Portugal has long been a destination popular with people looking to move for a better way of life and better weather, with the Algarve region probably being the most famous region for attracting Brits.
Nazare, Portugal
There are numerous reasons why so many Brits are choosing to relocate to Portugal right now, including not only better weather, but a lower cost of living, a better quality of life, and a safer place to raise a family.
Portugal is currently getting a lot of interest from British Expats who are looking to move there.
Whether that is people who have had a holiday home in Portugal looking to move there permanently, people looking for a better quality of life after being in lockdown, or people realizing that life is short and the opportunities for a better life, many international estate agents and removal companies are reporting that Portugal is a hot destination right now.
But whilst property in Portugal can represent excellent value for money, the average price of a property in Portugal is steadily rising. In the first quarter of 2020, property prices rose 10.5% on the previous year’s prices for the same period according to www.idealista.pt
The Algarve, not surprisingly, remains one of the most expensive parts of Portugal to move to, whilst Lisbon is the most expensive place in the whole of Portugal.
For bargain properties look to Castelo Branco and Beja which have the lowest average prices for property in Portugal.
There are about 60,000 Brits living in Portugal, so there is a good support network should you need it.
The majority of Brits live around the Algarve, but Portugal has plenty of hidden gems to offer you and often with far better value-for-money homes than the traditional expat areas.
So let’s find out exactly what makes Portugal so an attractive place to live.
Healthcare in Portugal is of a very high standard and is easily available in all but the very smallest of villages.
There is both a public and private healthcare system with prices significantly cheaper than the UK for not only prescriptions but things like dental treatment.
Pharmacies are on nearly every street and are staffed by highly trained pharmacists who will often save you a trip to the doctor. Note though that only pharmacies that have ‘Farmacia’ before the store name can actually dispense prescription medication.
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Jobs are generally quite plentiful in Portugal, especially in the tourism industry, although these are usually seasonal.
It will help your job prospects enormously if you can speak Portuguese, although many large international corporations, such as Google, Nokia, and Samsung, can be found in Lisbon.
There are some employment sectors where you will get work easier than others, and there is usually a skills shortage in IT, healthcare, hospitality, communications, and tourism.
Is Education Good in Portugal?
Lisbon has many fine schools
There are both private and public schools in Portugal that are regarded as very good. State schools are free of charge whilst private schools tend to have strict entrance criteria.
Although lessons in state schools will be in Portuguese, there are plenty of resources available to help children cope with the language barrier.
If you are looking for an international school for your children then you can search the International Schools Database to find out about class sizes, extracurricular activities, fees, and lots more useful information.
Universities are also highly regarded and many courses are available in the English language.
To discover more about the universities in Portugal then you can visit www.timeshighereducation.com where you can compare performance and subjects.
Can You Homeschool In Portugal?
You may also be interested to learn that homeschooling is legal in Portugal, so if you are looking to move to a very rural area to live an alternative lifestyle, then homeschooling may be something that you are thinking of doing. You should contact the local education authority for more information or visit www.hslda.org for lots more useful information on homeschooling in Portugal.
You can find details of the best schools in Portugal with lots more useful information about enrolling children at school at www.beportugal.com
How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a Property in Portugal?
Many Brits looking for bargain-priced properties head for Portugal as there is plenty of availability in the villages and rural areas.
What are the average costs to renovate a property will be a major consideration when working out your finances and whether it is cost-effective to renovate, rebuild, or buy a turnkey property.
A total rebuild will cost you in the region of €550-€750 per square meter
Renovations will set you back about €250-€450 per square meter
You can find out more about the legalities and practicalities of renovating a property in Portugal at www.portugalissimo.eu
What is the Average Cost to Move to Portugal from the UK?
Village homes are excellent value for money
The price of international moves has risen rapidly this year due to various factors including a worldwide shortage of shipping containers, fuel price increases, Brexit and the associated new paperwork that is required, and of course the pandemic.
However, based on the average contents of a home, these are the average prices of moving from the UK to Portugal.
To get a more accurate moving price estimate based on the particulars of your home move just request a quote using the international quote form.
How much does it cost to move to Lisbon, Portugal from London?
