Portugal has become a favorite destination for expats thanks to its warm climate, friendly locals, and affordable cost of living. While Lisbon and Porto are popular choices, other cities across Portugal offer their own unique charms. Whether you’re looking for coastal towns, lively cities, or quiet villages, here’s a look at the seven best cities in Portugal for expats, along with some essential details about rental costs, healthcare, and lifestyle amenities.
1. Lisbon
Lisbon is Portugal’s bustling capital, blending historic charm with a cosmopolitan vibe. It’s an ideal choice for expats seeking an international atmosphere combined with traditional Portuguese culture.
- Rental Costs: Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages around €1,200 in the city center, while outside, it’s around €800.
- Highlights: The city has an excellent public transportation network, vibrant dining options, and a variety of neighborhoods to suit every lifestyle. Baixa and Chiado are trendy, while Alcântara offers a quieter, family-friendly atmosphere.
- Healthcare: Lisbon’s healthcare options are extensive, with facilities like CUF Tejo and Hospital de Santa Maria providing quality care.
- Venues and Attractions: Discover Lisbon’s historical sites, rich art scene, and vibrant nightlife. The city’s proximity to beaches along the Lisbon Coast also provides easy access to stunning seaside escapes.
2. Porto
Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is known for its rich history, riverside views, and the globally renowned port wine. It offers a slower pace than Lisbon but with a strong sense of culture.
- Rental Costs: One-bedroom apartments in Porto’s city center average €850, with options around €600 outside the main areas.
- Highlights: Porto features a blend of traditional neighborhoods like Cedofeita and upscale areas like Foz, where many expats settle.
- Healthcare: Major hospitals include Hospital CUF Porto and Hospital São João, both highly respected for quality services.
- Venues and Attractions: Porto is famous for its river cruises, wine cellars, and landmarks like the Dom Luís I Bridge and Livraria Lello bookstore.
3. Cascais
Located just outside Lisbon, Cascais is a beautiful coastal town that combines luxury living with a small-town feel. It’s a perfect choice for expats looking for a relaxed lifestyle by the sea.
- Rental Costs: One-bedroom apartments average around €1,500 in the city center.
- Highlights: Cascais boasts upscale dining, boutique shopping, and a scenic marina. Neighborhoods like Monte Estoril and Quinta da Marinha are particularly popular among international residents.
- Healthcare: CUF Cascais provides comprehensive healthcare services, and Lisbon’s larger hospitals are only a short drive away.
- Venues and Attractions: From Praia da Conceição beach to the enchanting Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, this town has plenty of outdoor attractions.
4. Coimbra
Famed for its historic university, Coimbra is a compact yet culturally rich city offering affordable living and a unique intellectual atmosphere.
- Rental Costs: Coimbra’s one-bedroom apartments in the city center average €500, making it one of the most budget-friendly options on this list.
- Highlights: This “college town” vibe makes Coimbra ideal for expats who enjoy a scholarly community and affordable living.
- Healthcare: The city is home to Hospital and University Center of Coimbra, one of Portugal’s largest and most advanced hospitals.
- Venues and Attractions: With its medieval architecture, botanical gardens, and annual festivals like Queima das Fitas, Coimbra has cultural depth and historical significance.
5. Faro
Faro, the gateway to the Algarve, is an ideal destination for expats who crave sunny weather, beach proximity, and an affordable lifestyle.
- Rental Costs: A one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around €600, with options around €450 in other neighborhoods.
- Highlights: Faro is quieter than Lisbon and Porto, with a more relaxed pace, and it offers easy access to the Algarve’s famous beaches and resorts.
- Healthcare: The Hospital de Faro is well-equipped, and private clinics add to healthcare options.
- Venues and Attractions: Faro’s old town, bustling marina, and the nearby Ria Formosa Natural Park are perfect for expats who enjoy the outdoors.
6. Braga
Known for its historical and religious landmarks, Braga is a vibrant city that’s particularly popular with younger expats and families.
- Rental Costs: One-bedroom apartments in Braga’s center rent for around €600.
- Highlights: With its balance of historic charm and contemporary amenities, Braga is a budget-friendly alternative to Portugal’s larger cities.
- Healthcare: Braga offers quality healthcare through Hospital de Braga and numerous specialized clinics.
- Venues and Attractions: The Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, annual Semana Santa festival, and many nearby nature trails provide a mix of activities for residents.
7. Aveiro
Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal” due to its picturesque canals, is a charming and unique place to live. It’s a great choice for expats looking for a small-town feel with access to beaches and natural beauty.
- Rental Costs: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is €600 in the center, with options as low as €450 in quieter parts of town.
- Highlights: Aveiro’s Art Nouveau buildings, colorful moliceiro boats, and thriving university scene make it popular among younger expats and retirees alike.
- Healthcare: Aveiro has excellent healthcare options, including Hospital de Aveiro and various private clinics.
- Venues and Attractions: Aveiro’s salt pans, canals, and local beaches like Costa Nova make it an appealing spot for a relaxed lifestyle.
Each city on this list offers unique qualities that make it appealing to expats. From Lisbon’s cosmopolitan buzz to Cascais’s seaside charm and Faro’s sunny weather, there’s a perfect fit for everyone in Portugal’s diverse cities.
