Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Portugal Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Porto's property market is included in our pack
If you're wondering what it actually costs to rent an apartment in Porto right now, you're in the right place.
We break down the latest rental prices in Porto for 2026, from studios to two-bedroom apartments, and we keep updating this article as the market moves.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Porto.
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Leesa Booyzen 🇿🇦 🇬🇧
Real Estate Agent - Team Leader
What are typical rents in Porto as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Porto as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Porto is around €700, which works out to approximately $735 USD.
That said, you'll find most studio rents in Porto falling between €600 and €850 per month ($630 to $890 USD), depending on the specific location and whether the unit comes furnished.
The main factors that push studio rents up or down in Porto include proximity to the city center, the building's condition, access to metro stations, and whether the apartment has been recently renovated or includes amenities like air conditioning.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Porto as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Porto is approximately €1,000, or about $1,050 USD.
Most 1-bedroom apartments in Porto rent between €900 and €1,200 per month ($945 to $1,260 USD), with the exact price depending heavily on location and apartment features.
For the cheapest 1-bedroom rents in Porto, look toward Ramalde or Campanhã, while the most expensive options cluster in the historic center around Cedofeita and in upscale Foz do Douro near the seafront.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Porto as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Porto is around €1,400, equivalent to roughly $1,470 USD.
You can expect most 2-bedroom apartments in Porto to rent between €1,200 and €1,700 per month ($1,260 to $1,785 USD), with significant variation based on size, condition, and extras like parking or a balcony.
The most affordable 2-bedroom options in Porto tend to be in Campanhã and parts of Paranhos, while premium 2-bedroom apartments in the historic center or Foz do Douro often exceed €1,700 per month.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Porto.
What's the average rent per square meter in Porto as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average asking rent in Porto is approximately €18 per square meter per month, which translates to about $19 USD per square meter.
Across Porto's different neighborhoods, rents range from around €14 per square meter in outer areas like Campanhã to €21 per square meter in the historic center around Cedofeita and Ribeira.
Compared to Lisbon, where asking rents often exceed €22 per square meter, Porto remains more affordable, though it has closed the gap considerably over the past few years.
Properties that command above-average rent per square meter in Porto typically feature recent renovations, elevators in older buildings, parking spaces, outdoor terraces, and proximity to metro stations like Trindade or Casa da Música.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Porto in 2026?
As of early 2026, rents in Porto have increased approximately 3% compared to January 2025.
This moderate growth reflects a tight rental market with persistent demand from students, young professionals, and international tenants, balanced against a gradual increase in supply and government efforts to cool the housing market.
The 3% year-over-year increase represents a significant slowdown from 2023 and early 2024, when Porto saw double-digit rent growth in some quarters, suggesting the market is stabilizing after several years of rapid increases.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Porto in 2026?
As of early 2026, rents in Porto are projected to grow between 3% and 6% over the full year, with most analysts expecting growth closer to the middle of that range.
The key factors supporting continued rent growth in Porto include an ongoing housing shortage, strong demand from international residents and remote workers, and limited new construction coming to market in the near term.
Neighborhoods near the University of Porto and along expanding metro lines, particularly Paranhos, Bonfim, and the Campanhã corridor, are expected to see the strongest rent growth as infrastructure improvements boost their appeal.
However, government policies aimed at increasing affordable housing supply, potential economic slowdowns in Europe, and rising interest rates could all dampen rent growth below projections if conditions shift.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Portugal. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Porto as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Porto as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest average rents in Porto are the historic center (Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau, and Vitória) at around €21 per square meter (approximately $22 USD), Bonfim at €19 per square meter ($20 USD), and Foz do Douro at €16.50 per square meter ($17 USD) though premium renovated properties there often exceed €20.
These areas command premium rents for different reasons: the historic center offers walkability, cultural attractions, and tourism spillover; Bonfim provides a trendy central location with good nightlife; and Foz do Douro delivers a seafront lifestyle with upscale residential character.
Tenants who rent in these high-rent Porto neighborhoods are typically expats, senior professionals, couples without children seeking lifestyle amenities, and short-to-medium-term international residents willing to pay more for location and aesthetics.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Porto.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Porto right now?
