Cost of Living

Families saved 302 million euros more in 2025, but inflation eroded the effort

While the total volume of household savings rose to 26.4 billion euros in 2025, an increase of 1.2% over 2024, real purchasing power declined by 1% when adjusted for inflation. The study, released by the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation, also notes that 42% of households held debt in 2024, with mortgage debt being the most common (24.7%).

Why it matters

This report highlights a stagnant financial situation for residents, showing that while savings totals grew, the rising cost of living and housing-related expenses continue to consume nearly 40% of the average family budget.

Diário de Notícias· 2h agoRead original ↗

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Cost of Living

Algarve water policy challenged following desalination embargo

Environmental campaigners and Albufeira City Council have challenged major water infrastructure projects in the Algarve, including a construction embargo on the planned desalination plant in Praia da Falésia. PAS argues that public funds should instead target the roughly 27% leakage rate in urban networks and wastewater reuse, warning that desalination could increase consumer water bills across the public supply system.

Portugal Resident· 4h agoRead original ↗

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Cost of Living

Petrol prices keep on decreasing

Diesel prices are forecast to increase by 2.5 cents per litre, while petrol prices are expected to decrease by 2.5 cents per litre during the week of 2 to 8 November. Based on these projections, the average price for diesel will reach 2.215 euros and petrol will be 2.008 euros per litre, though these are forecasts that may vary by location and gas station.

The Portugal News· 4h agoRead original ↗

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Cost of Living

Europe prepares for another Saturday of protests, with additional security measures and authorities concerned about Halloween looting

Authorities across Europe are bracing for another weekend of demonstrations against the cost of living, with police forces implementing increased security protocols. In addition to protest management, authorities have expressed concerns regarding potential public order incidents linked to Halloween celebrations.

Expresso· 5h agoRead original ↗

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Media-reported alerts

Gas leak forces evacuation of several buildings in Lisbon · CNN Portugal · 2h ago
Pharmacies begin providing methadone treatment · SIC Notícias · 8h ago
Housing protests today in Lisbon and Porto and initiatives in several cities · Correio da Manhã · 12h ago
Drone use over Rossio prohibited for media · SIC Notícias · 1d ago

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Yellow rain warning for Madeira on Sunday.
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Yellow rain warning starting Saturday, until Sunday.
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