LIVING IN PORTO: A COMPLETE GUIDE
Settling into life in Porto offers a playful mix of historical richness and contemporary urban living, attracting an ever-growing international community. Porto stands as a prominent destination in Portugal thanks to its lively cultural scene, great food and historic architecture. Living in Porto means becoming part of a community known for its warmth and hospitality, making it an inviting place for newcomers to call home.
Is Porto a good place to live?
Porto offers a unique combination of history, culture and natural beauty, which makes it a very attractive destination to live in. The city offers a modern infrastructure, with excellent health, education and public transport services. In addition, it is known for its delicious gastronomy, with a wide variety of restaurants and cafés offering traditional Portuguese dishes and international cuisine.
Historical charm
It's one of the most striking aspects of living in Porto. Its cobbled streets, old buildings and historic centre, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, take you back in time. Strolling through the narrow streets of Ribeira, admiring the colourful tiles at São Bento station or visiting Porto's imposing cathedral are just some of the experiences that await.
Culture
The city has countless museums, theatres and art galleries to satisfy the most demanding tastes. In addition, Porto is famous for its music scene, with a variety of concerts and festivals throughout the year. If you're a culture lover, Porto offers you a wide range of options to enjoy and to enrich yourself culturally.
Gastronomy
This is another point in Porto's favour. Known for its delicious traditional dishes, such as the mindboggling francesinha, made with its secret sauce, or the famous tripas à moda do Porto. In addition, this city is world-renowned for its Port wine, which you can savour in the city's numerous cellars.
Natural surroundings
The city is located at the mouth of the River Douro, which makes for an impressive natural environment. You can enjoy beautiful walks along the river, explore the nearby beaches or take excursions to admire the stunning scenery of the Douro valley.
Living in Porto: pros and cons
When considering a move to Porto, it's important to assess both the positives and potential downsides. Understanding these factors can provide a clearer picture of what life in this vibrant city might be like.
Let’s start with the pros of living in Porto:
- Scenic beauty: the Douro River, Litoral Norte Nature Park and Alvão Nature Park and rugged coastline create a picturesque setting.
- Colourful culture: there are countless cultural experiences to get stuck into, including the Port wine scene, local museums and traditional festivals.
- Affordability: compared to other European cities, Porto provides a relatively lower cost of living, making it an attractive choice for both locals and expats.
- Warm community: Porto is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, creating a sense of community and belonging.
However, like all places, the city has its drawbacks:
- Job market: while Porto has a growing startup scene, job opportunities might be limited, especially for those not fluent in Portuguese.
- Weather: the city experiences a fair amount of rain, particularly in the winter months, which may not appeal to everyone.
- Infrastructure: while improving, Porto's public transport and infrastructure are still catching up to accommodate its growing popularity.
Best places to live in Porto
When it comes to choosing the best area to live in Porto, there are several options to consider. Each neighbourhood has its own characteristics and attractions, which makes choosing tricky. However, there are some areas that stand out and are highly recommended for those thinking of living in the city.
- One of the best areas to live in Porto is Ribeira. Located on the banks of the River Douro, this charming area is known for its narrow streets and colourful houses. Popular with expats, you'll find a picturesque atmosphere and a wide variety of restaurants, bars and traditional shops. In addition, Ribeira offers breathtaking views of the famous Dom Luís I Bridge and the historic city centre.
- Another interesting option is Foz do Douro, which is also popular with expats. Situated at the mouth of the river, this area is known for its beautiful beaches and peaceful atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy long walks by the sea, practise water sports and enjoy the view of the Atlantic Ocean. Foz do Douro also has a great infrastructure, with quality schools, sophisticated restaurants and an elegant atmosphere.
- Another popular neighbourhood is Boavista. This area is known for its wide avenues, modern architecture and green spaces. Here, you can find a wide variety of services and amenities, such as shopping centres, hospitals and renowned schools. What's more, Boavista is well connected to the city centre by public transport, making it easy to get around.
How much do you need to live comfortably in Porto?
The cost of living in Porto is one of the attractions of this charming city, as it is generally lower than in other European cities. Although salaries in Portugal are also quite low, making it increasingly expensive for many who work in the city.
