Sintra, Portugal
A UNESCO World Heritage town with fairy-tale palaces, lush forests, and a romantic mountain setting near Lisbon.
Above Average vs Portugal avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Sintra vs Portugal Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: 28.5%
- VAT: 23.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: €26,000
- Unemployment: 5.8%
- Population: 385,606
Climate
- Sunny Days: 235/year
- Summer High: 78°F
- Winter Low: 45°F
Housing
- Median Home: €420,000
- 1BR Rent: €1200/mo
Cost of Living
Sintra's cost of living index is 105 (Portugal average = 100).
| Category | Sintra | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 105 | 100 | +5.0% |
| Housing | 140 | 100 | +40.0% |
Data source: INE / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | €420,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | €1200/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | €1,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | €280 |
Data source: Idealista / OLX Imóveis, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Sintra:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €75 | Based on ~3,500 kWh/year typical Portuguese household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | €26 | Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | €32 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | €40 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | €173 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: ERSE, EDP, Galp 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Sintra
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: €1,440/mo.
Sintra Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: €1,320/mo.
East Sintra
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: €1,080/mo.
West Sintra
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: €1,140/mo.
Remote Work Score
Sintra scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Sintra has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 65°F | 45°F | 2.5" |
| April | 63°F | 60°F | 2.8" |
| July | 78°F | 53°F | 1.5" |
| October | 58°F | 63°F | 2.2" |
Taxes
- Income Tax: 28.5%
- VAT: 23%
- Property Tax: ~0.5% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.8%.
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Sintra, Portugal?
The cost of living index in Sintra is 105, which is Higher the Portugal national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Sintra?
The median home price in Sintra is €420,000. The housing index is 140.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Sintra is approximately €1200/mo.
Does Sintra, LIS have income tax?
Sintra is in LIS, which has an income tax rate of 28.5%.
What is the climate like in Sintra?
Sintra enjoys approximately 235 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 78°F, while winter lows can drop to around 45°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: INE / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Idealista / OLX Imóveis, 2026
- Income & Employment: INE Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities ERSE, EDP, Galp 2025
Data last updated: July 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.