Portugal offers excellent options throughout its territory, and each municipality has its peculiarities. Finding the best places to live in Portugal is not an easy task, considering the differences in costs of living, location, job opportunities, public transportation, healthcare, security, and leisure. However, this indecision in choosing the ideal place to live is positive, indicating the country’s attractiveness. According to SEF (Service of Foreigners and Borders), the number of Brazilians living in Portugal has increased for the fourth consecutive year, reaching a record of 183,199 legal residents in 2020.
Here is the list of the ten best places to live in Portugal in 2023:
Aveiro
Aveiro is known as the Portuguese Venice due to its navigable canals and moliceiros boats resembling the gondolas of the famous Italian city. Its location on the coast helps provide the approximately 80,000 inhabitants with an excellent quality of life. The peaceful city houses the University of Aveiro, which offers undergraduate and graduate courses, and technical and vocational courses, being a respected institution that receives many students annually. Its location is another positive point since it is near large cities such as Porto and Coimbra and natural regions such as beaches. At the same time, the region has industrial centers. The cost of living is low, and the city has a good supply of properties for rent and purchase. As a disadvantage, there is little job offer, and many people work in nearby cities that are between 20 and 40 km away.
Coimbra
Coimbra is one of Portugal’s main cities, famous for its beauty and friendly people. Its medium size makes everything relatively close, and the cost of living is lower for those seeking leisure. The place is full of historical heritage and cultural movements, offering quality of life regarding safety and health, being even a reference in the country. However, one of the negative points is the more limited job offers. In contrast, the local cost of living is much lower than in the main Portuguese cities. Students have greater ease regarding expenses, as housing expenses in a university residence are included in the rental price. Tranquil traffic, pulsating culture, monuments, and historical buildings to visit also make Coimbra one of the best cities to live in Portugal.
Funchal
Exploring Funchal, Portugal: A Guide to the Heart of Madeira Island
The capital of Madeira Island, Cristiano Ronaldo’s hometown, has just over 100,000 inhabitants and is considered one of Portugal’s best cities for being complete due to the quality of life, health, education, leisure, nature, and tourist attractions. Transportation is also smooth, as flights to various locations are available at affordable prices. If your intention is to get a job, know that the tourism industry is strong, meaning that you will acquire a professionally valued international experience. As mentioned earlier, this is a tourist region, and the city is full of services offered by commerce, making prices higher than in other Portuguese cities. Rent prices follow this dynamics and can be compared to those in large cities such as Porto or Lisbon.
Guimarães
The city of Guimarães, founded in the 10th century, where Afonso Henriques, the country’s first king, was born, has 158,000 inhabitants, making it a small, charming, organized, safe, peaceful but intense city. Currently, it is becoming a crucial city in the country because it is essential for the economy, being the largest exporter in the country. Guimarães is not a city that stands out for its nightlife or leisure options but offers security and tranquility, making it an excellent place to raise a family. However, it also has an intense cultural movement, hosting various events and exhibitions throughout the year.
Oeiras
Oeiras is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in Portugal, boasting excellent quality of life, infrastructure, security, beautiful beaches, and a strong economy. The city is famous for generating many jobs, especially for those with some type of specialization. It’s a good city for entrepreneurs looking to invest in their business, and the region is considered the Silicon Valley of Europe. Notable companies in the area include Google, Nestlé, Samsung, Novartis, Bayer, LG, SAP Portugal, Johnson and Johnson, among others. One downside is that rental prices can be high due to the city’s proximity to Lisbon.
Viseu
Viseu is known for having one of the best qualities of life among Portuguese cities and has been included in international rankings. With a population of about 100,000, the municipality prioritizes the tranquility and peace of its residents. Viseu is one of the cheapest places to live in Portugal. For instance, a two-bedroom apartment can be cheaper than a one-bedroom property in Lisbon. The main job opportunities are in the commerce and service sectors, which employ 83% of the population. The average monthly salary is €800, above the €665 minimum wage.
Portimão
Portimão, located in the Algarve region, boasts paradisiacal beaches with crystal-clear and cliff-protected seas. Its Mediterranean climate means sunshine for most days of the year and pleasant temperatures year-round, with long, hot summers and short, mild winters. The tourism industry is the main driver of this region, and the most common jobs in Portimão are in hotels, restaurants, and tourist services. In 2018, the average monthly salary for workers in this sector was €1,013, 14 euros above the Algarve average. While the cost of living in Portimão is lower than in Lisbon, rental prices can rise by up to 50% in the summer when British tourists flock to the area.
Sintra
Sintra is considered one of the best cities to live in Portugal. Despite having over 350,000 inhabitants, it maintains the characteristics of a central interior town. It’s also close enough to take advantage of job opportunities and enjoy intense cultural and nightlife when you feel like it. The medieval village is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to several palaces and castles that delight architecture, history, and culture lovers. This guarantees a year-round heated tourism scene. Housing in Sintra is still cheaper than in Lisbon. While it’s not easy to find affordable housing in Lisbon, it’s possible to live comfortably in Sintra with rents below €500.
Cascais
Cascais is 30 km from Lisbon and has a population of 210,000. It has been dubbed the Portuguese Riviera for its beautiful landscapes and crystal-clear beaches. Living in Cascais can be expensive compared to the rest of the country. Although the cost of living is lower than in Lisbon, housing prices can match those in the capital. However, Cascais offers a great quality of life with many activities and events happening throughout the year.
