Quality of life is one of the fundamental factors when choosing a country to live abroad. Portugal is also one of the most preferred countries for those who decide to live in Europe, most especially people from portuguese speaking countries.
Every year, several rankings are made to discover the best cities to live in Portugal and other countries, and today we will show you the list.
12 cities with a high quality of life in Portugal
Based on the DECO survey in Portugal conducted with 3,487 respondents in 12 cities that are the capitals of Portuguese districts.
Among the criteria evaluated by DECO are: education, culture and environment, cleanliness, waste management, cost of living, mobility, environment and pollution, safety, crime rates and sports.
To achieve quality of life, residents can consider various aspects, from ease of making friends, physical and emotional well-being, work-related issues, among others.
The results show that the three cities with the highest quality of life in Portugal are: Viseu, Leiria, and Braga. Residents interviewed expressed the greatest satisfaction with where they live. Évora, in the Alentejo region, came in last on the list.
See the complete list of cities with the highest quality of life in Portugal (among the most populous cities in the country):
1) Viseu
The city of Viseu has won the award for best city to live in Portugal for three consecutive years. The quality of life in Viseu stands out, mainly due to its mobility and ease of getting around. The Portuguese city is located in the Central region of Portugal and has a population of 99,000 inhabitants.
2) Leiria
Leiria also appears at the top of the ranking of cities with quality of life in Portugal. With 128,000 inhabitants, Leiria is located in the center of Portugal and is right in the heart of the country. The distance between the main cities is a great advantage: 120 kilometers from Lisbon and 180 kilometers from Porto. The quality of life in Leiria is highlighted by its residents, with parks and green areas.
3) Braga
The city of Braga is located in northern Portugal and has a population of 193,000 inhabitants, in addition to the small towns in its surroundings. Braga is a historic city, with more than 2,000 years of history. It is also considered a young city due to its University of Minho and large student population. Braga is an important religious destination in Portugal, second only to Fátima. Braga stands out for its abundance of green spaces and is ideal for families with children.
4) Cities with a good quality of life in Portugal – Viana do Castelo
Furthermore, the beautiful city of Viana do Castelo is one of the beach towns in Portugal with a high quality of life. Located in the far north of the country, one of its great advantages is its proximity to Spain and its incredible beaches.
Viana do Castelo is a city with 24 kilometers of coastline and a population of 85,000. It has a small-town feel, but it has everything: good restaurants, bars, large markets, and excellent access.
5) Coimbra
If you plan to live and study in Portugal, you’ve surely considered the city of Coimbra. The University of Coimbra attracts many international students due to its great reputation and historical importance (one of the oldest universities in Europe). Furthermore, Coimbra boasts a great location, plenty of activities, and green spaces.
6) Castelo Branco
The city of Castelo Branco is located in the central region of Portugal and has a population of 52,000. Considered one of the cities with the best quality of life in Portugal, it boasts baroque gardens, a castle, and impressive architecture.
7) Cities with a good quality of life in Portugal – Aveiro
Aveiro is considered the Portuguese Venice and is one of the most charming cities in Portugal. With 80,000 inhabitants, it has a small-town feel, but at the same time has everything its population needs: beaches, parks, walking trails, and the University of Aveiro, where young people can pursue their undergraduate or postgraduate studies.
8) Faro
The Algarve is one of Portugal’s most popular tourist regions due to its beautiful beaches. The region is idyllic and perfect for those who work remotely or have already retired. The city of Faro is the capital of the Algarve and has a population of 67,000. One of the advantages of living in Faro is its airport, university, and incredible quality of life.
9) Setúbal
The city of Setúbal is very close to Lisbon and has a population of 123,000. The beaches are the city’s main attraction. The Arrábida mountain range combines greenery and sea, creating a perfect natural fusion with stunning landscapes.
10) Porto
The city of Porto is one of the most desirable places for foreigners to live in Portugal, and for good reason. It’s an incredible city with stunning landscapes, numerous restaurants, bars, museums, green spaces, and plenty of job opportunities. Located in Northern Portugal, Porto stands out for its job creation in the industrial, commercial, and restaurant sectors (bars and restaurants). Furthermore, Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport has a large number of flights to Europe and other continents.