Young professionals in Porto tend to cluster in Cedofeita for its cafés and walkability, Bonfim for its central location and value compared to the historic core, and Ramalde near Boavista for its proximity to offices and newer building stock.
In these neighborhoods, young professionals typically pay between €800 and €1,200 per month ($840 to $1,260 USD) for a 1-bedroom or small 2-bedroom apartment, depending on the specific street and building quality.
What draws young professionals to these Porto neighborhoods is a combination of short commutes, vibrant street life, good restaurant and bar options, co-working spaces nearby, and reliable metro access to the rest of the city.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Porto.
Where do families prefer to rent in Porto right now?
Families in Porto most commonly rent in Foz do Douro for its seafront calm and prestigious schools, Lordelo do Ouro for its green spaces and river proximity, and Paranhos for its larger apartments and practical day-to-day living.
In these family-friendly Porto neighborhoods, 2 to 3 bedroom apartments typically rent between €1,200 and €1,800 per month ($1,260 to $1,890 USD), with Foz do Douro sitting at the higher end of that range.
What makes these areas attractive to families is the combination of quieter streets, access to parks and outdoor space, proximity to international and Portuguese schools, and apartment buildings with larger floor plans than the cramped historic center.
Top-rated schools near these Porto neighborhoods include the British School of Porto, Colégio do Rosário, and Escola Secundária Garcia de Orta, all of which are within easy reach of Foz, Lordelo, or Paranhos.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Porto in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three areas that rent fastest in Porto are the Trindade and Baixa corridor near the main metro interchange, the Paranhos and Asprela area near the University of Porto campus, and the Campanhã zone benefiting from its major rail and metro hub.
Properties in these high-demand Porto areas typically stay listed for just 15 to 25 days before being rented, compared to 30 to 45 days in less connected neighborhoods.
Being within a 10-minute walk of a metro station or the University of Porto campus commands a rent premium of roughly €50 to €150 per month ($55 to $160 USD) compared to similar apartments further from transit or campus.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Porto right now?
The three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Porto are Foz do Douro for its seafront lifestyle and high quality of life, Cedofeita for its central location and hip local character, and Boavista for its modern city feel and international amenities.
Expats in these Porto neighborhoods typically pay between €1,000 and €1,600 per month ($1,050 to $1,680 USD) for a furnished 1 or 2-bedroom apartment, with Foz commanding the highest prices.
These areas attract expats because of their combination of walkability, English-speaking services, international restaurants, reliable internet for remote work, and a welcoming atmosphere for foreigners.
The expat communities in Porto are quite diverse, with significant representation from Brazil, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the United States, and increasingly digital nomads from across Europe seeking Portugal's favorable climate and cost of living.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Porto.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Porto
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
Who rents, and what do tenants want in Porto right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Porto?
The three tenant profiles that dominate Porto's rental market are young professionals working in the city's growing tech and services sectors, university students attending the University of Porto and other institutions, and international tenants including expats and remote workers.
Based on market observations, young professionals account for roughly 35% of rental demand in Porto, students represent about 25%, and international tenants make up around 20%, with the remaining 20% split among local families and other groups.
Young professionals typically seek 1-bedroom or small 2-bedroom apartments in central locations, students look for studios or shared accommodations near campus, and international tenants often prefer furnished 1 or 2-bedroom apartments in lifestyle neighborhoods like Foz or Cedofeita.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Porto.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Porto?
In Porto's rental market, approximately 55% of tenants still prefer unfurnished or semi-furnished apartments for long-term leases, while 45% seek fully furnished options, a share that has grown significantly in recent years.
Furnished apartments in Porto typically command a rent premium of €100 to €150 per month ($105 to $160 USD) compared to unfurnished equivalents, representing roughly a 10% to 15% increase.
The tenant profiles most likely to choose furnished rentals in Porto are international tenants arriving without furniture, remote workers staying for several months, and young professionals who prioritize convenience over customization.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Porto?
The five amenities that increase rent the most in Porto are elevators in older buildings, private parking or garage spaces, central heating and air conditioning, outdoor space like balconies or terraces, and proximity to metro stations.
