Where is the best place to live in Portugal with a family?

Lisbon

The capital city of Portugal, and next most obvious answer. But just because it is obvious doesn't mean that it is wrong! If you are moving to Portugal for work, Lisbon is the city to head to: it is one of the best cities in the world for remote workers, it boasts a quality public transport system, a number of coworking hubs, and among the highest salaries in Portugal. It also has a diverse community of expats from dozens of different countries, a beutiful historic centre with many famous landmarks like the Torre de Belém, and enough of a variety in its neighbourhoods that there will be something to suit any taste. 



And as for raising a family, Lisbon ranked as the second best city in the world to raise a family, thanks to its low crime rate and high safety, enormous number and variety of cultural and outdoor activities, quality of life, and high quality of education, both in the public schooling system and in the variety of international schools available for expats to educate their children. 

Porto

Lisbon might not be the biggest city in the world, but if you want a city-lifestyle and the capital is a little too big for your tastes, then Porto might be the city for you. Portugal's second largest city is also, somewhat naturally, cheaper than the capital city, but it easily matches, or surpasses even, Lisbon in architectural beauty. The historic centre of Porto was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, and the numerous bridges that arc over the river Douro are world famous: there will be plenty to see and do with the family in Porto! 

The main reason that expats overlook Porto in favour of Lisbon is the climate, with Porto further north along Portugal's coast. That said, maybe your family want's something a little cooler, or maybe the fact that Porto is much closer to its surrounding beaches than Lisbon is to its own will make you consider it. The city is incredibly family-friendly and safe, but it does not boast as broad a variety of educational choice as some locations, so it is worth researching schooling options before your decide. 

Coimbra

If you want a quieter lifestyle for your family away from Porto and Lisbon, then Coimbra might be the choice for you. You won't have to sacrifice the rich history to be found in Lisbon or Porto's centres; Coimbra was the original capital of Portugal and has its own rich historical and cultural heritage with plenty to explore in the old town, including the famous Joanina Library in the University of Coimbra, the oldest university in the country. 

The city is practically right in the middle of the country, between Porto and Lisbon, with excellent transport links by rail and road to both cities. You will easily be able to take daytrips or weekend breaks to visit different parts of the country as a family. The biggest downside is that the city is not on the coast, so if you want to see the beach, you will have to travel. But with excellent beaches barely an hour away, this might not be so much of a dealbreaker for your family.

Aveiro 

Last, but not least, we suggest the town of Aveiro as a different option to the touristy beaches and larger cities when it comes to the best places to live in Portugal for families. Known as the "Venice of Portugal", the town is famed for its canals and gondolas (known as moliceiros in Aveiro) just like its larger Italian counterpart.

Exploring the town on the water, or walking along its many pedestrian areas, you will find that it has much more variety in architecture than the marble clad city on the Adriatic: from houses coloured like sweet-wrappers, to tall Art Nouveau buildings, to narrow gable houses that call to mind Amsterdam; another city filled with canals. 

While its small size might make you apprehensive if you have't gotten the hang of the language yet, the town is a tourist destination so you should find plenty of English-speaking locals if you need, but it would be recommendable to speak Portuguese if you plan to live here. But don't let that hold you back: the town is incredibly safe, and family friendly, an excellent choice if none of the others have convinced you! 

How much does a family of 4 need to live comfortably in Portugal?

The cost of living comfortably for a family of four in Portugal can vary depending on various factors such as location, lifestyle preferences, housing choices, and spending habits. Here's a breakdown of approximate monthly expenses for a family of four living comfortably in Portugal:

1. Housing: Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in a city center can range from €800 to €1500 per month, depending on the city and neighbourhood. In major cities such as Lisbon or Porto, rental prices in the city centre can be considerably more, at €1,500 or upwards.
2. Utilities: Including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, utilities can cost around €150 to €300 per month.
3. Food: This largely depends on your eating habits and whether you cook at home or dine out frequently. A family's monthly grocery bill can range from €400 to €800.
4. Transportation: If you own a car, you'll need to consider fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs, which could amount to around €150 to €300 per month. Public transportation costs can vary depending on the city, but a monthly pass could cost around €30 to €80 per person.
5. Healthcare: Portugal has a public healthcare system, but many residents opt for private health insurance for better coverage. Health insurance costs can vary widely based on coverage and family members' ages but could range from €100 to €300 per month.
6. Education: If your children attend international or private schools, tuition fees can be substantial. For example, international school fees can range from €500 to €1000 per month per child.
7. Entertainment and Miscellaneous: This includes expenses for leisure activities, dining out, clothing, and other miscellaneous expenses. Budgeting around €300 to €500 per month for these expenses would be reasonable.

Adding up these estimated expenses, a family of four could expect to spend roughly €2,330 to €4,780 per month to live comfortably in Portugal. However, keep in mind that these are just rough estimates, and actual expenses may vary. It's always a good idea to research specific costs based on your family's needs and lifestyle preferences.

Is Portugal a good place to raise a family?

Portugal offers an excellent environment for raising a family due to its safety, stability, and high quality of life. With a strong emphasis on family values and a welcoming culture, children are embraced warmly in public spaces, and there are plenty of family-oriented events and activities throughout the year. The country provides access to quality healthcare and education, both public and private, at relatively affordable costs compared to other European countries.

Additionally, Portugal's natural beauty, including its beaches, mountains, and forests, offers abundant opportunities for outdoor activities, fostering a healthy and active lifestyle for families. Overall, Portugal's combination of safety, affordability, family-friendly culture, and access to nature makes it a desirable choice for many families seeking a nurturing environment to raise their children.

Family life in Portugal

Family life in Portugal is deeply rooted in tradition and close-knit relationships. Family ties are strong, and extended families often live near each other, providing a support network for parents and children alike. The concept of "família" (family) extends beyond just immediate family members to include aunts, uncles, cousins, and even close family friends.

Meals are a central part of family life, with lunch often being the main meal of the day and a time for family members to gather and share stories. Sundays are typically reserved for family outings or gatherings, such as picnics or visits to relatives.

Education is highly valued, and parents often prioritise their children's academic success, encouraging them to excel in school. Outdoor activities, such as trips to the beach, hiking, or playing sports, are also popular among families, fostering a healthy and active lifestyle. Overall, family life in Portugal revolves around strong bonds, shared meals, and a deep appreciation for spending time together.

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