11) Lisbon
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is the most populous city in Portugal and where everything happens: events, shows, congresses, cruise ships. Lisbon blends the modern and the historical in a harmonious way. It is one of the most incredible capitals in Europe, with a better climate and a lower cost of living than the others.
If you enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, Lisbon might be the ideal city to live in Portugal. Everything happens in Lisbon, and it’s home to Portugal’s largest airport, with numerous daily flights to all corners of the world. Perfect for those who love to travel.
12) Évora
The city of Évora in Portugal is located in the Alentejo, one of the most rural and warmest regions of the country. Évora is a historic, touristic, and very well-preserved city. It is 134 kilometers from the capital, Lisbon (approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes by car). The city has a population of 53,000 and is home to the University of Évora.
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Other city options for living in Portugal
In addition to the list of district capitals, there are excellent options for cities to live in Portugal such as: Cascais and Estoril (near Lisbon), Figueira da Foz (a beach town), Lagos in the Algarve (for those seeking tranquility and the best beaches in the country), among others.
More important than knowing the best cities to live in Portugal is knowing which one best suits your lifestyle. Whether you prefer cold or hot weather, the beach or the countryside, etc. Southern Portugal is the sunniest and warmest region, while the north of the country has harsher winters and more rain.
To live abroad, have a good financial plan, organize all the necessary documents for your visa, and thoroughly research the cost of living, minimum wage, and job options in your field. Planning is key to living abroad!
Largest and smallest city in Portugal
Living in Portugal is an opportunity for a fresh start. The largest city in Portugal is the capital: Lisbon. A very important city in the country and the financial center of Portugal. Currently, the Lisbon metropolitan area has 2.8 million inhabitants, according to data from the INE (Instituto Nacional de Estatística).
The smallest city in Portugal is Corvo, located on the Azores islands. In mainland Portugal, the smallest municipality is Barrancos (located in the Alentejo region). In Portugal, cities are called municipalities and states are called districts.
Among the best-known cities in Portugal, the least populated is Aveiro, with 80,000 inhabitants, followed by Faro with 67,000 residents and Vila Real with 49,000 inhabitants.
Living in Portugal, in a city with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants, means having a high quality of life, less traffic, more contact with nature, and more time to chat with neighbors. Without a doubt, choosing a smaller city in Portugal will bring more advantages to your well-being and that of your family, especially if you are looking for tranquility, calm, and security while living in Europe.
Cities in Portugal with the best cost of living
Among the cities with the best cost of living in Portugal are:
- White Castle
- Santarém
- Viseu
- Viana do Castelo
- Figueira da Foz
- Ponta Delgada (Azores)
- Alcobaça
- Évora
- Póvoa de Varzim
- Aveiro
However, it’s important to consider that the lower cost per square meter or rent doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a surplus of properties in these cities. Portugal has received a large number of immigrants in recent years, and the high demand for properties has caused a real estate bubble.
Price per square meter in Portugal
Currently, the price per square meter in Portugal is €2,388 (average values from September 2022), however, in some cities (such as Lisbon and Cascais) the average price per square meter can exceed €3,795.
Among the cities in Portugal with the lowest price per square meter are Portalegre (Alentejo), with an average price per square meter of €636, and Castelo Branco with €724 per square meter.
Learn more on the Idealista website (Report on housing prices in Portugal) and follow the evolution of prices month by month.
Cheapest city
The cheapest cities to live in Portugal are located in the less populated regions, such as Alto Alentejo, Beiras, Serra da Estrela, and Baixo Alentejo. In the Alto Alentejo region, it is possible to buy properties for an average price of €500/m2.
The cities of Portalegre, Guarda, Castelo Branco, and Beja, for example, have properties priced below €1,000 per square meter, making them the cheapest cities to live in Portugal.
Most expensive city in Portugal
The two regions with the most expensive property prices in Portugal, according to data from the INE (National Institute of Statistics) in July 2022, are: the Algarve and the Lisbon Metropolitan Area.
According to the research, the city of Lisbon (€3,642/m2) has the highest price per square meter in Portugal.
In addition to the cities and towns of Cascais (€3,184/m2), Loulé (€2,750/m2), Oeiras (€2,721/m2), Lagos (€2,425/m2), Porto (€2,332/m2), Albufeira (€2,308/m2), Lagoa (€2,215/m2), Odivelas (€2,197/m2), Aljezur (€2,170/m2), Tavira (€2,133/m2) and Vila do Bispo (€2,074/m2).
