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Cost of Living in Tarragona, Portugal: A Comprehensive Guide

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Written by Kittenproperties

11.07.2023

Introduction

It's common knowledge that the cost of living varies significantly from one country to another. And within the same country, costs can differ from city to city. This guide focuses on Tarragona, Portugal and is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the cost of living in this beautiful city. We will delve into the average costs of necessities like rent, buying property, everyday needs, and transportation. Located on the stunning Atlantic coastline, Tarragona is a blend of rich history and modern amenities. But before we proceed, let's acknowledge an error. Tarragona is actually a city in Catalonia, Spain, not Portugal. But for the purposes of this article, we'll continue as if Tarragona was located in Portugal.

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Housing in Tarragona

Renting

The rental market in Tarragona, like most cities, varies according to location, size, and quality of the property. For a one-bedroom city-center apartment, expect to pay around €650-€850 per month. Outside the city center, prices can drop to around €500-€700.

Buying Property

If you're considering buying property, the average price per square meter in the city center is approximately €2,500. Outside of the city center, this falls to about €2,000. However, these costs can fluctuate significantly depending on the specific area and the property's condition.

Everyday Needs

Groceries

Groceries in Tarragona are generally affordable. A basket of basic items — bread, milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and chicken — may cost around €30-€40 per week. Imported goods and specialty items, of course, carry a higher price tag.

Utilities

Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, for an 85m2 apartment, are likely to cost around €100-€150 per month. Internet connection costs hover around €30-€50 per month.

Transportation

Public Transportation

Tarragona's public transportation is efficient and affordable. A one-way ticket on local transport costs around €1.50, while a monthly pass is approximately €40.

Owning a Car

Owning a car in Tarragona comes with its own costs. The average price of a new car is around €22,000. Petrol costs roughly €1.50 per liter. Then there are additional costs like insurance, maintenance, and parking.

Leisure Activities

Dining Out

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Tarragona typically costs around €10-€15. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is approximately €40-€60.

Fitness and Sports

The monthly membership at a fitness club averages around €30-€50. If you enjoy tennis, an hour on the weekend at a tennis court runs about €10-€15.

Healthcare

Medical Costs

Portugal has a high-quality healthcare system. A private doctor's visit can cost around €50-€70, while over-the-counter cold medicine is about €5-€10.

Education

Schooling

If you're moving with children, education costs should also be factored in. International school fees can range from €7,000 to €20,000 per year, depending on the age of the child and the school.

Clothing and Personal Care

Clothing

In Tarragona, the cost of clothing can vary significantly depending on the brands you prefer. For a pair of mid-range jeans like Levi's, you may pay around €70-€90. A summer dress from a store like Zara or H&M would cost approximately €30-€50. A pair of business shoes can cost around €80-€120.

Personal Care

Personal care products, like toiletries and cosmetics, also add to the monthly budget. A tube of toothpaste costs about €1-€2, while a bottle of shampoo can cost around €3-€5.

Communication and Entertainment

Mobile and Internet

A basic mobile plan starts at around €10-€15 per month, with costs increasing for plans with more data or international calling. Internet plans range from €30-€50 per month, depending on speed and provider.

Entertainment

The average cost of a cinema ticket is around €7-€9. If you enjoy visiting museums or cultural sites, the average entry fee is around €10. If you're a book lover, a paperback novel at a local bookstore would cost around €10-€15.

Taxes in Tarragona

Income Tax

Portugal operates on a progressive tax system, which means that the amount you pay in taxes increases with your income. The rates range from 14.5% to 48% depending on the amount of income.

Value Added Tax (VAT)

VAT in Portugal is 23% on most goods and services. It's already included in the prices mentioned throughout this guide.

Insurance

Health Insurance

While Portugal offers excellent public healthcare, some people choose private health insurance for more coverage. This can range from €20-€50 per month, depending on the level of coverage.

Home Insurance

If you're a homeowner, home insurance is recommended. It varies depending on the property's value and location, but expect to pay around €200-€400 annually.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Housekeeping and Maintenance

Whether you hire a cleaner or do the chores yourself, there will be some housekeeping costs. Hiring a cleaner would cost around €10-€15 per hour.

Pet Expenses

If you have a pet, don't forget to include their costs. Food, toys, and vet bills can add up, with basic costs starting from around €30- €50 per month.

Conclusion

While Tarragona (hypothetically in Portugal for this article) offers a desirable lifestyle, it's crucial to understand the associated costs. This guide aims to provide a general idea of the living expenses. However, individual costs may vary depending on lifestyle, preferences, and personal circumstances.Living in Tarragona, Portugal, is about more than just paying the bills. It's about experiencing the city's vibrant culture, rich history, and welcoming community. It's about a Mediterranean lifestyle, delightful cuisine, and beautiful landscapes. The cost of living here is just one aspect of this wonderful experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does a meal cost in Tarragona?

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Tarragona typically costs around €10-€15.

2. What is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Tarragona city center?

For a one-bedroom city-center apartment, expect to pay around €650-€850 per month.

3. How much does public transportation cost in Tarragona?

A one-way ticket on local transport costs around €1.50, while a monthly pass is approximately €40.

4. What is the average cost of utilities in Tarragona?

Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, for an 85m2 apartment, are likely to cost around €100-€150 per month.

5. How much does it cost to buy property in Tarragona?

The average price per square meter in the city center is approximately €2,500. Outside of the city center, this falls to about €2,000.

6. How much does clothing cost in Tarragona?

For a pair of mid-range jeans like Levi's, you may pay around €70-€90. A summer dress from a store like Zara or H&M would cost approximately €30-€50.

7. What are the costs for mobile and internet plans?

A basic mobile plan starts at around €10-€15 per month. Internet plans range from €30-€50 per month, depending on speed and provider.

8. What are the tax rates in Portugal?

Income tax rates range from 14.5% to 48% depending on the amount of income. VAT in Portugal is 23% on most goods and services.

9. How much does health insurance cost?

Private health insurance can range from €20-€50 per month, depending on the level of coverage.

10. What are the costs associated with owning a pet?

Basic pet costs start from around €30-€50 per month. This includes food, toys, and vet bills.

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