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Cost of Living in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, Madeira, Portugal · Population 43,005

▼ -16% vs Portugal average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)€643 ($698)
Couple, monthly€1,168 ($1,269)
Family of four, monthly€1,536 ($1,670)

Estimated Prices in Santa Cruz

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant€5.96 ($6.48)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range€23.85 ($25.92)per meal
Cappuccino€1.79 ($1.94)each
Monthly groceries (single person)€135 ($147)per month
Monthly public transport pass€21.86 ($23.76)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment€57.63 ($62.64)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)€16.69 ($18.14)per month
Fitness club membership€16.69 ($18.14)per month
Cinema ticket€4.37 ($4.75)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre€352 ($383)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre€245 ($266)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre€736 ($799)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Santa Cruz is €1,242 ($1,350) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of €643 ($698) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly €835 ($908) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (€245 ($266)) represents about 38% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz vs PortoSanta Cruz vs LisbonSanta Cruz vs AvesSanta Cruz vs Vila Nova de GaiaSanta Cruz vs CascaisSanta Cruz vs Loures

Nearby Cities

Caniço

4 km away · Madeira

Machico

7 km away · Madeira

Funchal

8 km away · Madeira

Câmara de Lobos

13 km away · Madeira

Estreito de Câmara de Lobos

14 km away · Madeira

Ribeira Brava

22 km away · Madeira

Ponta do Sol

26 km away · Madeira

Calheta

32 km away · Madeira

Other Major Cities in Portugal

Porto

Porto · pop. 1,389,593

€962 ($1,046) / mo

Lisbon

Lisboa · pop. 548,703

€769 ($836) / mo

Aves

Porto · pop. 425,411

€769 ($836) / mo

Vila Nova de Gaia

Porto · pop. 303,824

€769 ($836) / mo

Cascais

Lisboa · pop. 214,158

€721 ($784) / mo

Loures

Lisboa · pop. 201,632

€721 ($784) / mo

Braga

Braga · pop. 181,494

€721 ($784) / mo

Almada

Setúbal · pop. 177,238

€721 ($784) / mo

Living in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is one of the key cities in Portugal. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is €643 ($698), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around €245 ($266) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to €1,536 ($1,670) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately €1,168 ($1,269) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Santa Cruz is €1,242 ($1,350). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least €835 ($908) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Santa Cruz expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated €643 ($698) per month in Santa Cruz including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for Portugal.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Santa Cruz?
A net salary of around €835 ($908) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Santa Cruz with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Santa Cruz is €1,242 ($1,350).
How much is rent in Santa Cruz?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated €352 ($383) per month in the city centre and €245 ($266) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about €736 ($799).
Is Santa Cruz cheaper than Portugal on average?
Yes — Santa Cruz is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Portugal average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Santa Cruz?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at €135 ($147) in Santa Cruz. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about €6 ($6) and a cappuccino runs around €2 ($2).
How do transport costs in Santa Cruz compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Santa Cruz is estimated at €22 ($24). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Santa Cruz are estimates based on Portugal national averages adjusted for city size (population 43,005). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.