The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from London to Lisbon by road is £3,100-£4,100
The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from London to Lisbon by sea is £2,500-£3,000
The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from London to Lisbon by air is £3,200-£3,800
The average cost of moving a 3 bedroom home from London to Lisbon by road is £3,600-£4,400
The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from London to Lisbon by sea is £3,200-£3,900
The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from London to Lisbon by air is £4,700-£5,800
How much does it cost to move to Lisbon, Portugal from Cardiff?
The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Cardiff to Lisbon by road is £3,300-£4,400
The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Cardiff to Lisbon by sea is £2,600-£3,100
The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Cardiff to Lisbon by air is £3,200-£3,800
The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Cardiff to Lisbon by road is £3,800-£4,700
The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Cardiff to Lisbon by sea is £3,300-£4,000
The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Cardiff to Lisbon by air is £4,700-£5,900
How much does it cost to move to Lisbon, Portugal from Glasgow?
The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Glasgow to Lisbon by road is £3,500-£4,300
The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Glasgow to Lisbon by sea is £2,600-£3,000
The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Glasgow to Lisbon by air is £3,200-£3,800
The average cost of moving a 3 bedroom home from Glasgow to Lisbon by road is £4,100-£5,100
The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Glasgow to Lisbon by sea is £3,200-£3,900
The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Glasgow to Lisbon by air is £4,700-£5,800
How much does it cost to move to Lisbon, Portugal from Belfast?
The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Belfast to Lisbon by road is £3,600-£4,400
The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Belfast to Lisbon by sea is £2,500-£3,000
The average cost of moving a 1 bedroom home from Belfast to Lisbon by air is £3,200-£3,800
The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Belfast to Lisbon by road is £4,200-£5,200
The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Belfast to Lisbon by sea is £3,200-£3,800
The average cost of moving a 3-bedroom home from Belfast to Lisbon by air is £4,200-£5,300
If you would like to live in a region of Portugal that is a little off the beaten track for British Expats, then Northern Portugal is well worth investigating.
Going to live in Northern Portugal you will be blessed with a more traditional way of life, where the cost of a property is lower than the more traditional expat hubs such as the Algarve, where you are never far from some stunning coastline or mountains, and where despite a slower pace of life, there is still excellent infrastructure if you do need to travel anywhere else.
The locals in Northern Portugal are renowned for their hospitality and friendly nature which as an expat will help make your integration into the Portuguese way of life so much easier.
The north of Portugal does not suffer from the scorching hot summers of the south and the winters are milder but can be wet, but not in an English wet way. Expect summer temperatures to be in the mid-’20s whilst temperatures can drop to between 5° and 14° in the winter months.
A word of caution though, whilst the beaches attract sun-worshippers and there are many many beautiful sunny days to enjoy, some people will find the sea too cold to swim in.
But the majority of expats looking to move to Northern Portugal will do so for the culture and quality of life rather than sitting on the beach all day.
There are some wonderful small cities and villages in Northern Portugal offering a blend of history, traditional lifestyles, great amenities, superb food and wine, great value-for-money homes, and a cheap cost of living.
Most expats moving to Northern Portugal seek the tranquility and laid-back lifestyle of village life but also want easy access to the amenities of the city.
Where are the best places to live in Northern Portugal?
Here is our pick of the best places to live in Northern Portugal.
Going to Live in Porto, Portugal
Stunning Porto
Porto is the second most expensive city in which to live in Portugal, after Lisbon, but the quality of life, amenities, and beautiful surroundings are well worth the cost. And compared to the UK, prices for homes and everyday living are still very affordable.
If you are thinking of moving to Porto with family you will find that the city is extremely family-friendly, restaurants and cafes cater to kids, there are fantastic beaches, good healthcare, good schools, and crime is low.
Porto retains its community feeling and you will find locals welcoming and friendly. English is widely spoken and there is a good-sized expat community, so integrating is easy and support is readily available if you need it.
It is a city of cobbled streets, steeped in history, unique architecture, culture, and art, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and low-key nightlife.
Porto is easy to walk around as it is a compact city but the metro and buses offer a comprehensive service if you need them.
For those expats who will need work, Porto is a thriving IT hub and has many different career opportunities in a number of industries. Although English is widely spoken, you will also need a good grasp of the Portuguese language to secure a good job.
