By an American woman living in Portugal and helping Americans find the right place to live
If you're an American researching where to live in Portugal, you're probably torn between Lisbon and Cascais. They're both beautiful, both safe, both offer incredible quality of life — and both attract tons of Americans looking for a permanent home, second home, or investment property.
But the cost of living in Cascais versus Lisbon varies way more than most people expect. And depending on your lifestyle, one of them might fit you perfectly... while the other may honestly drive you a little crazy.
I'm an American woman living in Portugal and helping Americans buy property every week, so here's the honest, clear breakdown you actually need.
The Big Picture: Cascais Is More Expensive, But It Depends on Your Life
Let's get this out of the way early: Cascais means more expensive housing but also more space and beach lifestyle. Lisbon is more urban, more options, and slightly lower housing costs.
But that's not the whole story at all.
Daily life, transportation, healthcare, and dining costs depend heavily on your specific neighborhood, your commute, whether you have kids, whether you'll own a car, your lifestyle habits, and honestly, how "American" your expectations are.
So let's break it down category by category.
Housing Costs: Your Biggest Difference
Lisbon Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)
T1 (1-bed): €1,100–€1,700
T2 (2-bed): €1,600–€2,500
T3 (3-bed): €2,200–€3,500+
Older buildings can be cheaper but may lack elevators, parking, insulation, and modern amenities.
Cascais Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)
T1: €1,400–€2,200
T2: €1,900–€3,000
T3: €2,800–€4,500+
You're paying for safety, proximity to beaches, walkability, green areas, American-friendly lifestyle, and international schools.
Buying Property
Lisbon: €4,000–€8,000/m²
Cascais: €6,000–€10,000/m² (or way more for ocean-front)
Cascais is consistently more expensive, especially for large homes or modern buildings.
Utilities: Similar Costs, But Lifestyle Matters
Utilities are pretty similar between both cities — though Portugal has high electricity prices across the board.
Average monthly utilities for a couple/family:
Electricity: €90–€180
Water: €25–€45
Gas: €25–€60
Internet/TV: €35–€60
Where you save money: Cascais homes tend to be newer and better insulated than many Lisbon apartments, which means lower winter heating costs.
Where you spend more: Larger homes in Cascais mean higher energy usage overall.
Groceries: Lisbon Has More Variety, Cascais Has More Convenience
Lisbon
Tons of small shops, markets, and specialty stores. Prices vary dramatically between different parishes.
Cascais
Fewer specialty markets, but Jumbo, Continente, Auchan, Lidl, and local markets are easy and convenient.
Monthly cost (for American-style shopping habits)
Lisbon: €400–€650
Cascais: €450–€700
Cascais tends to run slightly higher on grocery costs, especially near the center, but we're only talking about 5–10% more.
Eating Out: Lisbon Is Cheaper, Cascais Is More Lifestyle-Oriented
Lisbon
Endless cafés, tasca restaurants, and small eateries. You'll find budget-friendly meals literally everywhere.
Coffee: €0.80–€1.20
Normal lunch: €7–€12
Dinner at a nice place: €20–€35 per person
Cascais
More polished restaurants, especially near the marina and beach areas. Naturally, you pay a bit more.
Coffee: €1.00–€1.40
Lunch: €10–€15
Dinner: €25–€45 per person
If you eat out often, Lisbon will cost you significantly less over time.
Transportation: Lisbon Wins Easily
Lisbon
Metro, trains, buses, trams, Uber and Bolt everywhere. A monthly pass runs €40–€50. Living without a car is totally practical.
Cascais
No metro. Trains only run along the coast. Most residents use a car for errands. Parking costs more. Fuel is expensive (€1.70–€2.00/liter).
If you live in Cascais, you'll almost definitely own a car, which increases your monthly expenses pretty significantly.
Healthcare Access
Both cities have excellent healthcare options.
Lisbon
More hospitals, more specialist options, faster scheduling in private clinics.
Cascais
Great private care, slightly fewer specialists, hospitals are modern but fewer in number.
Prices are nearly identical — Portugal's private healthcare system is extremely affordable either way.
Schools: Cascais Is the Winner for International Families
If you have children, this may honestly be the deciding factor.
Cascais & Carcavelos
Top international schools, American/IB/British programs, large expat community, English-speaking environments. Higher costs but way higher convenience.
Lisbon
Also has excellent schools, but waitlists are often longer and traffic is much worse for daily drop-offs and pickups.
For families, Cascais often becomes the clear winner despite the higher price tag.
Safety and Lifestyle
Both cities are very safe by U.S. standards.
Cascais
Extremely safe, clean, quiet, walkable. Outdoor lifestyle with beach walks, cycling, running. Feels more like "suburban American meets European coastal town."
Lisbon
Safe, but definitely city-like. More noise and crowds. More nightlife. More diverse neighborhoods.
If you want calm, Cascais wins. If you want energy and culture, Lisbon does.
Weather Differences
Cascais is sunnier and breezier. Lisbon can feel hotter in summer because of the urban heat effect.
Cascais summer: 25–29°C
Lisbon summer: 28–35°C (hotter, way less breeze)
Winters are similar — damp, cool, and rainy — but Cascais homes tend to be newer and better insulated, so they feel more comfortable.
Which Is More Affordable Overall?
Lisbon wins for affordability. Housing, dining, and transportation are all cheaper.
Cascais wins for lifestyle, if you can afford it. You're paying for safety, coastal living, spaciousness, international schools, cleaner environment, and American-friendly conveniences.
High-earning Americans often choose Cascais because the lifestyle feels easier and more familiar. Younger professionals and remote workers often choose Lisbon for the energy and affordability.
Real Monthly Budget Comparison (for a couple)
Lisbon:
Rent (T2): €1,800
Utilities: €150
Groceries: €500
Eating out: €300
Transportation: €40–€100
Healthcare: €70
Misc: €200–€400
➡ Total: €3,060–€3,320
Cascais:
Rent (T2): €2,300
Utilities: €150
Groceries: €550
Eating out: €350
Transportation (car): €150–€300
Healthcare: €70
Misc: €250–€450
➡ Total: €3,770–€4,120
Cascais typically runs €600–€900 per month more expensive for similar lifestyles.
So... Which Is Better for You?
Choose Lisbon if you want:
Energy and culture, walkability without a car, lower living costs, younger urban lifestyle, endless restaurants and events and museums.
Choose Cascais if you want:
Beach and sunshine, peaceful family-friendly life, higher-end neighborhoods, international schools, more space and modern homes, nature and safety and a healthier daily routine.
Want Expert Guidance Choosing Between Cascais and Lisbon?
This is honestly one of the biggest questions my American clients ask — and the right answer completely depends on your lifestyle, budget, commute, and long-term plans.
My partner and I are American women living in Portugal who help other Americans compare neighborhoods, evaluate cost of living, understand commute realities, choose areas that actually fit their goals, buy property with confidence, and avoid regret and expensive mistakes.
If you're deciding between Cascais and Lisbon, we can help you choose the neighborhood that truly fits your life — not just your Pinterest boards.
Contact Us:
Email: info@PortugalDreamRealEstate.com
WhatsApp or Phone: +351 916 674 780
We genuinely look forward to helping you find the perfect place to call home in Portugal.info@PortugalDreamRealEstate.com
