How Much Does a Housekeeper Cost in Porto in 2026?
What a housekeeper costs in Porto in 2026 — hourly, monthly, live-in, and the true cost with contributions and insurance included.
Quick answer: In Porto, hourly cleaning typically costs €7–12 per hour, and full-time housekeepers earn roughly €920–1,200 per month. On top of wages come Social Security contributions and mandatory work-accident insurance. Porto runs noticeably cheaper than Lisbon or Cascais.
Hourly rates
Expect €7–12 per hour in Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia and Matosinhos, with up to ~€15 in the historic centre, Foz or for specialised services. English-speaking housekeepers are scarcer than in Lisbon and typically charge at the top of the range. These are market estimates.
Full-time (monthly)
Real listings mostly fall between €920 (the 2026 minimum wage) and about €1,200 per month. Compare with Lisbon and Cascais — Porto is usually €1–3 cheaper per hour.
Live-in
For live-in housekeepers, cash salaries typically run €900–1,200 per month plus room and board, which count as in-kind pay. See live-in vs live-out.
The true cost: not just the wage
- Social Security — 28.3% (conventional regime, 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 €920/month under the real-wage regime, the employer’s contributions (22.3%) add about €205 per month, plus insurance and pro-rated subsidies — budget roughly 35–40% on top of the headline wage.
Only need a few hours a week?
Even part-time help has legal implications — either employ and register, or use a self-employed cleaner who invoices you. This guide explains both routes, and this one covers employing legally as a foreigner.
👉 Compare housekeepers available in Porto here.
Conclusion
Budget €7–12 per hour or €920–1,200 per month full-time in Porto, plus contributions, insurance and subsidies. It’s one of the best value-for-money cities in Western Europe for reliable domestic help — with the same legal obligations as anywhere in Portugal.
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 Porto?
Typically €7–12 per hour, up to about €15 in the centre, Foz or for specialised services. These are market estimates and vary with experience.
How much does a full-time housekeeper earn in Porto?
Mostly between €920 (the 2026 minimum wage) and about €1,200 per month, plus contributions, insurance and holiday/Christmas subsidies.
Is Porto cheaper than Lisbon for domestic help?
Yes — typically €1–3 less per hour. Legal obligations (Social Security, insurance, subsidies) are identical.
What extra costs should I budget beyond the wage?
Roughly 35–40% on top: Social Security contributions (28.3% or 33.3% depending on regime), mandatory work-accident insurance and the two annual subsidies.
Can I find an English-speaking housekeeper in Porto?
It’s possible but harder than in Lisbon or Cascais; expect to pay at the top of the range. Many families manage well with translation apps and clear written task lists.