Portugal is a hot topic among travel communities for all the right reasons. This coastal nation located in Western Europe promises over 300 days of sunshine per year and has a relatively affordable cost of living, not to mention the fact that it also has some of the most beautiful beaches all over the world.
However, for anyone interested in immigrating to Portugal, choosing where to live is often easier said than done. While Portugal is a relatively small county, it is home to a lot of great destinations which can be overwhelming to zero down on one.
Nonetheless, it is essential to mention that there is no perfect destination, however, there are several factors that influence where expats choose to live, for instance, job availability, environment, and also the cost of living.
Clearly, the one destination fits all mentality doesn’t apply in this case, therefore, you will get different answers to this question depending on who you ask.
Having said that, let’s look at some of the popular places expats choose to live in Portugal.
Lisbon
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a far cry from what you would expect of a capital of a nation. What this beautiful city lacks in the way of tall skyscrapers, it heavily compensates for in unique traditional architecture, art, sun, and plenty of history.
It is no coincidence that Lisbon is indeed one of the top picks for expats who are considering moving to Portugal. Lisbon has a cosmopolitan vibe to it, where people from all over the world call home.
Also, you will be delighted to know that English is largely spoken in this city making it easier for expats to settle in and get by.
Similar to other regions in Portugal, the weather in Lisbon is reliable all year round. There is plenty of sunshine for everyone who loves outdoor activities like sunbathing or taking a walk on the beautiful cobblestone roads.
Essentially, Lisbon offers the perfect balance between a modern and traditional city. Lisbon is the perfect destination for socializing since there is a huge expat community and digital nomads who are always willing to make new friends.
| Additional Details | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 545,923 |
| The average cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment | €1,025.83 |
| Average monthly salary | €1,142.38 |
| The average cost of living for a single person without rent | €607 |
Porto
The second largest city in Portugal is also another great destination for expats looking to relocate to Portugal. This beautiful city located to the North of Lisbon has everything in moderation. Besides being the second largest city, it offers a relatively cheaper cost of living compared to Lisbon.
Also, the quality of life is as good as in Lisbon but at a relatively slow pace. Porto is another good destination for expats who are looking for active employment in the corporate world.
English is also widely spoken in Porto, making it possible for expats to hit the ground running. Porto is not also overrun by tourists during summer making it ideal for a quiet living.
Since Porto is located in the Northern region of Portugal, winters are generally colder with plenty of rainfall compared to other regions like Lisbon or the Algarve.
Nonetheless, Porto is a great destination with delicious cuisines, art, and plenty of history as well.
| Additional Details | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 231,828 |
| The average cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment | €720.92 |
| Average monthly salary | €971.61 |
| The average cost of living for a single person without rent | €580.19 |
Data from Numbeo
The Algarve
Contrary to popular belief, the Algarve region is more than just a tourist destination. A lot of expats choose to migrate to this region in Portugal to enjoy a vacation experience every single day.
The Algarve region has some of the fairest weather in the whole of Portugal. If you have never been to the Algarve before, then you will be delighted to know that this place has among the most beautiful beaches in the world.
In fact, plenty of tourists flock to this region to enjoy their time on the shores of the beautiful beaches of the Algarve. Thanks to the tourist activity and the huge number of foreign nationals in the Algarve region, English is also widely spoken. You don’t have to worry about learning Portuguese immediately.
The Algarve region doesn’t have big cities however, this region has all the necessary infrastructure and amenities necessary for everyday living.
| Additional Details | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 467,475 |
| The average cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment | €900.00 |
| Average monthly salary | €1,225.00 |
| The average cost of living for a single person without rent | €400 |
Coimbra
Coimbra might not be as popular as other cities like Lisbon or Algarve, but has a lot to offer to foreign expats.
Previously, Coimbra was the capital of Portugal and was the home to the affluent of the society, for instance, monarchs, scholars, and poets. This city is characterized by plenty of ancient monuments and plenty of gardens. If you are in search of a small city that offers the luxury and access of major towns but at a bargain, consider Coimbra.
The cost of living is relatively lower meaning your monthly salary can stretch further than if you were living in Lisbon. Essentially, Coimbra still has its traditional charm intact. It is one of the best locations to live if you want to learn more about Portuguese culture and history.
Finally, the weather in Coimbra is also good, there is plenty of sunshine for the better part of the year with mild winters to cap it all off.
| Additional Details | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 140,838 |
| The average cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment | €480.00 |
| Average monthly salary | €1,233.33 |
| The average cost of living for a single person without rent | €516.72 |
Cascais
Cascais better known as the Portuguese Riviera is another small but beautiful city well known for having beautiful beaches and long coastlines. Also, Cascais is only 40 minutes away from the capital of Portugal giving you quick access to the capital whenever necessary.
While the Cascais is only a stone’s throw away from Lisbon, it is also important to mention that this beautiful city has some independence and unique charm that you can only experience while in the city.
It is a lovely city that gives people who love a slow-paced life the opportunity of living in Cascais while working from the buzzing capital of Portugal. If you love a warm climate, you will get plenty of sunshine in Cascais with winter temperatures remaining within moderate ranges.
However, the cost of living in this Cascais is almost the same as in Lisbon, but residents don’t mind because of the convenience and quality of life you get in this city.
| Additional Details | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 214,158 |
| The average cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment | €1,033.33 |
| Average monthly salary | €1,006.00 |
| The average cost of living for a single person without rent | €586.16 |
Bottom Line
Portugal is a very beautiful country that has a lot to offer to foreign nationals. While there are plenty of beautiful destinations, do not let the luxury of choice overwhelm you.
It is our hope that this article has brought you closer to picking the right destination for you. Remember there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to picking the right destination, the local population is friendly and will gladly go out of their way to make you feel welcomed and comfortable.
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You can also read on Portugal’s Residence Visa Types and How to Apply for Portugal’s residency.
