Erasmus experience goes with travelling, discovering, trying, visiting... and for students like us one single euro could make the difference. Indeed, I know that the question of money could be an issue, but do not worry, Lisbon is classified as one of the cheapest cities in Europe, after the East Europe capitals. Let me describe you my living costs, hoping that you will be reassured !
First of all, the accommodations : the more you are in the center of Lisbon the more expensive. But if you start to search for a flat early you will be able to get a good deal before everyone !
Most of Erasmus students are paying at least 300 euros per months for renting a bedroom in a shared flat. You can obviously find something cheaper, between 150 euros and 250 euros, but in these cases be extremely careful with the pictures ; in fact, a lot of bedrooms do not have any windows, are super small, and really far from the city center of Lisbon...
Second of all, your daily food. The Lisbon's famous supermarkets are Pingo Doce and Mini Preço. You can find more or less the same products and ingredients as in France. Compared to our country, the prices of the supermarkets here are a bit cheaper but from my experience you will spend between 100 and 200 euros per month for food.
Third of all, your transportation card. It will enable you to move from one side of the city to the other. I am actually paying 36,50 euros per month only for travelling in the Lisbon area. Then if you want to go to the beach you will have to charge your card of 3 euros for a 2 ways trip. Or, if you want to visit Cristo Reis, Sintra, Cascais, Estoril, you will have to pay separately your bus tickets.
I advice you in each beginning of the month to make a special budget for extra activities such as restaurant, parties, visits, trips. You will be tempted a lot in Lisbon because lots of coffee places and restaurant are really cheap, for example in many restaurant you will pay a coffee 60 cents.
As well, if you are missing your home or if you have to go back to Paris to pass competitive exams, flying back home is quite affordable and really fast (2 hours and a half to go back to Paris !).
