What part of Portugal is best to live in? Where do the most expats live in Portugal? A selection of some of the best places to live in Portugal for expats in 2024.

Lisbon is a diverse city, great for expats, families and students, and has a thriving LGBT+ community. Portugal's capital city has it all and is an excellent choice for anybody wanting the buzz of a big city, while also having a beautiful historic centre and being close to beautiful beaches.

Many people speak English in Lisbon and the city is also a popular place to live for tech nomads and remote workers. With the increase in remote working due to the coronavirus pandemic, Lisbon is filled with co-working hubs, has a high-speed internet connection and plenty of job opportunities with some of the highest salaries in Portugal for those who aren't able to work from home. Lisbon currently is in third place in Nomad List’s best places to live and work in the world.

Living in Lisbon as an expat provides a mix of cultural immersion, affordable living, and a vibrant lifestyle. The city's welcoming atmosphere, excellent amenities, and rich history make it a popular choice for expats looking to embrace a new chapter of their lives in Portugal.

Pros of living in Lisbon

• Safety
• High quality education
• Family friendly

Cons of living in Lisbon 

• Can be crowded
• Healthcare could be better
• More expensive than other cities in Portugal

Porto

Portugal’s second city, Porto, is often overlooked by expats moving to Portugal due to its more northern location, but this beautiful city on the banks of the River Douro should not be ruled out. Like Lisbon, Porto is also a very safe city, making it perfect for families and is also a cheaper option compared to Lisbon.

If you choose to live south of the river in Porto in the Vila Nova de Gaia neighbourhood for example, house prices and the general cost of living will be even cheaper than in Porto city centre. This area is also not as popular with tourists, as well as being a good area for real estate investment in Porto. Porto is famous for its port wine, incredible local gastronomy and its colourful streets, while English is also well spoken in most cases.

Pros of living in Porto

• Great healthcare
• Safety
• Affordable

Cons of living in Porto

• The city centre can be busy with tourists
• Cold winter weather

Braga

Braga is one of Portugal’s oldest cities and a great option for those looking for a cheaper and smaller city beyond Porto and Lisbon. The city is one of Portugal's up and coming cities and is becoming more and more popular amongst expats. Braga is known for its lively nightlife, as well as rich history, as is also home to one of the oldest cathedrals in Portugal.

Braga has an unbeatable location, just 30 minutes from the beach, 15 minutes from the mountains and 40 minutes from neighbouring Spain, as well as being family friendly with a wide range of schools. Braga has previously been voted as one of the best cities in the world to retire in, as well as one of the happiest cities in Europe.

Living in Braga offers a balance between preserving its historical roots and embracing modernity. With its cultural heritage, vibrant student life, beautiful surroundings, and warm community spirit, Braga provides a rewarding living experience for those seeking a blend of tradition and contemporary living in Portugal. This is why Braga is constantly named in the lists of the best cities to live in Portugal. 

Pros of living in Braga

• Location
• Great healthcare
• Very affordable
• Less tourists

Cons of living in Braga

• Cold winters
• Not much English is spoken

Funchal (Madeira)

Madeira isn’t a destination that expats immediately think of moving to, but this Portuguese island is becoming increasingly popular for all the right reasons, especially with remote workers who have chosen island life as their destination of choice. The island’s biggest city, Funchal, is an up and coming city and offers a beautiful setting with a warm climate all year round. The island is not overrun with tourists and for this reason, people on the island only tend to speak basic English, making this the perfect place to practice your Portuguese! 

Pros of living in Funchal

• Very safe
• Family friendly
• Beautiful surroundings

Cons of living in Funchal

• Life on an island could feel isolating
• Fewer employment opportunities

Ponta Delgada (The Azores)

From one Portuguese island to another, the Azores are one of the most beautiful places to live in the world. The main city in the Azores archipelago of São Miguel is Ponta Delgada and although the city may seem a little remote, the island’s natural beauty makes it one of the best places to live in Portugal. Like Funchal, Ponta Delgada is not too touristy, but is generally more expensive in terms of cost of living. The area is also known for its sustainable tourism initiatives.

Pros of living in Ponta Delgada

• Good air quality
• Family friendly
• Beautiful surroundings

Cons of living in Ponta Delgada

• Life on an island could feel isolating
• Fewer employment opportunities
• Unreliable public transport

Aveiro

The charming Portuguese town of Aviero is located close to Porto and is a truly authentic Portuguese place to live if you want to live outside Porto. The city is famous for its canals, and although Aveiro is small, it is rich in history, culture and charm.

Aveiro is situated along the western coast of Portugal, providing residents with easy access to beautiful sandy beaches. The nearby Costa Nova Beach is particularly renowned for its vibrant striped houses known as "Palheiros," creating a unique and picturesque backdrop for beach-goers.

