Guides to renting a room in Portugal

The most expensive city in the country to rent a room. From the historic centre to the more affordable residential areas, plus alternatives in the metropolitan area.

The second most expensive city on the mainland to rent a room. The historic centre, Foz, Asprela and Campo Alegre, and alternatives in Gaia, Matosinhos and Maia.

Portugal's classic university city, with rooms well below Lisbon and Porto. The Alta, Celas, Solum, Polo II and the left bank.

A young, growing city, home to the University of Minho's Gualtar campus. The historic centre, São Vítor, Gualtar and Lamaçães.

A flat university city between the lagoon and the sea. The centre, Santiago, Esgueira and Aradas, within easy train reach of Porto.

The capital of the Algarve, home to the University of the Algarve and a market shaped by tourism. The centre, Penha, Gambelas and Montenegro.

A city on the Sado estuary and the Arrábida hills, linked to Lisbon by Fertagus trains. The centre, São Sebastião and Azeitão, and the Setúbal Polytechnic.

A World Heritage city in the Alentejo, with the University of Évora inside the walls. The historic centre, Bacelo, Senhora da Saúde and Malagueira.

A mid-sized city with the Leiria Polytechnic and strong industry. Among the cheapest rooms of any Portuguese city with a university or polytechnic.

Home to the University of Beira Interior, on the slopes of the Serra da Estrela. Some of the lowest rents of any university city.