Portugal vs Brazil: Find out if the Portuguese minimum wage is worth it in practice

Many Brazilians dream of working in Portugal, but the question that never leaves their minds is always the same: is it really worth it? To answer that, we need to go beyond the raw numbers. We must look at what’s left in the pocket after deductions, compare it with the actual cost of living, and understand how much each profession truly earns.

The current scenario: minimum wage Portugal 2024 vs 2025

The Portuguese government has made a new adjustment to the minimum wage. In 2025, those working on the Portuguese mainland will earn € 870 per month — a significant increase compared to € 820 in 2024. On the islands, things get a bit more interesting:

• Madeira: € 913.50
• Azores: € 915

Converting to reais, the minimum wage in Portugal for 2024/2025 fluctuates between R$ 5,500 and R$ 5,600, depending on the euro exchange rate. In comparison, Brazil offers only R$ 1,518 — less than a third of what Portugal pays.

It sounds incredible, right? But hold on, there’s more to the story.

What actually hits the account: mandatory deductions

Here’s where the shock begins. Portugal isn’t like Brazil — the deductions are hefty:

Social Security: 11% — this is mandatory for everyone. Deducted automatically from your account.

Portuguese Income Tax (Imposto de Renda Português): Varies greatly depending on dependents and family situation. It doesn’t always appear on the pure minimum wage, but when it starts to rise, you definitely feel it.

In practice, with a salary of € 870:

• Social Security deduction (11%): € 95.70
• Approximate net salary: € 774.30

That’s almost € 100 less every month. If you pay income tax, it drops even more. Converting to reais, you’re left with about R$ 4,950, not R$ 5,600. It makes a difference.

Mapping reality: how much is the hourly rate in Portugal?

With 176 working hours per month (40h/week), each hour earns about € 4.94. Skilled professions? They can earn 2x, 3x, or even 4x more per hour.

The cost of living in Portugal: the other side of the coin

Here’s the trap. According to local cost data, a person needs approximately € 1,800 per month to live comfortably. A family of 4 spends around € 3,304.

Breakdown of actual costs:

Food:

• Fast food: € 8
• Meal of the day: € 12
• Chicken (500g): € 3.36
• Cheese (500g): € 4.90

Housing (where the most is spent):

• T2 apartment in a upscale neighborhood: € 1,518
• T2 apartment in a common area: € 1,005
• Studio in a common area: € 729

Transport:

• Gasoline: € 1.69/liter
• Monthly pass: € 35

Other expenses:

• Gym: € 34
• Electricity + water + gas: € 112
• Medical consultation: € 65

Direct comparison: does Portugal earn or does Brazil surprise?

In Portugal:

• Minimum salary: € 870 (gross)
• Approximate net salary: € 770
• Basic cost of living: € 1,800+
• Result: little left for savings

In Brazil:

• Minimum salary: R$ 1,518
• Smaller proportional deductions
• Cost of living in smaller cities: often more affordable in some items
• Result: disposable income can be comparable in small cities

In other words: Portugal pays more nominally, but costs more to live. The final balance may surprise those who don’t do the math carefully.

Therefore: in which cities is it feasible to live on the minimum wage?

Lisbon and Porto? Forget it. € 770 net doesn’t even cover decent rent. You would need extra work or to share housing with others.

In smaller cities like Covilhã, Guarda, or even Coimbra? It becomes much more feasible. Rent drops by half, and you can sustain yourself without too much pressure.

Does the move make sense? It depends on your profession

For those earning only the minimum wage: life is tight in Lisbon/Porto, but possible in smaller cities.

For technicians, nurses, programmers, engineers: Portugal offers real opportunities. These professions earn 50% to 100% above the minimum, which completely changes the game.

The conclusion? Don’t just look at the minimum wage in Portugal — analyze your specific profession’s salary, choose the right city, and do the calculations with the actual cost of living. Only then will you discover if it’s worth it.