Due to its smaller size, English is generally spoken less. However, the quality of life is known for being high and is particularly popular with students, as well as pensioners due to the relaxed way of life in the city, making it the perfect place to both remote work or retire. 

Pros of living in Aveiro

• Very safe
• Close to Porto
• Not touristy

Cons of living in Aveiro

• Further from the coast
• Less English spoken
• Healthcare needs improvement

Coimbra

Coimbra is another Portuguese city that has something for everyone. Once the capital of Portugal, Coimbra is a relaxed city and has a low cost of living. You may have heard of the city, as it is home to the oldest university in Portugal, giving the city a lively feel. On top of this, the city is also well connected to other parts of the country by train, with Lisbon and Portugal within easy reach. Coimbra is another safe city and has lots of beautiful architecture and culture to be enjoyed, not to mention the delicious local food.

Living in Coimbra offers a blend of history, academia, and a high quality of life. The city's cultural richness, affordable living costs, and welcoming atmosphere make it an appealing choice for individuals and families looking for a unique and enriching experience in Portugal.

Pros of living in Coimbra

• Very safe
• Well connected
• Great nightlife
• Good healthcare

Cons of living in Coimbra

• Further from the coast
• Changeable weather

Portimão

A list of the best places to live in Portugal would not be complete without mentioning the Algarve, home to golden beaches, a dramatic coastline, and some of the best weather in Portugal. The Algarve is widely known as the best place to live in Portugal for English speakers.  Popular with pensioners and people retiring to Portugal, sunny Portimão has a relaxed feel and lots of up and coming trendy beach cafés and places to soak up the atmosphere in the historic town centre.

It's important to note that transport in the Algarve is generally worse than the rest of Portugal and you may need a car, however, Portimão, the second largest city in the Algarve, is fairly well connected with other main destinations in the Algarve such as Lagos and Faro which are also great places to live. 

Overall, Portimão offers a desirable coastal lifestyle, a range of amenities, and a pleasant climate, making it an appealing place to live, especially for those who enjoy beachside living and a vibrant atmosphere.

Pros of living in Portimão

• Large expat community
• English generally widely spoken
• Beside the beach

Cons of living in Portimão

• Fewer employment opportunities
• Can become busy in the summer months with tourists

Ericeira

Ericeira is a charming coastal town located on the western coast of Portugal, approximately 35 kilometers northwest of Lisbon. It is widely regarded as one of the best surfing destinations in Europe, attracting surfers from around the world. This Portuguese town is now officially the best place to live in Portugal, according to the Nomad ranking, coming straight in at the top of the ranking for 2024. 

Ericeira is making a name for itself as one of the best places to live in Portugal as an expat. The town has a close-knit community, where locals and expats often come together. The town has seen an increase in the expat population, particularly among surf enthusiasts and digital nomads, creating a diverse and welcoming environment.

Another advantage of living in Ericeira that puts it among the best cities in Portugal to live is its proximity to Lisbon. The capital city is just a short drive away, making it convenient for work, additional amenities, and international travel from Lisbon's international airport.

Pros of living in Ericeira

• Growing expat community
• Beside the beach 
• Relaxed lifestyle

Cons of living in Ericeira

• Smaller town with fewer amenities compared to bigger cities
• Fewer job opportunities

Is Portugal a good place to live for foreigners?

Whether Portugal is a good place to live for foreigners depends on various factors, including individual preferences, lifestyle, and priorities. However, Portugal is often regarded as an attractive destination for expats for several reasons:

1. Quality of life: Portugal offers a high quality of life with its mild climate, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. The cost of living is generally lower compared to other Western European countries, particularly in smaller cities and rural areas.
2. Safety and stability: Portugal is considered one of the safest countries in Europe, with low crime rates and political stability.
3. Healthcare: The healthcare system in Portugal is of a high standard, and both public and private healthcare options are available to residents.
4. Affordable housing: While prices have been rising in recent years, housing in Portugal is still relatively affordable compared to many other European countries, particularly in rural areas and smaller cities.
5. Friendly locals: Portuguese people are known for their warmth and friendliness towards foreigners, making it easier for expatriates to integrate into the community.
6. Residency options: Portugal offers various residency programs, such as the Golden Visa programme, which provides a path to residency for investors and their families.

Bad things about living in Portugal

There are also challenges to living in Portugal, including bureaucracy, language barriers (though many Portuguese speak English), and finding employment, especially outside of major cities. It's essential for individuals considering moving to Portugal to thoroughly research the country, consider their personal circumstances, consult with experts and possibly visit before making a decision.

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