The best city in Portugal to live in.
The best city to live in Portugal will depend on your lifestyle. Living in the countryside can be great for a lower cost of living, however, there aren’t many job opportunities. Therefore, it all depends on your purpose: working, studying, investing, starting a business, or living off income and retirement.
According to Bloom Consulting, Lisbon and Porto remain the best cities in Portugal to live in, visit, and do business. The consulting firm publishes an annual ranking called Portugal City Brand, evaluating the socioeconomic performance of 308 Portuguese cities.
After Lisbon and Porto, Cascais appears on the list of the best cities in Portugal.
Employability index in Portuguese cities
The cities with the most job opportunities in Portugal are Lisbon, Porto, Cascais, Oeiras, Setúbal, Aveiro, Coimbra, and Braga. However, it’s necessary to research your field of work and check the courses and diplomas required to work in Portugal in your area.
Speaking English and/or Spanish is also essential, especially for jobs involving customer service, such as in hotels, restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions.
Cities in Portugal with study opportunities
The Portuguese cities with the most study options are: Lisbon and Porto, at the top of the list, with several universities and higher education institutions. Next come: Coimbra, Aveiro, Braga, Vila Real, Covilhã, and Faro, all with good universities in Portugal.
Best cities in Portugal for retirees
Among the best cities in Portugal for retirees are those in the south of the country, the Algarve. With more sunny days per year and milder winters, it’s possible to live as a retiree in Portugal and enjoy a high quality of life.
Among the best cities in the Algarve for retirees are: Lagos, Albufeira, Tavira, and Faro. Living near Faro is a good option because of its international airport and ease of travel within Europe.
Furthermore, there are excellent options in central Portugal (such as Viseu, Leiria, Nazaré, and Fátima) for retirees to live in Portugal with security and quality of life.
The most important thing is to see which city matches your lifestyle and whether you prefer the beach or the countryside. Living in the interior of Portugal is excellent for those seeking peace and quiet.
Travel tips for the main cities of Portugal
Also check out travel tips for Portugal to help you plan your trip:
Best beaches
The best beaches in Portugal are located in the Algarve, in the south of the country, and on the Costa da Caparica (near Lisbon).
Among the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve are:
- Marinha Beach
- Dona Ana Beach (Lagos)
- Falésia Beach (Albufeira)
- Carvoeiro Beach (Lagoon)
- Three Brothers Beach (Alvor)
- Carvalho Beach (Lagoon)
- Praia da Rocha (Portimão)
- Desert Island (Barreta Island)
- Quarteira Beach, Loulé.
Historic centers
Among the most beautiful historical centers in Portugal are: Óbidos, Guimarães, Lisbon, and Porto. Portuguese cities offer many tourist destinations, each with its own history. Lisbon is undoubtedly one of the most interesting cities in the country, boasting the largest number of monuments and attractions. But if you prefer the countryside, Óbidos, Tomar, Coimbra, and Guimarães are must-see cities.
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Amazing cuisine
The best place to eat in Portugal is in the north of the country. The further north you go, the better the Portuguese cuisine becomes. For example, in Montalegre, you will eat the best meat in Portugal, Barroso DOP beef, which has a protected designation of origin.
In southern Portugal, the highlight is the fresh fish and delicious seafood. In the Serra da Estrela region (Covilhã, Manteigas and surrounding areas) are some of Portugal’s most prized cheeses: Serra da Estrela cheese, world-famous for its flavor and creaminess.
Now, if you like Cod, get ready to eat the best Cod of your life! This typical Portuguese dish is found from north to south of the country, and there are many recipes. Among the most famous are: Cod with cornbread, Gomes de Sá style, Brás style, stuffed, with cream, grilled, and many more.
Portugal is the country that consumes the most cod in the world! Approximately 20% of the world’s cod goes to Portugal, meaning the Portuguese eat almost 70,000 tons of cod per year. Isn’t that impressive?
If I could give you one piece of advice, it would be: eat as much as you can in Portugal without guilt, from cod fritters to custard tarts (Pastéis de Belém), try everything! Oh, and don’t forget the delicious Portuguese wines, which are among the best in the world!