What is the cost of living in Porto?
Excluding rent, the average family of four would need £1,786 for living expenses per month in Porto
Excluding rent, the average single person would need £510 for living expenses per month in Porto
What you could buy for £2,515 in Porto would cost you £4,700 in London
What you could buy for £2,546 in Porto would cost you £2,900 in Glasgow
What you could buy for £2,506 in Porto would cost you £2,900 in Cardiff
What you could buy for £2,532 in Porto would cost you £2,800 in Belfast
What are the average property prices in Porto?
The average home in Porto will cost you €2,879 per square metre
How much does it cost to rent a home in Porto?
Expect to pay an average €1,156 per month to rent a home in Porto
Where are the Best Places to Live in Porto?
Porto is a small city with great public transport, so it is easy to get anywhere in the city fairly quickly. Where you choose to live in Porto therefore will come down to your budget and the lifestyle you wish to lead.
If you prefer a fairly quiet neighbourhood and you are on a tight budget then Campanha is a popular choice.
For those who prefer to be on top of the best attractions and within seconds of the restaurants and bars, then the city centre is the place to look. Areas such as Cedofeita and Santo Ildefonso are good starting points.
Foz Velha is great for those looking for a laid-back lifestyle with easy access to the beach.
Matosinhos is another popular place for those who appreciate being near the beach. Just 10km from the city centre it is a great place for families to live, safe and beautiful, with all the amenities you need.
Baixa offers a more lively way of life with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops.
For a great mix of all Porto has to offer look around Boavista, it is not too lively, not too quiet, and is just 20 minutes from the city centre.
Braga is a small city steeped in a history dating back to Roman times, in fact, it is widely regarded as the oldest city in Portugal.
In Braga not only will you find incredibly old and beautiful architecture, but modern buildings too. And you will find that trend continues across most of life in Braga. It is a traditional city, famed as a religious centre with many churches, ideal for expat retirees who want to live in a tranquil city. Then there are the students and young families who move here for the laid-back lifestyle and excellent facilities, as well as modern art and culture.
Braga is a mixing pot of young and old, complimenting each other, and adding to the desirability of living in such a wonderful city.
Moving to Braga you will have a high quality of life, fantastic local cuisine, and exceptionally good value-for-money housing.
With more churches, squares, and parks per square meter than any other city in Portugal, Braga is a very tranquil place to live. But by night there is enough local entertainment, bars, and restaurants to provide a great night out.
In general, the cost of living is one of the lowest in Portugal, but you still have access to great amenities and all the art and culture you need. The only thing missing is a beach right on your doorstep.
Braga is, however, just half an hour from the beach, fifteen minutes from the Geres Mountains, and forty minutes from Porto. This gives you some fantastic options for a variety of leisure options and a great outdoor lifestyle.
Although the city itself is fairly compact, the district of Braga is quite spread out, but there is a good bus network, and the train network connects you to most of the major cities of Portugal.
In terms of employment, there is a thriving IT industry, especially web design and software development, whilst construction and tourism are also thriving industries in Braga.
Note that whilst the younger population of Braga will speak good English, you will need a good understanding of Portuguese to get a job here.
Healthcare and schools are very good in Braga. There are 3 main secondary public schools and 2 private secondary schools. There is even the University of Minho which is a very highly regarded centre of learning.
Aside from the wonderful city of Braga, the outlying areas of 37 parishes around the city offer you a wide choice of lifestyles, homes, and reasons to choose that particular parish to move to.
And finally a word about the weather. Although Braga has defined seasons, there is a mild Mediterranean climate and the summers can get very hot.
What is the cost of living in Braga?
Excluding rent, the average family of four would need £1,767 for living expenses per month in Braga
Excluding rent, the average single person would need £501 for living expenses per month in Braga
What you could buy for £2,272 in Braga would cost you £4,700 in London
What you could buy for £2,299 in Braga would cost you £2,900 in Glasgow
What you could buy for £2,263 in Braga would cost you £2,900 in Cardiff
What you could buy for £2,287 in Braga would cost you £2,800 in Belfast
What is the average property price in Braga?
The average home will cost you about €1,193 per square metre
What is the average cost to rent a home in Braga?