In Porto's rental market, an elevator can add €50 to €100 per month ($55 to $105 USD), parking adds €75 to €125 per month ($80 to $130 USD), heating and AC together add €50 to €75 per month ($55 to $80 USD), a balcony or terrace adds €40 to €80 per month ($40 to $85 USD), and being within 5 minutes of a metro station adds €50 to €100 per month ($55 to $105 USD).
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Porto, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Porto?
The five renovations that deliver the best ROI for rental properties in Porto are energy efficiency upgrades like better windows and insulation, kitchen modernization with durable finishes, bathroom refreshes, improved lighting and storage solutions, and adding air conditioning.
In Porto, new windows and insulation typically cost €2,000 to €5,000 ($2,100 to $5,250 USD) and can increase rent by €40 to €75 per month; a kitchen refresh costs €3,000 to €8,000 ($3,150 to $8,400 USD) and adds €50 to €100 per month; bathroom updates cost €2,000 to €5,000 and add €30 to €60 per month; lighting and storage improvements cost €500 to €2,000 and add €20 to €40 per month; and AC installation costs €1,500 to €3,000 and adds €30 to €50 per month.
Renovations that tend to have poor ROI for Porto landlords include luxury finishes that exceed what the neighborhood commands, swimming pools in apartment buildings, and overly personalized design choices that limit tenant appeal.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Portugal versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How strong is rental demand in Porto as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Porto as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated vacancy rate for rental properties in Porto is between 3% and 5%, which indicates a tight market where landlords have strong bargaining power.
Vacancy rates vary across Porto's neighborhoods, ranging from as low as 2% in high-demand central areas like Cedofeita and Bonfim to around 6% in some peripheral zones with less transit access.
The current vacancy rate in Porto is well below the 7% to 8% level that housing economists typically consider balanced, and it remains lower than the historical average of 5% to 6% seen before the recent surge in housing demand.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Porto.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Porto as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rentals in Porto stay listed for an average of 20 to 30 days before being rented, assuming the property is priced correctly for its location and condition.
Days on market varies significantly across Porto, with well-priced studios and 1-bedroom apartments in central neighborhoods renting in as few as 15 days, while larger or overpriced properties in less connected areas can take 45 days or more.
Compared to one year ago, days on market in Porto has remained relatively stable, with perhaps a slight increase of 3 to 5 days as the rental market has cooled somewhat from its peak frenzy.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Porto?
The peak months for tenant demand in Porto are late August through October, driven primarily by the university academic year starting in mid-September, followed by a secondary peak in January and February when new-year job relocations occur.
The main factors driving Porto's seasonal demand patterns are the University of Porto's academic calendar, which brings thousands of students seeking housing each fall, plus the typical cycle of work contracts beginning in September and January.
The months with the lowest tenant demand in Porto are typically November through December and then again in June and July, when most students have already secured housing and families avoid moving during school terms or summer holidays.
Buying real estate in Porto can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What will my monthly costs be in Porto as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Porto as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords in Porto should expect to pay annual property tax (IMI) of around €300 to €1,200 ($315 to $1,260 USD), depending on the property's taxable value, with a typical apartment generating a bill between €400 and €800.
The range of annual property taxes in Porto varies based on the property's VPT (taxable patrimonial value) set by the tax authorities, with smaller apartments in older buildings paying toward the lower end and larger or recently revalued properties paying more.
Porto's IMI rate for 2026 is 0.324%, applied to the property's VPT, and this rate has remained stable in recent years after the municipal council voted to maintain it unchanged.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Porto, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Porto right now?
In Porto, landlords most commonly pay for condominium fees (building common charges), property insurance, and major repairs, while tenants typically cover electricity, gas, water, and internet.
Condominium fees in Porto typically range from €30 to €100 per month ($30 to $105 USD) depending on the building's size and amenities, while basic property insurance costs €150 to €300 per year ($160 to $315 USD), and major repair reserves should budget €500 to €1,500 annually ($525 to $1,575 USD).
