Your Complete Guide to Living in Porto

Porto is one of the most charming cities in Europe. Perhaps once overlooked by Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, Porto has moved firmly into the spotlight. Now regarded as one of the best cities to live and work in right now, thanks to its blossoming tech scene and high quality of life, Porto, located in the north of Portugal, has a lot to offer.

In this Complete Guide to Living in Porto, we will share a detailed overview of living in Porto, drawing on the experience of expats who love the city and have started a new life on the Iberian peninsula.

How can I move to Porto?

There are a range of residency options on the table if you are a non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss citizen.

Portugal Golden Visa: The Portugal Golden Visa allows you to secure residency in Portugal in exchange for an investment in the country.

D7 Visa: The D7 Visa, also known as the Retirement Visa or Passive Income Visa, allows you to move to Portugal, provided you have sufficient passive income to sustain yourself in the country.

Digial Nomad Visa: The Digital Nomad Visa allows you to secure residency provided you work remotely for a non-Portuguese company and that you earn four times the Portugeuse minimum wage.

These are just a few of the options on the table. If you are looking to move to Portugal and would like to discuss your options, our residency and citizenship division, Global Citizen Solutions, will be more than happy to discuss the best option for you.

What's the weather like in Porto?

Porto is located in the north-western part of Portugal’s peninsula, and its urban area spreads to the Atlantic Ocean to the west of the city. Porto’s summers are warm but not too hot, and winters are cold and wet, but temperatures rarely fall below 1 Degree C (33.8 Degrees F).

Porto is hottest in August and coldest in January, so appropriate clothing for both summer and winter is recommended. Whether you’ll rent or buy property, make sure there is central heating for the winter and the place is well-insulated, as many properties do not have good heating systems.

Cost of Living in Porto

Living and working in Portugal is more affordable than in other European countries, and this is also the case for Portugal’s cities, with Porto being no exception. While Lisbon, as its capital, has its own price range that is much higher than in other parts of the country, Porto’s cost of living is significantly lower.

Of course, your spending habits and circumstances determine how much money you will need per month, but the costs below will give you an idea of the basics.

Food Costs in Porto

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Porto is over 43 percent cheaper than living in London in the UK. This also includes food costs, which can make up a large proportion of a person’s monthly budget. Daily essentials can be bought on a low budget, and eating out is also affordable, with an average inexpensive meal at a restaurant costing around €9 and a cappuccino costing around €1.49.

The table below gives an overview of the prices of food basics:

Cost of Utilities in Porto

The current cost of living crisis has not spared Portugal either, but warm summers and milder winters could curb excessive spending on gas and electricity bills. Based on an 85 m² apartment in Porto (an average-sized one-bed apartment), you can expect to pay around €102, which includes gas, electricity, water, and waste disposal. 

Accommodation in Porto

City living is never cheap, but you’re more likely to find value for money in Portugal’s second-largest city. It’s good to do your research before you move, and Goldcrest will give you a head start with the advice below whether you’re planning to rent or want to buy property.

Is it easy to rent a house in Porto?

Renting apartments in popular tourist destinations is never easy as landlords prefer to rent out spaces to tourists, so short-term lettings are  often easier to come by than long-term rentals. However, should you use rental portals and expat groups, you should be able to find long-term rental options.

Local Facebook groups have recently become popular for landlords to advertise, so this may be an excellent way to find a good place to rent and possibly avoid higher prices. You’ll find anything from studio apartments, and one-bedroom apartments to three-bedroom apartments, as well as townhouses and larger real estate options.

Buying a House in Porto

Although Porto is fast becoming an exciting hub for investment and employment opportunities, house prices have remained relatively low in comparison with other European cities, as well as Lisbon, although they have been increasing in recent years.

In 2023, the average asking price for property in Porto was €4,296 in the city of Porto and €3,291 in the Porto Metropolitan Area, highlighting that it is more affordable to buy a little outside the city.

