Looking for the best cities to live in Portugal as a digital nomad? Whether you're curious about expat-friendly towns, affordable spots, or vibrant hubs for remote workers, this guide covers it all. We'll explore the top Portuguese cities for lifestyle, cost, and work-life balance to help you.
Which are the best cities to live in Portugal for expats and digital nomads? Whether you're drawn to lively urban centers or quieter coastal towns, this guide has got you covered. Let's explore some of the top cities for expats and remote workers and what makes each one unique.
Portugal offers a high quality of life with relatively low living costs compared to other Western European nations. It's well-connected, English is widely spoken (especially in larger cities), and the culture is welcoming. Oh, and did we mention the excellent food, stunning beaches, and year-round sunshine? Add to that a growing co-working scene and a digital nomad visa, perfect recipe for a thriving remote work lifestyle.
Lisbon is the capital and largest city in Portugal with an already established digital nomad community. It has multiple events and diversity so you will not feel as an outsider and have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. Plus, Lisbon’s coworking spaces and bustling cafés offer plenty of options for remote work.
The food, the weather, the people, everything is great in Lisbon! Below there are the pros and cons of living in Lisbon:
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While Lisbon is one of the pricier cities in Portugal, it's still quite affordable compared to other European capitals. You can expect to pay around €400–€700 per month for a room or €750-€950 for a one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon. See cost of living in Lisbon for more details. It is recommended you earn more than €1,400 to live comfortable in this city.
Porto is located in the north of Portugal and is the second largest city in Portugal. Porto is known for its rich history, picturesque river views, and burgeoning creative scene. The city has gained traction among digital nomads and expats for its laid-back vibe without compromising access to amenities.
The cost of living is slightly lower than in Lisbon, making it appealing for remote workers looking for a more budget-friendly option. Here are some pros and cons of this city:
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To live comfortable in Porto, plan to spend around €1,200 to €1,500 per month. Here is a breakdown of common costs in the city:
For digital nomads craving beach vibes with a dash of city life, Faro is a top choice. As the capital of the Algarve region, Faro is renowned for its stunning coastline, beautiful old town, and warm weather almost year-round. It’s a more relaxed environment compared to Lisbon or Porto but still offers plenty in terms of infrastructure and connectivity.
Faro is especially popular for those who want a quieter lifestyle but still crave some social interaction with fellow expats or digital nomads.
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To live comfortable in Faro, plan to spend around €1,000 to €1,300 per month. Here is a breakdown of common costs in the city:
If Lisbon's prices are a little steep but you still want to stay close to the capital, consider Setúbal. Located just 40 minutes from Lisbon, Setúbal offers a more affordable and quieter living experience. The city boasts beautiful beaches, a national park nearby, and a lovely, walkable city center.
Though it’s not as well-known as Lisbon or Porto, Setúbal is gaining popularity among expats and digital nomads who want to experience Portugal’s natural beauty without paying the premium prices of larger cities.
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To live comfortable in Setúbal, plan to spend around €1,200 to €1,400 per month. Here is a breakdown of common costs in the city:
Known as the "Venice of Portugal," Aveiro offers charming canals, colorful moliceiro boats, and a slower pace of life. This small coastal city is perfect for digital nomads who prefer a quaint, picturesque environment over the hustle and bustle of larger cities.
While Aveiro isn't a major tech or startup hub, it offers a unique charm with its rich history, lower cost of living, and proximity to Porto.
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To live comfortable in Aveiro, plan to spend around €1,000 to €1,200 per month. Here is a breakdown of common costs in the city:
Looking to trade city life for an island paradise? Madeira might just be your dream location. Known for its subtropical climate, stunning landscapes, and welcoming expat community, this Portuguese archipelago offers something unique for digital nomads. And don’t worry—despite its remote location, Madeira has a thriving infrastructure for remote work, including co-working spaces and high-speed internet.
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To live comfortable in Madeira, plan to spend around €1,400 to €1,600 per month. Here is a breakdown of common costs in the city:
For the digital nomad who craves adventure and natural beauty, the Azores is an off-the-beaten-path paradise. This group of islands in the mid-Atlantic offers stunning landscapes, volcanic craters, and a peaceful lifestyle.
Though the Azores are more remote, they are well-connected by flights to mainland Portugal, and with the rise of remote work, more co-working spaces and nomad communities are starting to pop up.
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To live comfortable in Madeira, plan to spend around €1,000 to €1,200 per month. Here is a breakdown of common costs in the city:
Portugal is a haven for digital nomads and expats seeking a blend of culture, nature, and affordable living. From the bustling streets of Lisbon to the tranquil landscapes of the Azores, there's something for everyone. As remote work continues to rise, it’s clear that Portugal will remain one of the top destinations for nomads and expats alike. So, the only question left is, which of the best cities to live in Portugal will you choose?
1. What is the minimum income for digital nomad Portugal?
To apply for the digital nomad visa, you’ll need to show proof of income—usually around €2,800 per month.
2. Where is the cheapest place to live in Portugal?
Smaller cities like Aveiro and Setúbal offer lower living costs compared to Lisbon or Porto.
3. What is a good salary in Portugal?
A good salary for digital nomads in Portugal ranges between €2,000 to €3,500 monthly, depending on your lifestyle and city choice.
4. Where do most expats live in Portugal?
Expats typically favor Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, but cities like Madeira and Setúbal are gaining popularity too.
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