Portugal is now the second EU country with the largest increase in housing prices since 2020, with a 24.1% rise, only behind Greece (29%). At the same time, the country remains among the EU member states with low purchasing power, according to the latest Pordata data.
Housing costs and purchasing power
Despite having a cost of living below the EU average — Portugal ranks 17th for the cheapest basket of essential goods — the population’s purchasing power is the sixth lowest in the EU.
Pordata calculates that the average annual income in Portugal in 2023 (€1,053.90 per month) would allow a person to buy the equivalent of 11 essential goods baskets, far fewer than the 24 baskets an average Luxembourger could afford.
How Portugal compares in the EU
- Housing price increase: 24.1% (2nd in the EU, after Greece at 29%)
- Lowest house prices: Most reductions in Finland (-16.3% vs 2020)
- Labour productivity: 19th in the EU (€47,700 contribution per worker in 2024)
- Economic growth: GDP per capita grew 40% nominally and 10% in real terms (6th highest in the EU)
Environment and recycling
Portugal is the third-lowest emitter of greenhouse gases in Europe (4.8 tonnes per person), but ranks 7th lowest in urban waste recycling, with a recycling rate of 30.7%, less than half of Germany (68.7%) or Austria (62.8%).
About the data
The information comes from an interactive platform launched by Pordata on 23 February 2026, based on Eurostat statistics. It compares all 27 EU member states across population, economy, cost of living and income, energy, and environment.
The platform also celebrates 40 years since Portugal joined the European Economic Community (EEC) in January 1986.