A T1 or one-bedroom apartment starts at around €400 a month
A T3 or 3-bedroom apartment starts at around €600 a month
If you are seeking work in Braga you may find this website useful: www.workinbraga.com
Going to Live in Viana de Castelo, Portugal
Viana de Castelo, Portugal
Virtually untouched by international tourists, you will find Viana de Castelo at the mouth of the Lima River in the Minho District of Northern Portugal.
Famed for its wonderful architecture, Viana de Castelo is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in all of Portugal.
Viana de Castelo is surrounded by beautiful countryside with hills, forests, wild and rugged beaches, and the River Lima supplying a stunning visual backdrop to this lovely city.
With a number of blue flag beaches within a 10-minute drive of the city, this area gives you the best of every world, from city amenities to endless recreational activities, to days lazing on the beach.
With one of the few remaining working shipyards in Portugal, local jobs are centered on the service industries, naval construction, and repair. There is a strong domestic tourist industry in this region which also provides many employment opportunities.
Expat families who are thinking of moving to Viana de Castelo will be pleased to know that there has been a lot of investment in education in recent years and there are some excellent schools in the city including:
Escola Básica de Meio
Escola Secundária de Monserrate
Escola Básica de Monserrat
Escola Básica de Avenida
What is the cost of living in Viana de Castelo?
Excluding rent, the average family of four would need €1483 for living expenses per month living in Viana de Castelo.
Excluding rent, the average single person would need €356 for living expenses per month living in Viana de Castelo.
Find out more about the average cost of everyday items in Viana de Castelo at www.traveltables.com
What is the average cost of homes in Viana de Castelo?
Expect to pay around €3,000 per square metre to buy a home in the city centre
Expect to pay about €1,775 per square metre to buy a home outside the city centre
What is the average rental cost in Viana de Castelo?
A 1 bedroom apartment in the city centre will cost about €383 a month to rent
A 1 bedroom apartment outside the city centre will cost about €300 a month to rent
A 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre will cost about €616 a month to rent
A 3 bedroom apartment outside the city centre will cost about €433 a month to rent
Moving to Central Portugal
Traditional Festival in Central Portugal
Central Portugal seems a million miles and a hundred years away from the south of Portugal.
If you value a traditional way of life in unspoiled countryside, where ancient villages are nestled amongst mountains and valleys which offer the most peaceful and tranquil way of life, where picture-perfect beaches are a stone’s throw away, then central Portugal could be your idea of heaven.
Sparsely populated, but with a real sense of community in every village, central Portugal will offer you a simpler but far better lifestyle, at a fraction of the cost of living in the UK.
Whilst there are certainly plenty of expats living in central Portugal, they are thinly spread throughout the region. So although there will be an English-speaking support network if you need it, you will likely live amongst Portuguese.
This is perfect for those expats who want to integrate into village life and who want to learn the Portuguese language.
With excellent value-for-money homes in stunning surroundings, low cost of living, and easy access to the airports of Porto, Lisbon, and Coimbra, moving to central Portugal makes a lot of sense for many British expats looking for a better way of life.
Where are the best places to live in central Portugal?
The landscape of central Portugal offers you many options, from the rugged peaks of the Serra da Estrela Mountains with Portugal’s only ski resort, to the endless sandy beaches of the Lisbon and Silver Coasts.
Those who love history will find plenty to pique their interest in central Portugal. It is a land with an abundance of churches, convents, and castles, many of which were founded by the Templar Knights.
The wonderful and picturesque villages of central Portugal are far too numerous to review here, so we would recommend that you visit a number of areas before deciding upon a location to settle in.
Renting a property in central Portugal is fairly inexpensive and will give you the opportunity to fully get to know an area before committing to buying.
For those who prefer more accessible amenities, there are many great cities in central Portugal.
Going to Live in Abrantes, Portugal
Less than 90 minutes from Lisbon is the 12th-century city of Abrantes where a castle sits on a hill at the centre of the old town looking out onto cobbled streets that lead to picture-postcard town squares.
Steeped in history, Abrantes is a very beautiful town with several notable churches, a convent, and manor houses.
Each May every street battles for the title of having the most stunning floral displays.
