Following a downward trend observed during the first half of 2026, rental prices in Portugal began an upward trajectory in August. For individuals seeking a one-bedroom apartment, the financial commitment now exceeds the national minimum wage by more than 200 euros.
Data from the property portal idealista, which analyzed the second quarter of 2026, indicates that the median monthly rent for a one-bedroom flat is 1,128 euros. This figure represents a 123% increase compared to the cost of renting a single room, which averages 505 euros per month.
Regional variations remain significant, with Lisbon identified as the most expensive district. In the capital region, a self-contained one-bedroom flat commands a median price of 1,354 euros per month. Madeira follows at 1,295 euros, Faro at 1,171 euros, Porto at 983 euros, Setúbal at 981 euros, and São Miguel island in the Azores at 979 euros. Conversely, the most affordable one-bedroom flats are located in the districts of Guarda at 456 euros, Castelo Branco at 527 euros, and Bragança at 529 euros.
When focusing on district capitals, rental budgets are often stretched further. The city of Lisbon leads with a median price of 1,409 euros per month, while Funchal stands at 1,340 euros, Porto at 1,003 euros, and Faro at 1,001 euros. More affordable capital city options include Guarda at 438 euros, Beja at 790 euros, Bragança at 520 euros, and Castelo Branco at 538 euros.
The market for individual rooms also shows distinct price differences. Madeira is the most expensive for rooms at 565 euros per month, followed by the Lisbon district at 551 euros and Porto at 457 euros. Bragança, Guarda, and Castelo Branco offer the lowest room rents at 205 euros, 205 euros, and 246 euros respectively. In city rankings, Lisbon and Funchal are tied for the highest room costs at 570 euros, while the cheapest options are in Guarda at 200 euros, Beja at 270 euros, and Viseu at 271 euros.
Additionally, the idealista survey highlights that studio flats command a median price of 908 euros per month. This is 80% higher than the cost of a room, yet remains 20% cheaper than a one-bedroom apartment. Bragança exhibits the largest disparity between room and studio rents, with a 131% difference at the district level and 128% within the city.
This report on the long-term rental market compares median asking prices for rooms, studios, and one-bedroom flats advertised on the idealista portal between April and June 2026, focusing on markets with representative sample sizes.
