How Much Does a Housekeeper Cost in Cascais in 2026?
What a housekeeper costs in Cascais and Estoril in 2026 — hourly, monthly, live-in, and the true cost with contributions and insurance included.
Quick answer: In Cascais and Estoril, hourly cleaning typically costs €9–16 per hour, and full-time housekeepers earn roughly €950–1,400 per month. On top of wages come Social Security contributions and mandatory work-accident insurance. Rates here run slightly above Lisbon — it is one of the most expensive areas in Portugal for domestic help.
Hourly rates
Expect €9–16 per hour along the Cascais line (Cascais, Estoril, Carcavelos, Parede), with €18–20 possible for large villas, English-speaking housekeepers or specialised services. These are market estimates and vary with experience and duties.
Full-time (monthly)
Real listings for full-time positions mostly fall between €950 and €1,400 per month — above the €920 national minimum wage, reflecting strong demand from international families. Compare with Lisbon rates and Porto rates.
Live-in
For live-in housekeepers — common in larger Cascais homes — cash salaries typically run €1,000–1,400 per month plus room and board, which count as in-kind remuneration. See live-in vs live-out.
The true cost: not just the wage
- Social Security — 28.3% (conventional regime, on an IAS-indexed base) or 33.3% (real-wage regime), split between employer and worker. Full breakdown here.
- Work-accident insurance — mandatory, separate from Social Security.
- Holiday and Christmas subsidies — each worth a month’s salary, plus 22 working days of paid holiday.
Worked example
At €1,200/month under the real-wage regime, the employer’s share of contributions (22.3%) adds about €268 per month, plus insurance and the pro-rated subsidies. Budget roughly 35–40% on top of the headline wage for the full legal cost.
Agency vs hiring directly
Agencies serving the Cascais expat market charge premium hourly rates but handle admin. Hiring directly costs less per hour, with the obligations on you — our guide to hiring legally as a foreigner covers the process, and if you only need a few hours a week, read this first.
👉 Compare housekeepers available in Cascais here.
Conclusion
Budget €9–16 per hour or €950–1,400 per month full-time in Cascais and Estoril, plus contributions, insurance and subsidies. It is Portugal’s priciest coastline for domestic help — but the supply of experienced, often English-speaking professionals is also among the best.
Official sources
This guide is for information only and is not legal advice. Rules and figures (IAS, minimum wage, contribution rates) are updated periodically and may have changed since our last update. Always confirm current values with the official sources listed and seek professional advice if in doubt.
FAQ
How much does a cleaner cost per hour in Cascais?
Typically €9–16 per hour, and up to €18–20 for large villas, English-speaking housekeepers or specialised work. These are market estimates.
How much does a full-time housekeeper earn in Cascais?
Mostly €950–1,400 per month, above the €920 minimum wage, plus Social Security contributions, insurance and holiday/Christmas subsidies.
Is Cascais more expensive than Lisbon for domestic help?
Slightly, yes — typically €1–2 more per hour, driven by demand from international families along the coast.
What extra costs should I budget beyond the wage?
Roughly 35–40% on top: Social Security contributions (28.3% or 33.3% depending on the regime), mandatory work-accident insurance, and holiday and Christmas subsidies.
Can I find an English-speaking housekeeper in Cascais?
Yes — the Cascais/Estoril area has one of Portugal’s largest pools of housekeepers with English or other languages, though they typically charge at the top of the range.