Portugal is attracting an ever-growing expat population. Desert style beaches, the warm Atlantic ocean and safe, friendly communities are an enviable draw. But where are the best places to live in Portugal? We explore five of the most desirable locations for expats.
1. Lisbon: The Energetic Capital
As Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon manages to simultaneously embrace both tradition and modernity. Rich in history, with a vibrant cultural scene, it offers the best of Portugal’s art, music and academic opportunities.
International presence in Lisbon
One of the places in Portugal for expats – partly because of the eclectic mix between old-world charm and modern, sustainable infrastructure developments, spirited ambience and English speakers.
Considering itself a smart city, Lisbon’s CO2 emissions have been reduced by more than 50% and energy by 23%. 93% of its population live within 300 meters of a public transport service.
Standard of living
Compared to other European countries, the cost of living is low in Lisbon – but slightly higher than in other Portuguese cities.
A brand-new, two bedroomed apartment in the Principe Real district is on offer for €700,500. And a three-bedroomed villa with a private pool in the greater Lisbon will cost around €588,862.
Rental prices can be costly – demand is high in Lisbon and properties can be hard to come by. Expect to pay around €2000 a month for a one-bedroomed apartment.
A pizza and a beer costs around €15 and a coffee €1.
Opportunities for work
Monthly salaries are not as high as in other European countries – because of this many international settlers often work remotely – doing jobs procured in their own country.
2. Cascais: The Beachside Retreat
If you’re wondering where to live in Portugal, Cascais offers a life of luxury. Just 30 minutes outside of Lisbon, it has been a haven of tranquility and unrivaled beauty for high-society since the 19th century.
Food, entertainment and cuisine are intrinsically entwined in history and culture.
International presence in Cascais
Prestigious and perfectly pretty – Cascais is known in Portugal for English speakers due to the strong expat community.
Standard of living
This affluent location has notoriously high property prices, and can be hard to source.
A three-bedroomed apartment with access to a pool is available for €1,055,00. A three-bedroomed villa with a private pool can range between €655,000 – and reach anywhere in excess of 1 million euros.
A mid-range three course meal will cost around €40 and a cappuccino €1.63.
Opportunities for work
Tourism, marketing, technology and the service industry are all prominent in Cascais. But finding work here can take resilience as the job market is very competitive.
3. Sintra: An Enchanting Escape
Recognised as a World Heritage Site, you can find solitude in the natural beauty of the Serra De Sintra mountain range or harmony in the wondrous Pena National Palace. Sintra also boasts palaces, tunnels, lakes, beaches, forests and grottos.
International presence in Sintra
The expat community here is on the smaller side in comparison with other locations.
Standard of living
Average house prices in the city are on offer for around €190,988 – with an apartment selling for around €284,805. Rental properties in the heart of Sintra would cost an average of €1006.45 for a three-bedroomed and €433.33 for a one-bedroomed apartment.
You will pay an average price of €1.39 for a cappuccino and a beer will set you back around €1.80. A meal out for two people costs roughly €32.80.
Sintra is known as a safe place to live – despite being a tourist town. The police here are vigilant and maintain a visible presence within the town.
Job opportunities
Plenty in tourism, service, healthcare, education and technology services. Sintra is pretty walkable and there are good transport links.
4. Oeiras: The Innovation Hub
Manors, palaces, museums and Marquis inspired art make Oeiras a visually appealing place to live. Couple this with sandy beaches and lush green spaces and it propels itself to become one of the best places to live in Portugal.
A fifteen-mile trip from Lisbon and Cascais means Oeiras is also well-connected. Business centers, leisure facilities and commercial spaces make for a great place to work and raise a family.
International presence
With its large international community, English is spoken predominantly.
Standard of living
The cost of living here is around 2% higher than the Portuguese national average. In saying this, expats often find this feels lower in comparison to their home nations.
According to Idealista, to rent a one-bedroomed apartment here, expect to pay about €930. For a three-bedroomed apartment in the same area, you will pay around €1,641.
There are many leisure spots here and Oeiras offers a life filled with walks on the beach, cinema visits or afternoons spent on the tennis court.
Opportunities for work
Oeiras has the lowest unemployment levels in all of Portugal – and wages here are above the recommended European set minimum. The average resident of Oeiras earns €1,025. However, if you’re a skilled professional working in technology and innovation, wages can be much higher.
5. Comporta: A Secluded Paradise
Located at the north-western tip of the Alentejo region, Comporta is a small village. Rice paddies, salt pans and farms make up the breath-taking landscape. And the term 'barefoot living’ was coined here.
Referred to as the Portuguese Hamptons – recognising its similarities with its affluent American namesake.
International presence
Renowned golf courses, desert island beaches and all-year-round sunshine means Comporta has grown a large international presence.
Nomads, retirees, families and entrepreneurs all seek out this sun-soaked location.
Standard of living
On average you will pay €700, 000 for a villa in Comporta. New-build villas start at €2 million but you can pay considerably more. Eco-lodges are on offer for around €500,000.
Prices are high but development is restricted – meaning less homes available. The standard of living is also high.
Opportunities for work
There is a large community of retirees in Comporta so many who move here are not looking for work.
At Rizein LDA our passion is finding your future home. Working with a ‘buyer-first’ focus we aim to make securing a home in Portugal just like buying a property at home. We know that things may seem complex, so our aim is to take that challenge on for you – leaving you to focus on the exciting parts.
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