Renting a home in Portugal has become increasingly expensive, with Viana do Castelo experiencing the sharpest surge in rental prices across the country. According to the latest price index from real estate portal Idealista, released today, rental prices in Viana do Castelo jumped 21.9% in October compared to the same month last year—far outpacing Portugal’s national average increase of 5.7%.
Viana do Castelo Outpaces the Market
Viana do Castelo is now the district capital with the fastest-growing rents in Portugal. As of October, the median national rent stood at €17 per square meter. This upward trend isn’t limited to a single region: all district capitals and autonomous regions saw price hikes, though the degree of increase varies significantly.
District Capital Rental Price Changes
Here’s how rental prices rose in other key district capitals over the past year:
- Viana do Castelo: +21.9%
- Faro: +19.6%
- Santarém: +14.8%
- Viseu: +14.4%
- Coimbra: +14.2%
- Vila Real: +14.0%
- Castelo Branco: +13.5%
Several cities showed notable increases, but none matched Viana do Castelo’s pace.
Portugal’s Most (and Least) Expensive Cities for Rent
Lisbon remains Portugal’s most expensive city for renters, with median prices reaching €22.8/m². Porto (€18.3/m²), Faro (€15.8/m²), and Funchal (€15.7/m²) also top the list.
Other key median prices:
- Setúbal: €13/m²
- Coimbra: €12.7/m²
- Évora/Aveiro: €11.8/m²
- Ponta Delgada: €11.7/m²
- Braga: €10.3/m²
- Viana do Castelo: €9.8/m²
- Santarém: €9.5/m²
- Leiria: €8.9/m²
On the budget-friendly end, Viseu (€8/m²), Vila Real and Castelo Branco (both €7.5/m²) are the cheapest among district capitals.
Districts and Islands: Beja and Guarda See the Biggest Jumps
When looking at districts and autonomous island regions, prices rose everywhere:
- Beja: +22.1%
- Guarda: +21.5%
- Castelo Branco: +17.5%
- Coimbra: +17.3%
- Portalegre: +15.1%
- Viana do Castelo: +14.9%
- Vila Real: +13.9%
Lisbon is the most expensive district at €20.9/m², followed by Porto (€16.2/m²), Faro (€16/m²), and Madeira (€15/m²).
At the other end of the spectrum, Bragança remains the most affordable rental market at just €6.6/m².
Rental Price Trends Remain Firmly Upward
Despite regional differences, Portugal’s rental market continues on an upward trajectory, with Viana do Castelo leading this surge. Tenants across the country are feeling the squeeze as rental costs climb faster than ever before.
Looking to rent in Portugal? Research your region carefully, as prices—and changes—can vary dramatically. For the latest trends and advice, stay tuned to property news on #Portugal real estate.