Best Neighborhoods in Porto

Porto has many beautiful and favorable neighborhoods and depending on your preferences, there is something for everyone.

Upscale neighborhoods of Porto

If money is no object and you’re after an upscale lifestyle, Porto can cater to those who want a more exclusive living experience. There are plenty of properties with stunning views, beautiful architecture, and a unique charm.

Foz do Douro

This affluent municipality of Porto doesn’t just boast some of the best beaches, such as Praia da Luz, but also offers some great architecture and excellent restaurants, that serve traditional and international cuisine.

Riberia

If you want to live in a historic neighborhood with the stamp of UNESCO World Heritage approval, Ribera is the place to choose. Close to the Douro River, its cobbled streets, colorful houses, and lively cultural and gastronomic scene make it a treasure trove for locals and expats alike.

Budget neighborhoods of Porto

Porto’s neighborhoods cater to all spending habits, and there are plenty of places to live comfortably at no additional cost if you prefer to live an expat life on a more modest budget.

Boavista

This modern neighborhood is the home to bustling restaurants and rooftop bars and also features Porto’s longest avenue, the Avenida da Boavista. In this less touristy quarter with lots of green areas, you can also find botanical gardens, a concert hall, and a synagogue.

Campanhã

A small parish in Porto, Campanhã is home to the important Campanhã train station, which is the hub of Porto’s railway and metro transport system. It provides an essential connection for Porto’s commuters, and its historic building dates back to the 19th century.

Downtown Porto

Downtown Porto is small, compact, and beautiful, and you can get anywhere within a 5 km radius. It is home to the stunning São Bento Railway Station with iconic blue tiles. The 20th-century building is now a National Monument of Portugal. What better way to start a daily commute than in this historic building?

Avenida dos Aliados

Avenida dos Aliados, historically named after the treaty between Portugal and the UK, is located in the city center of Porto. With historic and impressive buildings, this part of Porto is a dream location for those who appreciate exquisite architecture and elaborate façades.

Check out our article: Cheap Houses with Pool: Affordable Property in Portugal.

Public Transport in Porto

Porto’s public transport system is as versatile and efficient as that of Lisbon. Getting around on foot in Porto is possible if you have time, but if not, you can choose one of its public services and transport options.

Porto’s metro, trams, and busses cover the city’s area on a budget, but if you fancy something a bit different, then the funicular allows you to see the city from a different angle. Metro tickets are around €2.00 for a one-way ticket, but if you buy the Porto Card or Andante Tour card, you can use the metro as much as you like.

Taxis are cheaper than in other European cities and a great alternative if you need to be driven to an exact location. Transfers to the airport start from around €25 and, if you use Uber and Bolt, then the price may be even less. What is more, taxi, Uber, and Bolt drivers are incredibly knowledgeable and can give you useful hints and tips about life and getting around in Porto.

International Travel

Porto’s international airport caters to national and international travel and is Portugal’s second busiest airport, after Lisbon. Most major airlines fly to and from Porto Airport, and it’s relatively close to the city center, a mere 11 km away, meaning that you’re never too far away from a getaway, be it for business or pleasure.

Is Porto a good place to live?

With its mild climate and relaxed way of life, friendly people, and many opportunities, Porto has become known as one of the best places to live in Portugal, and with good reason. Whether you’re single, traveling and working remotely, living as a digital nomad, or planning to relocate with family, Porto is a safe city that can provide you with everything that you’ll need.

In the following two sections, we delve into the pros and cons of living in Porto.

The Pros of living in Porto

Porto is sometimes overlooked as a favorable living destination, but many factors make the city one of the best places to settle as an expat including being home to some of the best neighborhoods in Portugal, either temporarily or long-term.

1. Relaxed and friendly culture

The Portuguese are known for their welcoming and friendly nature. Porto, in northern Portugal, is no different, and you’ll instantly feel at ease with a less frantic atmosphere. It’s no wonder that Porto attracts foreigners to live here and is one of the most popular destinations for families to relocate to.

