — this is just my Lisbon life!
Average Daily Grocery Cost:
2024 → €10.61 to €14.06 per day
2025 → €7.72 to €10.24 per day
Savings in 2025? Roughly €230 less over 3 months!
I got smarter about buying local, watching for sales, and honestly — eating simpler. Lisbon’s markets and smaller neighborhood grocery stores can really help stretch your budget.
2024 → €10.61 to €14.06 per day
2025 → €7.72 to €10.24 per day
Savings in 2025? Roughly €230 less over 3 months!
I got smarter about buying local, watching for sales, and honestly — eating simpler. Lisbon’s markets and smaller neighborhood grocery stores can really help stretch your budget.
Here are some of my meals at home January-March 2024.
Here are some of my meals at home January-March 2025.
Here are my restaurant meals January-March 2024.
Here are my restaurant meals January-March 2025.
Average Meal Cost:
Yikes! My meals out in 2025 cost more per meal (I guess we are experiencing higher prices here too, but nothing compared to the U.S.) — especially when I splurged a few times.
But Lisbon is still a great city for affordable eats if you know where to look!
- 2024 → €9.13 to €13.32 per meal
- 2025 → €11.70 to €20.10 per meal
Yikes! My meals out in 2025 cost more per meal (I guess we are experiencing higher prices here too, but nothing compared to the U.S.) — especially when I splurged a few times.
But Lisbon is still a great city for affordable eats if you know where to look!
Total Savings in 2025?
→ €278.67 less than 2024!
→ €278.67 less than 2024!
What Does This Mean for You?
Living in Lisbon as a single person, eating gluten free and mostly plant-based at home but enjoying meals out a few times a month, here’s a good budget estimate:
Of course, this depends on how often you dine out, your grocery habits, and your lifestyle.
Final Thoughts: Is Lisbon Cheap or Expensive for Food?
Compared to the U.S., I find Lisbon very affordable — especially for fresh produce, eggs, and basics. Eating out has gotten more expensive, especially in trendy or touristy areas, but it’s still possible to grab a coffee and pastel de nata for under €3 or have a full meal for €10-€15.
My advice?
→ Cook at home often.
→ Explore local markets.
→ Treat eating out like a fun splurge — because Lisbon’s food scene is worth it!
My advice?
→ Cook at home often.
→ Explore local markets.
→ Treat eating out like a fun splurge — because Lisbon’s food scene is worth it!
What about you?
Would these prices be considered cheap or expensive where you live? Drop a comment and let me know!
Would these prices be considered cheap or expensive where you live? Drop a comment and let me know!
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