Working in Portugal: Is it worth it with a minimum wage of €870? A practical analysis of the cost of living

Many Brazilians question whether it is really worth seeking professional opportunities in Portugal. The answer is not as simple as comparing nominal numbers. In 2025, the Portuguese minimum wage reached € 870 per month on the mainland, but what really matters is understanding how much of that amount remains after essential expenses and whether it offers quality of life.

This guide details not only the minimum wage in Portugal but also what you actually take home, how mandatory deductions work, the cost of living in the main cities, and whether the Portuguese financial model is viable for those earning at the minimum.

What is the minimum wage in Portugal and how does it evolve

The minimum wage in Portugal in 2025 reached € 870 for a standard 40-hour workweek on the mainland. This represents an increase compared to € 820 in 2024.

In the autonomous islands, the amount is slightly higher:

• Madeira: € 913.50
• Azores: € 915

This policy of annual adjustments reflects the government’s effort to align Portugal with European standards, although the country still maintains one of the lowest minimum wages in the European Union.

Converting to Brazilian reais, € 870 is approximately R$ 5,584, a value that seems solid until you understand the local cost of living.

What remains in the wallet: deductions and net salary

Here begins the reality. The worker earning the minimum wage in Portugal does not take the entire amount home. The main deductions are:

Social Security (11%): Mandatory deduction applied to all workers

• Deduction: € 95.70

Portuguese Income Tax (IRS) (Imposto de Renda Português): Charged only above the minimum, but can vary depending on dependents and family situation

In practice:

• Gross salary: € 870
• After Social Security: € 774.30
• With IRS withheld: it can drop to € 750 or less

In other words, about 13% is lost just to mandatory social contributions, significantly reducing monthly purchasing power.

Professions and earnings in Portugal

The minimum wage is just the floor. Qualified professionals earn substantially more:

Earnings vary significantly depending on the field. Nurses, programmers, engineers, and experienced professionals easily surpass € 1,500-€ 2,500 per month, depending on the region and experience.

This difference becomes crucial for those considering a move: professionals with specific training have much more attractive opportunities.

The cost of living in Portugal: the invisible side

According to cost of living data, Portugal remains the second most affordable country in Western Europe, but “affordable” is relative.

Food and meals:

• Set menu: € 12
• Fast food: € 8
• Chicken (500g): € 3.36
• Cheese (500g): € 4.90

Housing — where the budget is most strained:

• 2-bedroom apartment in a upscale neighborhood: € 1,518/month
• 2-bedroom apartment in a common area: € 1,005/month
• Studio in a common area: € 729/month

Monthly expenses for one person:

• One person living alone: ~ € 1,800
• Family of 4: ~ € 3,304

Other costs:

• Gasoline: € 1.69/liter
• Public transport pass: € 35
• Gym: € 34
• Utilities (electricity, water, gas): € 112
• Medical consultation: € 65

Is it feasible to live on the minimum wage in Portugal?

Technically, yes. Practically, it depends a lot on where you live and how you spend.

In small and medium-sized cities, a single person can sustain themselves on the minimum wage, drastically reducing housing costs. However, in Lisbon and Porto, the reality is quite different: the disposable income after rent leaves little room for comfort.

Someone earning € 870 and living in a shared studio (€ 365 rent), with basic expenses of € 400, has less than € 100 left for leisure, clothes, and emergencies — a tight scenario.

Portugal minimum wage versus Brazil: who comes out ahead?

The comparison between the two countries is not trivial.

In absolute numbers, Portugal pays more than three times the Brazilian minimum wage. However, the calculation changes when including the cost of living:

Housing and food in Portugal consume proportionally more of the income. In Brazil, although the salary is lower, some basic costs are distributed differently.

For qualified professionals, Portugal offers significantly higher salaries and growth opportunities. For those earning only the minimum, both countries present similar budget challenges.

How much does it cost to work per hour in Portugal?

With a 176-hour monthly work schedule, the hourly rate is around € 4.94.

For professions requiring qualification, this value can triple or quadruple.

Decision: is it worth it or not?

The answer depends on multiple factors:

It’s more worthwhile if you:

• Have training or experience valued in the European market
• Seek stability, social security, and strong labor rights
• Aim for professional growth in the medium to long term
• Are open to living in medium-sized cities with lower costs

It’s more challenging if you:

• Will only earn the minimum wage
• Want to live in Lisbon or Porto on a tight budget
• Do not foresee rapid professional progression
• Have dependents

Moving to Portugal is not just a salary decision — it’s a financial planning process that considers career prospects, city choice, and long-term goals.