The best cities to live in Portugal

The complete guide to the Land on the Ocean

Are you a young professional, university student, or a modern family planning to live in Portugal? If you’re seeking a place where quality of life meets history, culture, and oceanic beaches, you’ve found the right guide.

Living in Portugal is a dream within reach. Known for its warm hospitality, Portugal welcomes everyone who calls it “home”. With vibrant and dynamic cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra, you’ll find the perfect balance between modernity and tradition. But how do you turn this dream into reality? The answer is simple: renting in Portugal.

Rental accommodations in Portugal are a smart choice for the younger crowd. Sharing spaces with peers from around the globe can be enriching and constructive. Plus, this option can significantly save on rental costs.

Living in Portugal offers countless advantages, allowing students, families, and young workers to find the perfect housing solution for their needs.

Start your Portuguese adventure now, exploring the endless opportunities the country has to offer. Portugal awaits to provide you with an unforgettable experience and unparalleled quality of life.

But what are the best cities to live in Portugal? Here’s an overview of the most welcoming and livable cities: discover them with the Spacest.com Team. Let’s go!

Lisbon: experience life in Portugal’s Lusitanian capital

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, enchants with its unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. For those dreaming of living in Portugal, Lisbon is an excellent choice, offering a rich and varied life experience.

Facing the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is one of Southern Europe’s major cities and is considered a global city due to its significance in finance, commerce, art, international trade, education, and especially tourism.

Lisbon is a significant economic hub, with a growing real estate market and one of the main Atlantic-facing ports. Discover the best rental accommodation listings in Lisbon.

Pros and cons of living in Lisbon

Pros:

• Quality of life: Lisbon is known for its high quality of life, offering a mild climate, beautiful nearby beaches, and a vibrant cultural scene;
• Cost of living: although it’s the capital, the cost of living in Lisbon is relatively low compared to other European capitals;
• Culture and gastronomy: the city is a melting pot of cultures, with rich history and excellent cuisine. Art and history lovers will find museums, galleries, and historical monuments at every turn.

Cons:

• Tourist crowding: Lisbon is a very popular tourist destination, leading to crowding in tourist areas, especially during peak season;
• Real Estate Market: with the city’s growing popularity, the real estate market can be competitive, with rising rental prices, especially in central areas;
• Transportation: while there are good public transport networks, they can be crowded and less efficient during peak hour.

Living in Lisbon today

If you’re considering moving to Lisbon, know that it’s generally more affordable than other major European cities, though costs have risen in recent years. Your expenses will depend on your lifestyle.

On average, the cost of living in Lisbon for a single student or young professional is about 700-800 euros per month. This includes rent for a studio or a room in a shared apartment, food and drink expenses, transportation, and other daily costs.

Discover how to live in Lisbon as an Erasmus student in our special article How to Find a Rental Home for Erasmus Students in Lisbon.

Lisbon is a young, dynamic, and multicultural city. Living in the Portuguese capital, you’ll enjoy the artistic and cultural beauties of the city and experience an intense youth and student life. Check out our dedicated guide Living in Lisbon: The Lifestyle in the Ocean City.

Living in Porto: a charming blend of culture and modernity

Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is a captivating destination for those looking to embrace life in Portugal. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, Porto offers a unique living experience that blends tradition with modernity.

This section delves into the pros and cons of living in Porto, providing a helpful guide for anyone considering moving to this dynamic city, especially for medium to long-term rentals. Explore the best listings for houses and rooms for rent in Porto.

Pros and cons of living in Porto

Pros:

• Cultural Richness: Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is celebrated for its historic center and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. The city is a treasure trove of art, culture, and history, offering an invigorating environment for culture enthusiasts;
• Cost of Living: Compared to other major European cities, Porto boasts a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a balance between quality of life and economic accessibility;
• Food and Wine: Portuguese cuisine is renowned for its diversity and quality, and Porto is no exception. The city is also famous for its Port wine, a must-try for culinary aficionados.

Cons:

• Variable Climate: Although Portugal is known for its mild climate, Porto can experience frequent rain and humidity, especially in winter;
• Mass Tourism: During peak season, some areas in Porto can be crowded with tourists, which might be a downside for residents seeking a quieter life.

Living in Porto: a unique city

Living in Porto is an enriching experience, offering a unique mix of history, culture, and modernity. The city is ideal for those seeking a vibrant and culturally rich environment while maintaining an affordable cost of living. Despite some challenges like variable weather and mass tourism, the benefits of living in this enchanting city far outweigh these minor inconveniences.

Whether you’re a student, professional, or retiree, Porto welcomes you with open arms, offering an unforgettable living experience in the heart of Portugal. Discover Porto in our special guide, Living in Porto: A Complete Guide to the Portuguese City.

Living in Coimbra: the quintessential University City

Coimbra, located in the heart of Portugal, is a picturesque city famous for its ancient university and youthful ambiance.

Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, Coimbra is an ideal place for students. Each year, thousands of young people from around the world move to Coimbra for their studies.

The rental market in Coimbra caters well to students and young professionals. Rentals are generally affordable, allowing you to find accommodation that fits your needs and budget.

