Cost of living news in Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal

Lisbon is currently the most expensive city in Europe for renters, with the cost of a one-bedroom apartment consuming approximately 99% of the average local salary. This housing crisis is compounded by a significant rise in the cost of living since 2022, with essential food and energy prices frequently outpacing general inflation.

A delegation from the European Parliament's housing committee described Portugal’s housing situation as severe following a two-day visit to Lisbon. Committee president Irene Tinagli highlighted an alarming percentage of properties used for tourism and a growing gap between market prices and local wages. The group called for a better balance between the tourism industry and the need for affordable housing for residents.

Students from Portuguese-speaking African countries (Países Africanos de Língua Oficial Portuguesa or PALOP) are reporting significant hardships due to visa delays and high living costs in Portugal. Many students arrive months after the academic year begins, which severely impacts their mental health and academic performance. The delays are described as a systemic barrier for international students entering through special quotas.

Thousands of students marched in Lisbon on National Student Day (Dia Nacional do Estudante) to demand free higher education and more student housing. The protest coincided with comments from Education Minister Fernando Alexandre, who suggested that tuition fees (propinas) should be adjusted for inflation after being frozen for several years. The government has promised 14,000 new beds in student residences by the next academic year to address the housing crisis. Families with university students should be aware of potential cost increases in future state budgets.

Protesters gathered in 16 cities, including Lisbon and Porto, to demonstrate against rising property prices and recent government measures. The platform Home to Live In (Casa para Viver) organized the marches, calling for rent caps and an end to fast-track evictions. Residents should note that further actions are planned as the housing crisis continues to affect both locals and foreign residents.

More than 100 collectives have organized a series of protests under the slogan “It's not enough” (Já não dá) to demand better access to affordable housing. The demonstrations, scheduled for the coming weekend in several cities, show the growing gap between wages and rental prices. Organizers argue that recent government measures have failed to protect tenants from irregular rent increases and precarious living conditions. Tenants and those seeking housing should be aware of the protests in major urban centers.

The Casa para Viver platform delivered an open letter to the President of the Republic at the Belém Palace (Palácio de Belém) calling for the housing crisis to be treated as a national emergency. The movement is demanding rent regulation, mortgage relief, and a veto on legislation that would accelerate evictions. Residents should note that nationwide protests are scheduled for March 21 in 14 different cities.