The common practice in Porto's rental market is for landlords to handle building-related costs and structural maintenance, while tenants pay for consumption-based utilities directly to providers, though this can be negotiated and should be clearly stated in the lease contract.
How is rental income taxed in Porto as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Porto is taxed under Portugal's IRS system, with autonomous tax rates starting at 25% for standard residential leases, though landlords who sign longer-term contracts can qualify for reduced rates as low as 5% for leases of 20 years or more.
The main deductions landlords can claim against rental income in Porto include condominium fees, property insurance, IMI property tax paid, maintenance and repair costs, and certain improvement expenses, all of which reduce the taxable base.
A common tax mistake specific to Porto landlords is failing to register contracts with the tax authorities within the required timeframe, which can result in penalties and disqualify landlords from the favorable long-term lease tax rates that Portugal offers.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Porto.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Portugal compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Porto, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Idealista (Porto city rent report) | Idealista is Portugal's largest housing marketplace and publishes transparent, regularly updated rent indexes based on its massive listing database. | We used it as our primary benchmark for Porto asking rents in late 2025, then adjusted slightly for January 2026 using recent monthly trends. We also used its neighborhood breakdown to identify where rents are highest and lowest. |
| Idealista (Porto district overview) | This is the same established index but shown at a broader geography, useful for cross-checking internal consistency. | We used it to sanity-check Porto city levels against the wider district context and to avoid guessing market direction. |
| INE (Portugal's national statistics office) | INE is the official statistics agency, and this series is built from administrative data on new rental contracts. | We used it as an official signed-rent reality check to complement Idealista's asking rents. We used the Porto metro area figure to triangulate direction and pressure in the rental market. |
| Confidencial Imobiliário (via Público) | This is a well-known Portuguese housing data provider, reported here by a major national newspaper with clear attribution. | We used it to cross-check whether rents were accelerating or cooling in Porto on new contracts. We used it for market direction rather than absolute rent levels. |
| JLL Research | JLL is a global real estate consultancy with a long-standing research practice and published methodology. | We used it for the supply-demand narrative that drives rent outlooks and to support why rent growth is likely to remain sticky rather than volatile. |
| CBRE Portugal | CBRE is a major international real estate consultancy whose outlook reports are widely referenced by investors and institutions. | We used it to anchor the macro backdrop including rates, investment sentiment, and supply constraints that typically affect residential rentals. |
| Portal das Finanças | This is Portugal's official tax authority site publishing the legal text for income tax rules. | We used it to describe how rental income can be taxed under autonomous rates and to keep tax guidance grounded in the actual statute. |
| Government of Portugal | This is an official government communication explaining policy intent and headline tax rates for landlords. | We used it to explain in plain language how longer leases can qualify for lower tax rates and to avoid relying on blog summaries for policy. |
| Câmara Municipal do Porto | This is a primary municipal publication for Porto's property tax decisions. | We used it to anchor Porto's IMI level historically and confirm that 0.324% is the real, published municipal rate. |
| ECO | ECO is a reputable Portuguese business outlet that clearly reports municipal decisions with specific numbers. | We used it to support the 2026 statement that Porto keeps IMI at 0.324% and as timely confirmation alongside the municipal document. |
| ERSE | ERSE is Portugal's official energy regulator that sets and approves regulated electricity tariffs. | We used it to ground utility cost discussions in regulator-published tariff context and as the authoritative anchor for electricity price governance. |
| University of Porto | This is the primary source for term dates that shape student rental seasonality in Porto. | We used it to identify the September start and mid-year semester timing that consistently spikes demand near campuses. |
| Idealista (rental demand research) | This is the same major platform publishing quantified demand pressure from its internal marketplace metrics. | We used it as a proxy for market tightness showing how many people chase each listing and to support fast-letting expectations. |
| Caixa Geral de Depósitos | CGD is a major Portuguese bank that publishes practical guides clearly stating common landlord obligations. | We used it to explain who is typically responsible for conservation works and maintenance. We used it to support practical landlord guidance in simple terms. |
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Porto
Don't repeat the same mistakes others have made before you. Make sure everything is in order before signing your sales contract.
Related blog posts