Living the University life in Coimbra

Living in Coimbra offers a fascinating experience filled with history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its prestigious university and youthful atmosphere, the city provides a unique opportunity for those wishing to live in Portugal in an urban yet human-sized setting.

Popular areas among university students include the historic center and the Santa Cruz neighborhood, offering a lively and convenient lifestyle with shops, restaurants, and public transport easily accessible. In these areas, you’ll find many housing options that suit your budget and preferences.

Discover Coimbra and its student life in our special guide, Living in Coimbra: The Complete Guide.

Pros and cons of living in Coimbra

Pros:

• Historic Center: Coimbra is famous for its university, one of the oldest in Europe, creating a vibrant and culturally stimulating environment. The city is rich in historical monuments, libraries, and museums;
• Quality of Life: Coimbra offers excellent quality of life with lower costs compared to Lisbon or Porto, making it ideal for medium to long-term rentals, especially for students and young workers;
• Location: Situated between Lisbon and Porto, Coimbra enjoys a strategic location that allows for easy exploration of the rest of the country.

Cons:

• Limited Job Opportunities: Compared to larger Portuguese cities, Coimbra may offer fewer job opportunities, especially outside the education and research sectors;
• Tourism: During the summer months and university events, the city can become quite crowded, affecting the daily tranquility.

Also, explore the best listings for rooms and apartments for rent in Coimbra.

Aveiro: experiencing life in Portugal’s Venice

Aveiro, often hailed as the “Venice of Portugal,” is a charming and vibrant city, an ideal choice for those looking to experience life in Portugal in a unique and picturesque setting.

Located on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, Aveiro is famous for its scenic canals, traditional “moliceiro” boats, and Art Nouveau architecture. But what does living in Aveiro truly entail? Let’s delve into the pros and cons of life in this enchanting city.

Pros and cons of living in Aveiro

Pros:

• Natural and Architectural Beauty: Aveiro captivates with its canals, nearby beaches, and colorful architecture, blending history and modernity seamlessly;
• Cost of Living: Compared to other Portuguese cities, Aveiro offers a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive option for medium to long-term rentals;
• Culture and Cuisine: The city is renowned for its rich culture and exquisite local cuisine, including the famous “ovos moles” sweets. Food and culture enthusiasts will find Aveiro particularly welcoming.

Cons:

• Size: As a relatively small city, Aveiro might not offer the same variety of activities and services as a metropolis, which could be a limitation for those seeking a more dynamic urban environment;
• Job Opportunities: Job opportunities can be limited, especially in certain sectors. This aspect is important to consider before moving.

Aveiro, a hidden gem to discover

Living in Aveiro offers a unique experience that combines the tranquility of a coastal city with the cultural and historical richness of Portugal. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle close to nature, while still maintaining a connection to Portuguese culture and history.

Whether you’re young professionals, families, or retirees, Aveiro provides a serene pace of life and high quality of living, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore life in Portugal: discover the best rental housing listings in Aveiro.

Braga: living in Portugal’s northern capital

Living in Braga, one of Portugal’s most fascinating and dynamic cities, offers a unique experience that blends historical and cultural richness with a modern European lifestyle.

Located in the north of the country, Braga is an ideal destination for those looking to live in Portugal in an urban setting but close to nature.

Pros and cons of living in Braga

Pros:

• Historical and Cultural Wealth: Braga, with its Roman roots and rich religious heritage, offers a deep cultural experience. The city is known for its churches, historical events, and traditions;
• Quality of Life: Braga is known for its high quality of life. It offers a peaceful, safe, and clean environment, ideal for families and professionals;
• Cost of Living: Compared to other European cities, Braga has a relatively low cost of living, making it attractive for medium to long-term rentals.

Cons:

• Job Opportunities: Although Braga is economically growing, job opportunities might be more limited compared to larger cities like Lisbon or Porto;
• Climate: The climate in Braga can be more humid and rainy compared to other parts of Portugal, which might not be ideal for everyone.

Living in Braga

Living in Braga represents an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Portuguese culture and history while enjoying a high standard of living at affordable costs. The city is perfect for those seeking a balance between urban life and proximity to nature, offering a tranquil and stimulating environment. Whether you’re students, professionals, or retirees, Braga welcomes everyone with its historical charm and friendly atmosphere.

In conclusion: is living in Portugal a good choice?

To live in Portugal you can find a rental solution that meets all your needs; although it may be difficult to adapt to living in a new country and in a new environment, finding a rental accommodation in Portugal is very easy thanks to the solutions available on our website. A new experience is waiting for you and we are here to make it as easy as possible thanks to our solutions and technology.

Visit our website and contact our team of experts, who will be able to help you in these early stages of your search. Once you understand the secrets of living in Portugal in your new daily life, don’t forget to keep up to date by reading our blog, where you will always find useful tips and constant updates.

If you are interested in finding out more about all the opportunities that you can take advantage of while living in Portugal and in learning more about the initiatives proposed in the area and the latest events, we recommend that you do not miss our sections dedicated entirely to advice on the most interesting activities in the cities.