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Renting a room in Coimbra: neighbourhoods, prices and tips

Data updated on 27 October 2026

Coimbra runs on the rhythm of the country's oldest university, and much of the room supply is aimed at students. The median asking price for a room is around €335 a month, stable on last year (idealista, Q2 2026): less than two thirds of the price in Lisbon.

Demand is concentrated near the University of Coimbra's three campuses: the Alta and Baixa (Polo I), Celas (Polo III, next to the hospitals) and Pinhal de Marrocos (Polo II). The left bank of the Mondego and the outer parishes are cheaper.

Coimbra in numbers

Room in a shared home (median)
€335/monthstable in a year · idealista
Home rents, new leases (median)
€9.19/m²INE, 2025
Listings on arrendaquartos.pt
0 rooms
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Where to look for a room in Coimbra

INE only publishes rents by parish for Lisbon and Porto. The ranking below is a general indication based on demand and the type of housing in each area; always check prices in the listings.

More expensive

  • Alta e Baixa (Polo I)

    More expensive

    The university Alta, Sé Nova, the Baixa and Praça da República: the area with the most student life and home to the traditional repúblicas (student houses). Everything within walking distance, but old houses, steep streets and high demand at the start of the academic year.

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  • Celas (Polo III)

    More expensive

    A residential neighbourhood next to the University Hospitals and Polo III (Medicine, Pharmacy, Health Sciences). Very popular with students in these fields and with health professionals.

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Mid-range

  • Solum e Calhabé

    Mid-range

    A flat, modern area around the Cidade de Coimbra stadium, with shops, services and good bus links. Newer buildings and a good balance between price and comfort.

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  • Polo II (Pinhal de Marrocos)

    Mid-range

    Around the University of Coimbra's Engineering departments. Further from the centre and with fewer shops, but convenient for anyone with classes at Polo II.

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More affordable

  • Santa Clara (margem esquerda)

    More affordable

    Across the Mondego, home to Portugal dos Pequenitos and the Santa Clara convent. More affordable homes, with access to the centre on foot over the Santa Clara bridge or by bus.

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  • São Martinho do Bispo

    More affordable

    Also on the left bank, near Covões Hospital and the Escola Superior Agrária. More residential and cheaper, relying on buses to reach the centre.

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For students

The University of Coimbra has three campuses: Polo I in the Alta (Arts and Humanities, Law, Psychology and several Sciences and Technology departments), Polo II in Pinhal de Marrocos (Engineering) and Polo III in Celas (Medicine, Pharmacy). The Coimbra Polytechnic has schools across the city, such as ISEC in Quinta da Nora and the Escola Superior Agrária in Bencanta.

Demand peaks between August and October, before classes start and as Erasmus students arrive. Look early if you can, and check whether the contract runs for the academic year (usually September to June or July) or for 12 months.

Getting around

The city is small and many people walk, despite the hills. SMTUC buses cover the university campuses, the hospitals and both banks of the river.

Coimbra-B station is on the main northern line, with direct trains to Lisbon and Porto; a shuttle train runs to Coimbra station in the Baixa.

Tips for renting a room

  • Visit the room (or do a video call) before paying anything. Be wary of anyone asking for a deposit before showing the home, or of prices far below the area's.
  • Ask for a written contract and rent receipts. Landlords must issue electronic receipts on the Tax Authority portal (Portal das Finanças), and they let you deduct part of the rent from your income tax (IRS).
  • Check what is included: bills (water, electricity, gas, internet), cleaning of shared areas and house rules, such as guests and pets.
  • The deposit is usually one or two months' rent. Agree in writing on when it is returned and take photos of the room when you move in.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a room cost in Coimbra?

The median asking price for a room in Coimbra is around €335 a month (idealista, Q2 2026), stable compared with the previous year.

What is the best area in Coimbra for students?

It depends on the campus: the Alta and Praça da República for Polo I, Celas for Polo III and Pinhal de Marrocos or Solum for Polo II. The left bank is cheaper but means relying more on buses.

When should I look for a room in Coimbra?

As early as possible before September. Between August and October demand is very high and the best rooms near the campuses go quickly.

Guides to other cities

Sources

idealista prices are asking prices in listings, not rents actually paid. INE's rent per m² refers to whole homes and is used to compare areas.