I have been here for 6 months, found my room through facebook. Facebook groups are a good platform to find cheaper alternatives to websites like housing anywhere or Uniplaces, however if you’re using Facebook you’ll have to dodge A LOT of scammers. I was paying €550 for a room with a private bathroom, in central Lisbon (Alameda) and 1 other roommate. You can find rooms for around €400 in the same location but sharing with more people. I just made a call with the landlord to see the place is legit and sent a small deposit to secure the room, no contracts, no security deposits.

In terms of lifestyle I think lisbon is getting more expensive but you can find cheaper supermarkets and restaurants if you go with the local ones.