Watersport enthusiasts thinking of moving to Abrantes will be spoilt for choice. There are numerous places to enjoy windsurfing, canoeing, sailing, and swimming.
The weather is far more enjoyable in central Portugal than in the scorching Algarve. The dry and hot summers in Abrantes average 33° whilst the cooler winters average around 5°.
Lisbon airport is about 90 minutes away, whilst Porto airport is about 2.5 hours by car. Just a couple of kilometers outside Abrantes is the main railway station with excellent links to Lisbon, Porto, and Spain.
Going to Live in Tomar, Portugal
Tomar, Portugal
One of the most highly sought-after areas of central Portugal to live in is along the 40-mile-long lake, Castelo de Bode. Set in wonderful scenery, with a huge variety of water sports and leisure activities, this is a very desirable place to live.
Tomar is a very quiet and tranquil place to move to, where the quality of life is high, the pace of life is slow, and the property offers extremely good value for money.
With a wealth of history and many cultural highlights, Tomar attracts those expats who prefer a more authentic way of Portuguese life away from the English theme pubs and cafes.
There is plenty to keep you occupied in Tomar with a weekly market, a monthly antique market, numerous shops, restaurants, cafes, art galleries, museums, cinemas, music venues, and many local clubs and societies to join.
Tomar, and the region around Castelo de Bode, are extremely beautiful and desirable places to live, and this is reflected in property prices. But travel just 30 minutes outside the city and prices drop considerably.
With a population of around 45,000, the city has everything you could need including a large modern hospital, numerous parks, open green spaces, and regular train services to Lisbon.
If you are thinking of moving to central Portugal then many expats already living there recommend that you rent before committing to buy unless you know the place you would like to live very well.
There are a large number of very beautiful and tranquil places to live in central Portugal and by renting in an area first you will get to know if that place is really for you.
Bear in mind also that jobs for expats are scarce, and you will need a good command of the language, especially in central Portugal which is very far removed from some of the ‘little England’ resorts found along the Algarve.
But if you have the finances and determination to integrate and become part of local life, then central Portugal will offer you a wonderful way of life at a very reasonable cost, with beautiful weather to enjoy.
If you are planning on moving to central Portugal there is a really useful website with lots of interesting tips and helpful advice for expats: www.heyportugal.com
Moving to Alentejo, Portugal
Terena, Alentejo
Accounting for a third of the landmass of Portugal but only about seven percent of the population, Alentejo is a stunning and sparsely populated region.
However, if an extremely hot and dry summer is not to your liking, then skip this section and move on.
Going to live in Alentejo you will find that the average summer temperature reaches 40-45°, whilst the winters are mild.
For sun-worshippers, Alentejo is heaven, and there are some stunning beaches here to explore and relax upon. The Alentejan and The Vicentin Coasts have some spectacular beaches and wonderful hiking trails, mainly almost deserted and untouched by tourists.
Alentejo offers expats thinking of moving to Portugal not only months and months of glorious sunshine but plenty of history and culture. There are deserted white sand beaches, unending vistas of beautiful countryside, delicious local delicacies, and very good wines.
This is a region that varies widely, from coastline to mountains, to rolling plains. The villages, towns, local dishes, and traditions are equally varied and captivating.
There are large cities such as Evora and Beja, to the smallest cities of Serpa and Borba, to barely inhabited villages, with huge variations in the price of a property.
Keep away from the main cities and the coastline and you will find property for half the cost, all set in stunningly beautiful villages.
For over 300 years Alentejo has harvested cork in the traditional way of stripping it by hand and is the largest cork producer in the world.
And although the area produces cork, wood, wine, marble, olives, fruit, and meat products, very few expats will come seeking work or indeed will find work here.
You will not find huge concentrations of expats here, and speaking Portuguese will certainly help you to integrate fully.
It is mainly a region that attracts people looking to retire, find peace and tranquility, live an alternative lifestyle, and have a better quality of life.
That said, there is plenty to attract expat families with some excellent centres of higher education, low crime rates, and a healthier lifestyle.
Alentejo offers you lots of choices, each as wonderful as the last choice.
It should be noted however that amenities and services for older people can be few and far between in some of the more rural villages, so although this is a fantastically peaceful place to live out your retirement, choose wisely.