It's important to bear in mind that the money you need to live comfortably in Portugal can vary depending on each person's lifestyle and spending habits. You also need to consider other expenses, such as transport, leisure and health. However, it is possible to live on around €1,500 in Porto if you don't live in the city centre and are careful with your spending.
Utilities
The cost of basic services such as electricity, water and heating can cost around €117 per month. However, this can be considerably higher if you live in a detached house or have features such as a pool.
Eating out
In Porto, traditional restaurants offer the chance to savour typical dishes at affordable prices and with large portions. Expect to pay between €40 and €70 for a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant. A beer should cost around €3, and a cup of coffee shouldn't set you back more than €3.50
Rent
As of April 2025, rent in Porto was on average €17.8 per m2. Therefore, an 85m2 apartment costs around €1,500 per month. Studio apartments in Porto tend to cost anything upwards of €650. Areas such as Ramalde or Paranhos further inland offer cheaper rent on average.
Life in Porto for students: what to expect?
The city of Porto is a popular destination for students, both Portuguese and Erasmus. Life in Porto for students is exciting and enriching. The city has several renowned educational institutions, such as the University of Porto, which offer a wide range of courses and academic opportunities.
By studying in Porto, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a rich and diverse culture, with a vibrant art and music scene. The city also offers a variety of extracurricular activities for students, from outdoor sports to cultural events and festivals.
On top of all this, Porto is a safe and friendly city for international students. The student community is welcoming, and various associations and groups will help you integrate and meet new people.
Living in Porto as a foreigner
Porto is a welcoming destination for expats, offering services that make it easier for foreigners, whether you're American, British or any other nationality. The city boasts a variety of English-speaking services, such as lawyers and financial advisors, which can assist with legal and administrative needs. For families, Porto provides several international schools that offer curricula in English, French and German.
The expat community in Porto is vibrant and active, with numerous meetup groups catering to different interests and nationalities. These groups offer opportunities for socialising and networking, helping newcomers integrate into the city’s culture and lifestyle.
Living in Porto vs living in Lisbon
If you're considering living in Portugal, you're probably faced with the difficult decision between Porto and Lisbon. Both cities have a lot to offer, but there are important differences to bear in mind. Living in Lisbon is certainly an appealing option for many, especially those looking to live in a bigger city.
Cost of living
One of the main considerations when choosing where to live is the cost of living. Porto tends to be more affordable in terms of housing, food and entertainment compared to Lisbon. An inexpensive meal could cost you €4 more in Lisbon.
Quality of life
Both Porto and Lisbon offer an excellent quality of life. Porto is known for its relaxed and cosy atmosphere, with a slower pace of life. Lisbon, on the other hand, is a busier, more cosmopolitan city with a vibrant cultural and entertainment scene.
Transport
Both cities have an efficient public transport system, including metro, buses and trains. However, Porto is smaller and more compact, which means that many places can be easily reached on foot. Lisbon, on the other hand, is a larger city and may require more time to get around.
Culture and history
Both Porto and Lisbon have a rich history and a vibrant culture. Porto is known for its iconic bridges, Port wine cellars and historic architecture. Lisbon, on the other hand, offers a mix of tradition and modernity, with its picturesque neighbourhoods, castles and museums.
Property
Property prices in Lisbon are considerably higher, at an average of €5,615 compared to Porto's €3,741 as of April 2025. Rent in Lisbon is also pricier, with an 85m2 apartment costing around €1,895 - over €300 more than in Porto.
Safety in Porto: the safest areas
Safety is a key consideration when deciding where to live, and Porto provides many secure areas for its residents. The safest parts of the city are those with low crime rates, where locals feel calm and protected.
Foz do Douro
One of the safest areas in Porto is Foz do Douro, located by the river and the seafront. This area is known for its quiet atmosphere and the presence of families and university students. The streets are well lit, and there is a visible police presence, which contributes to a safe environment.
Boavista
Another safe neighbourhood is Boavista, one of the city's most upmarket areas. With wide avenues and high-quality residential and commercial buildings, this area is popular with families and professionals. Boavista also has a good security infrastructure, including police stations and surveillance systems.
Cedofeita and Matosinhos
Other safe areas in Porto include Cedofeita, a bustling central district with a wide range of services and shops. Matosinhos, a coastal area adjacent to Porto, is known for its long sandy beaches and tranquil atmosphere.