After more than two years of nearly constant travel, I’ve started thinking about settling down, just like many other digital nomads. Portugal is currently a top contender for where I might set up a more permanent home. To help both you and myself decide if it’s the right place, I’ve compiled a list of the major pros and cons of living in Portugal.
I absolutely love Portugal—its people, the food, the climate, the scenery, almost everything about it. It’s one of my favorite countries in Europe. Although it’s not perfect, the benefits of living in Portugal far outweigh the downsides for me.
I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Portugal over the last few years, including a summer living in a small village in the mountains near Porto. This list of pros and cons is based mainly on my own experiences, with input from a few Portuguese friends and fellow digital nomads.
Portugal is on the Iberian Peninsula in Southwest Europe, with Lisbon as its capital. The country shares its only land border with Spain to the east and north, and the Atlantic Ocean lies to the west and south, giving it a beautiful coastline.
You can easily reach Portugal by road from mainland Spain, especially from regions like Andalusia and Galicia. For those traveling from further away, Portugal has several well-connected airports with direct flights to many global destinations.
Here are some of the major pros of living in Portugal:
1. Cost of Living: Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe. Rent, groceries, and dining out generally cost less here than in many other European countries, including the UK. You can enjoy a higher standard of living for a lower cost. For instance, monthly expenses for a single person are under €700, excluding rent. A one-bedroom apartment can be found for €700-€900 per month, and dining at a mid-range restaurant often costs less than €20 per person, including drinks.
2. Natural Beauty: Portugal offers a lot of natural beauty, from the Algarve’s rugged cliffs and beaches to the Douro Valley’s vineyards. There are amazing hiking trails like the Passadiços do Paiva, a 9-kilometer route along the Paiva River near Porto. Portugal’s extensive coastline means plenty of beach options, whether you prefer popular or secluded spots.
3. Rich Culture: Portugal’s history is reflected in its architecture, music, and festivals. You’ll find Moorish influences in the south and Celtic and Roman influences in the north. The country’s rich history and traditions are evident in everything from cobblestone streets to ancient castles and monuments.
4. Friendly People: The locals are genuinely friendly and welcoming. Acts of kindness, like being greeted with fresh produce and homemade soup upon arrival, are common and make it easier and more pleasant to settle in.
5. Great Weather: Portugal enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year. Summers are hot, and winters are mild, which means you can enjoy outdoor activities almost year-round. The weather varies by region, with the Algarve getting very hot in the summer, while the mountains experience cooler temperatures and even snow in winter.
6. Healthcare: Portugal has a high-quality and affordable healthcare system. The Serviço Nacional de Saúde offers many free medical procedures to legal residents, including expats. Private healthcare is also available at reasonable prices, often without long waiting times.
7. Safety: Portugal is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. The low crime rate and strong community sense contribute to its overall safety, and the political and social stability adds to the peace of mind.
8. English Proficiency: English is widely spoken in urban and tourist areas, making it easier for expats to handle daily tasks and build relationships. However, learning some Portuguese is necessary in rural areas where English isn’t as common.
9. Food and Wine: Portugal offers a diverse and delicious culinary experience, especially for seafood lovers. National dishes like bacalhau and fresh sardines are complemented by superb local wines.
10. Laid-back Lifestyle: The pace of life in Portugal is relaxed. Even in busy cities like Lisbon, people take their time to enjoy meals and coffee breaks. Weekends are for relaxation and spending time with loved ones, promoting a balanced lifestyle.
However, there are a few cons to consider:
1. Language Barrier in Rural Areas: While English is common in cities, it’s not widely spoken in rural regions. Learning Portuguese becomes almost essential if you want to live outside urban areas.
2. Bureaucracy: Dealing with residency, tax numbers, and other documents can be tedious and frustrating. Bureaucratic hurdles are common, even for routine tasks like filing taxes or dealing with utility companies.
3. Tourism Crowds: Popular tourist destinations like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve can become extremely crowded during peak seasons, leading to inflated prices and longer waits at attractions and restaurants.
4. Limited Job Opportunities: Outside of major cities, job opportunities can be scarce and often require fluency in Portuguese. The job market heavily relies on tourism and agriculture, and many locals have emigrated due to limited opportunities.
5. Income Disparity: Although the cost of living is lower, average salaries in Portugal are also lower, making it challenging for those with lower incomes, especially in expensive cities like Lisbon and Porto. Income disparity can be stark and shocking for newcomers.
Despite the downsides, I believe living in Portugal is absolutely worth it. The pros far outweigh the cons for me. If you’re thinking about moving to Portugal, I’d say go for it. You might end up loving it as much as I do!