Take your time exploring this amazing region before deciding on where your forever home will be.
Here are some of the best places in Alentejo to live according to locals.
Moving to Evora, Portugal
Evora, Alentejo, Portugal
Evora is a UNESCO-designated medieval town and also the capital city of Alentejo.
Evora is famous as the site of the Temple of Diana, a 2nd-century Roman ruin consisting of 14 Corinthian columns of marble.
Also worthy of mention is the Chapel of Bones, constructed from the bones of 5,000 corpses from local graveyards, built in the 17th century by Franciscan monks.
The University of Evora ensures that there is a low-key vibrancy about the city and that there is a good range of stores and amenities to meet the needs of the residents of the city.
And now would seem an ideal time to look at Evora for your new home as property prices are now even better value for money. According to the property price index from www.idealista.pt, property prices fell by 5.2% in the period July to September 2020 in Evora.
The average property price in Evora is €215,045 up from €177,814 in 2019.
Alentejo is a vast region of Portugal, so you will have plenty of choice of places to live, but that also brings isolation and long journeys between cities.
But if you seek solitude and tranquility, and want to live in a unique and history-laden region of Portugal, then Alentejo may just be for you.
Other noteworthy places to consider making your new home in Alentejo are:
Vila Nova de Milfontes
Cobbled streets, where you will find unique shops, and wonderful restaurants and cafes serving locally produced delicacies, lead you to the coast. It is here that you will find what is possibly the best beach in all of Alentejo. Although the Portuguese flock here in the summer, this stunning beach is never too crowded.
Beja
Imagine a whitewashed village with traditional homes lining cobbled streets. A marble castle overlooking the town square where locals gather to exchange gossip and take shade from the burning sun. Welcome to Beja where you will experience all this in a wonderfully tranquil and beautiful setting.
And Beja also has its own airport making this wonderful place even more accessible.
Mertola
Surrounded by vast forests of pines and eucalyptus trees, Mertola is a very picturesque town offering peace and tranquility. There is something for everyone in this charming town, from modern homes set in beautiful countryside on the outskirts of the town to traditional Portuguese homes within the centre.
Moving to the Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve, Portugal
Nearly every country has an expat mecca, a place where the majority of expats choose to live, usually for the excellent weather, great lifestyle, and superb amenities.
In Portugal, the Algarve is that region. For many many years, British expats have moved here to enjoy the long hot summers, play superb golf courses, enjoy a more laidback lifestyle, and of course for the superb beaches.
Today, there is a very strong expat community in the Algarve, offering new expats a support network should they need it. It is also more common that the locals speak English which can be a great help for you whilst you get to learn Portuguese.
But of course, there are going to be downsides to living in such a popular region of Portugal.
The beaches tend to be crowded, especially during July and August.
Property prices also reflect the popularity of the Algarve and can be some of the most expensive in the country.
The cost of living in the Algarve is cheap by UK standards, but prices do tend to rise during the peak tourist season.
Although jobs are scarce, there are more jobs in the Algarve for expats, but they are likely to be seasonal, usually in tourism or hospitality, and even though English is widely spoken, you will still need a good grasp of Portuguese to secure a full-time job.
Many people would like to rent a property before deciding upon which part of the Algarve to move to but finding long-term rentals here is very difficult.
There are many expats who choose to start or run a business from the Algarve. You should be prepared for mountains of red tape and be exceptionally patient with a bureaucratic system that runs slow at best.
With the strong expat community, beautiful weather, many social clubs, and associations, and a low cost of living, the Algarve can be a wonderful place to spend your retirement.
Having said that, the Algarve makes a wonderful place for families to come to live too.
There are excellent private and state medical facilities, local and international schools, a low crime rate, a healthy outdoor lifestyle, and the opportunity to live a self-sufficient or alternative lifestyle out in the countryside.
What is the cost of living in the Algarve?
Excluding rent, the average family of four would need £2,109 for living expenses per month in the Algarve
Excluding rent, the average single person would need £596 for living expenses per month in the Algarve
What you could buy for £2,616 in the Algarve would cost you £4,700 in London
What you could buy for £2,634 in the Algarve would cost you £2,900 in Glasgow
What you could buy for £2,216 in the Algarve would cost you £2,900 in Cardiff
What you could buy for £2,666 in the Algarve would cost you £2,800 in Belfast
How Much Does Property Cost in the Algarve?