2. Epic fine dining

Portuguese cuisine is famous for its variety and influences from many parts of the world. Whether you’re a fan of meat and seafood dishes or prefer vegetarian and plant-based foods, Porto caters to it all. Best of all, you won’t have to pay a premium price to eat a five-star meal.

3. Life by the beach

Porto’s perfect location close to the Atlantic Ocean means that you won’t just be able to enjoy regular walks by the beach, but there are plenty of opportunities for water sports activities. We’re sure you’ll spend many leisurely hours near the sea to enjoy the semi-Mediterranean climate.

4. Spectacular architecture

Porto offers a spectacular variety of architecture, from traditional and national buildings and monuments that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site to modern architecture, such as the Casa da Musica Theatre. Even the shortest walks through the city are a treat for those who treasure diverse architecture.

5. Great connections

Porto is well-connected regarding national and international travel. With one of Portugal’s three international airports, Porto has excellent flight connections. Internally, Porto’s public transport system caters not only to the city, but its train station ensures that journeys can be made across the whole of Portugal, to other towns and different cities.

6. Top-notch healthcare

Portuguese public healthcare system (serviço nacional de saúde) is considered one of the best in the world. Whether you live as a legal resident or an expat with a visa, you’ll have access to this national health service. Portugal’s private healthcare and private hospitals are equally exceptional, making life abroad easy and attractive for expats moving to Portugal.

Check out our guide to health insurance for foreigners to ensure you have the right kind of insurance.

Cons of living in Porto

As with living in any city, there are drawbacks, and it’s good to be aware of all the facts before making a decision.

1. Paperwork bureaucracy

Portugal is well-known for its bureaucracy, which can sometimes be frustrating. Portuguese natives are used to this, but it may prove time-consuming and confusing for expats. Rules may also vary depending on who you speak to, so we’d highly recommend speaking to an experienced and trusted advisor.

2. Less international entertainment

Although a major city, Porto is less influenced by international sources. While there are many international events, you will find many that are just in Portuguese. On the plus side, you’ll get used to the language more easily and can immerse yourself in the authentic Portuguese way of life.

3. Tourists descend

Porto’s popularity with tourists has steadily increased over the past few years. Especially during peak season, you’ll notice a lot of tourists in the city, which may not be most convenient for you as an expat. However, you should u have Porto primarily for yourself during the shoulder seasons and during the winter months.

4. A smaller expat community

In comparison to Lisbon, Porto’s expat community is less developed and much smaller. However, this does not mean it’s less welcoming. Porto is home to plenty of foreigners of all different backgrounds and ages, making it a great place for expats.

5. Colder winter month

Due to its northern location, Porto gets colder in winter than in other cities, such as Porto. For that reason, it’s important to ensure that the apartment or house you rent or buy is well-insulated, to prevent excessive heating bills. Many old propeties are not equipped to deal with the cold, so make sure that you have a good heating system in place.

The Expat Community in Porto

Porto is an excellent choice for expats, and its growing expat community is a testament to this. Although learning some Portuguese will help you impress the locals and make life a lot easier, English is widely spoken.

With its many coworking spaces and cultural events, there are plenty of opportunities for expats to meet and swap notes, meaning you’ll never feel alone in this warm and friendly city.

Living in Porto as a foreigner has much to offer, no matter your background and circumstances. This charming city is extremely safe and delivers for many expats where many other cities fail: a relaxed lifestyle, quality of life, job opportunities, free time activities, local cuisine, and welcoming locals.

If you are looking to move to Porto and are looking to secure property in this charming city, working with experienced real estate specialists is your best bet. Goldcrest has many years of experience and a 100 percent success rate of helping expats buy a property in Portugal. If you would like to speak to one of our professional advisors about which neighborhood in Porto is best suited to your needs, contact us.