The Algarve is the second most expensive region in Portugal to buy a property, on average it costs €2,343 per square metre according to www.algarvehomesales.com
Outside of the main resorts of the Algarve, and into the countryside, you can expect the cost of the property to drop significantly. www.numbeo.com shows from their very latest data that the price of a home drops to €993 per square metre.
Here are some examples of what you can expect to pay in the most popular parts of the Algarve for a property as reported by www.targusproperty.com
Quinta do Lago – Average property price is €5,000 per square metre
Lagos – Average property price is €2,900 per square metre
Villamoura – Average property price is €2,700 per square metre
Albufeira – Average property price is €2,500 per square metre
Faro – Average property price is €2,300 per square metre
Portimao – Average property price is €2,100 per square metre
Are There Good Schools in the Algarve?
Families who are looking to move to Portugal will rightly be concerned about the quality of education that their children will receive.
There are state schools that are free to attend and have benefited from huge investments in recent years. Lessons will be taught in Portuguese although most teachers will understand English as it is taught as a 2nd language in nearly every school.
Private schools vary in the facilities and opportunities they provide to their students so you need to weigh up the pros and cons of each school.
Students usually attend the school closest to their home or to their parent’s workplace. As a general rule the more affluent the area, the better the quality of the school.
With the Algarve being an affluent part of Portugal, the educational facilities here tend to be very good, with some excellent international schools.
So, if your budget stretches that far, if you want a good support network of other expats, plenty of amenities and services, good quality of life, and not be that far from the UK, then the Algarve still ranks as one of the best places to live in Europe.
Moving to Madeira
Funchal, Madeira
1000 miles off the mainland of Portugal and 600 miles off Africa is the small island of Madeira.
Madeira has a population of about 250,000, with around 1,000 British expats permanently living there.
Set in the Atlantic, you can expect summer temperatures in the mid-’30s, falling to winter nighttime temperatures of around 13°, as well as the odd Atlantic storm bringing heavy rain and strong winds.
Expats moving to Madeira will not have to worry too much about being able to speak good Portuguese as, being a tourist destination, most locals speak good English, although it is always best to learn as much as you can as the locals will appreciate it.
The locals on Madeira are renowned for being friendly and welcoming, and as there is a number of British expats already on the island, a good support network should you need it.
Whilst the majority of British expats moving to Madeira will be retirees, this is a great place for expat families to relocate to.
The island is very family-friendly and children are the centre of attention. The educational needs of children are very well catered for in Madeira.
There are many schools including the bilingual Escola Internacional da Madeira where the Portuguese curriculum is taught, alongside a full curriculum in the English language.
On Madeira, you can live a very outdoor lifestyle, so children will find that there are many after-school clubs and activities, as well as many sports to take part in.
Just 60 km long, Madeira is an easy island to get around with good road infrastructure and a comprehensive bus service covering the whole island.
Madeira airport has regular flights to the UK which is just 4 hours away.
Healthcare is available via both private and state schemes.
As you would expect of a popular tourist destination there are numerous restaurants and cafes, a handful of nightclubs, a theatre, and a good selection of grocery and clothes stores.
The beaches of Maderia are mainly stony, although there is a beautiful sandy beach on Porto Santo.
The lifestyle on Madeira is extremely laid back, the island itself is mountainous and incredibly scenic, the food is fresh and locally produced, whilst the cost of living and property is very affordable, so really does warrant a closer inspection if you are thinking of moving to Portugal.
What is the Average Property Cost in Madeira?
Expect a 1 bedroom property in Funchal to cost about €547 a month to rent.
A 3-bedroom property in Funchal costs about €900 a month to rent.
It costs about €2,134 a square meter to buy a property in the city
Outside of the city of Funchal property prices are lower, especially the further away from the coast you go towards the middle of the island.
A 1 bedroom property outside the city costs about €425 a month to rent
A 3-bedroom property outside the city costs about €625 a month to rent
The average price of property outside the city is €1,332 per square metre.
What is the cost of living in Madeira?
Excluding rent, the average family of four would need £1,788 for living expenses per month in Madeira
Excluding rent, the average single person would need £504 for living expenses per month in Madeira
What you could buy for £2,298 in Madeira would cost you £4,700 in London
What you could buy for £2,319 in Madeira would cost you £2,900 in Glasgow
What you could buy for £2,304 in Madeira would cost you £2,900 in Cardiff
What you could buy for £2,348 in Madeira would cost you £2,800 in Belfast
Moving to The Azores
San Miguel, The Azores
The volcanic archipelago of the Azores, made up of 9 main islands, are some of the most beautiful islands in the world and are becoming an increasingly popular place for British expats to move to.
The eastern islands are Santa Maria and Sao Miguel, the central islands are Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge, Graciosa, and Terceira, whilst the western isles are Flores and Corvo.
The islands are breathtakingly beautiful, the cost of living is low, the weather warm and sunny most of the time with the occasional wet storm, the way of life is slow and peaceful, whilst the quality of life is high.
The larger islands have all the shops and amenities you need, including good healthcare. The more remote islands however are less well-served so bear this in mind if you are thinking of retiring to the Azores.
You may also be interested to know that the Azores are serviced by most of the courier companies who deliver to Europe, so online shopping is not a problem.
Expats looking to move to the Azores, and need to work, will find that the hospitality and tourism industries are growing rapidly, so you may find employment opportunities in those sectors. And although English is widely spoken throughout the islands you will have a better chance of securing employment if you can speak Portuguese.
The main airports that service the Azores are on Sao Miguel, Terceira, and in Faial. Flights from the UK take just 4 hours.
Where are the Best Places to Live in the Azores?
Most British expats are discovering the joy of living in Sao Miguel, which is the largest of the islands and therefore has the best amenities.
Terceira is a nature lover’s paradise with a huge variety of outdoor activities and leisure pursuits. From the top of the extinct volcano you can gaze out over the capital city of Angra do Heroismo with its historic centre, whilst the bay and beautiful lush green countryside surround you.
Santa Maria offers you probably the best weather of all the islands and a very tranquil place in which to live. But because of its desirability and relatively few available homes to buy, property prices are slightly higher here than on other islands.
Of the central island group, Faial offers the best amenities with a hospital and a university.
The eastern group of islands are the most remote and sparsely populated.
What is the Average Property Price in the Azores?
Compared to the mainland you will find that the Azores offer you homes at exceptional value for money. Here we will take Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel as an example.
A 1 bedroom home in the city centre costs about €429 per month to rent
A 1 bedroom home outside the city costs about €342 per month to rent
A 3 bedroom home in the city centre costs about €657 per month to rent
A 3-bedroom home outside the city costs about €536 per month to rent
Expect to pay about €2,407 per square metre to buy a city-centre home
Outside the city the average home costs €1,375 per square metre
What is the Cost of Living in the Azores?
Going to live in the Azores, you will find the cost of living a very pleasant surprise. Whilst imported goods can be expensive, food is cheaper than in mainland Portugal.
On the mainland, you will pay 23% VAT whilst on the islands, it is only 18%. The Azores also benefit from the lowest personal and corporate tax in Portugal.
A quirk of the islands is that fuel costs are uniform throughout the islands, so it does not matter where you refuel your car. Vehicle inspections also only have to be carried out every 2 years on most types of cars, saving you yet more money.
What you could buy for £2,199 in Ponta Delgada would cost you £4,700 in London
What you could buy for £2,219 in Ponta Delgada would cost you £2,900 in Glasgow
What you could buy for £2,205 in Ponta Delgada would cost you £2,900 in Cardiff
What you could buy for £2,246 in Ponta Delgada would cost you £2,800 in Belfast
If you are thinking of moving to the Azores then you will find lots more useful information at www.portal.azores.gov.pt
To find out how much your particular things will cost to move to Portugal, just fill out the quote form and up to 4 top-rated international removal companies will contact you with a price and to discuss your home move in more detail.
And don’t forget to visit our international home moving blog where you will find lots of useful information to make your international home move cheaper, safer, and less stressful.
Good luck with your relocation to Portugal, and come back and tell us in the comments all about your new life.
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