The 12 Best Cities to Live in Portugal Right Now!

The question isn't why Portugal but where in Portugal? Josh from ExpatsEverywhere gives you the top 12 cities in Portugal for 2024. Let's take a look at location, climate, healthcare, food, and so much more so you can make an informed decision on where you should live.

* ABOUT US *
Josh and Kalie left the US for a life abroad in 2009 and haven't looked back. They have lived in Spain, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and are currently in Portugal. Yes, they realize they only moved to countries starting with the letter "S" until they spoiled that streak with their move to Portugal. Follow ExpatsEverywhere as we aim to get information to you through expat interviews, city breakdowns, expat life, travel, vlogs, and more.

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Chapters -
00:00 - Intro
00:26 - Healthcare Ranking
01:02 - City 12
02:04 - City 11
03:17 - City 10
04:19 - City 9
05:59 - City 8
06:48 - City 7
07:47 - City 6
09:00 - City 5
10:18 - City 4
11:37 - City 3
13:09 - City 2
14:30 - City 1

[joaomatos]

I understand that your target audience is foreigners who would prefer to be in the heart of a city for multiple reasons. But i was born in Portugal, raised in the US for almost 60 years, and go back there on a regular basis, sometimes 2 to 3 times a year. The issue i have is the same as most guidebooks, certain areas are overhyped and others are completely ignored or mentioned only as a footnote. Portugal has something for everyone regardless of tastes! One big issue i see often is high cost of living, comparatively, of living in the city center. Nobody seems to mention that just by living in the outskirts, and driving 20 minutes, you can buy a home with land instead of an apartment for substantially less! Slower lifestyle, less convenient, but much cheaper. Smaller communities are a great way to go as far as cost while the amenities are still available with a short commute! Where i live, i can be in Porto in 45 minutes, and Aveiro in 15. I know its not feasible to cover everything, but putting it out there for anyone interested!

[playleave]

Great job! I am a portuguese from Braga, and a plus i would mention is that Braga will recive high speed trains in 2030-2035, the project is confirmed and this will conect Braga-Vigo(spain) in 30 min and Braga - Porto airport in 20 min.

Coimbra and Aveiro will also benefit a lot from this project reducing the time to Porto/Lisbon by hours.🙂

[hugochka]

Your accent for city names is as impressive as rare. Congrats!

[bethtrescher]

Good video, Josh. Could I give you a challenge? Make a video about Central Portugal. No farther north than Aveiro, no farther south than Leiria, but stay off the coast. And the last parameter - towns with 50, 000 people or less. There are so many scenic, historic towns in this area. You would be the first to do a video like this that I've seen (and I live in Central Portugal so my radar's up!). Obrigada

[aimeepaterson]

Pour Moi, PORTUGAL & JAPAN Are The Two Most Beautiful, Fabulous and Diverse Countries In The World! I LOVE Them Both More Than Anywhere Else On Our Planet; and I've Travelled Extensively To Most Countries...(Not Australia, New Zealand Or Mauritius...Yet) Thanks For The Video.🌹 xox

[GeraldFigal]

I’m glad Setúbal didn’t make your list because it’s high on mine and don’t want it to become too well advertised. 😊

[theushistorian]

Just as I'm researching this topic your newly created video on the subject appears! Thank you Josh and Kalie! You are the best!

[sonjaarrasi]

Such a great video. Useful, relevant and just what I was looking for. Also, loved the added medical services color coding. Thank you!

[usafret]

Great video. Will be moving to the Azores (Terceira) in about three years. Met my wife there in 1993 and we are about to retire and return. Will be doing tons of travel around Portugal. Spent 2 weeks in the Algarve a few years back stayed in Praia de Luz.

[Dinom-ttwz]

Excellent video, comprehensive, well produced AND well PRONOUNCED!! Muito Bem !! ❤️🇵🇹💚

[KeithMillsD]

Excellent guide. I think Tavira, Guimaraes, Lagos, Faro, Coimbra, Setubal and Nazare deserve a mention. Also if you can stand the summer heat in Beja, then you should consider Évora. Also Caldas Da Rainha is losing its main hospital so should really have a red light.
Keep up the good work.

[LCTM-ec]

How are you pronouncing the names of our cities so perfectly? 😂 it’s so gratifying hearing a foreigner say it exactly like us. Congratulations man, you nailed every name of every city

[mcp]

Nice list. Here's mine, fwiw. :) 12. Guimaraes. 11. Loule. 10. Leiria. 9. Tavira. 8. Caldas da Rainha. 7. Porto. 6. Braga. 5. Cascais. 4. Lisbon. 3. Viana do Costelo. 2. Coimbra. 1. Setubal. Honorable mention: Viseu.

[akavelar]

I lived in Ericeira for 6 months and definitely it is like you said. Very cool vibe and beautiful.

[farrukh_dall]

I want to express my appreciation for your exceptional content about Portugal. Your work is commendable, and I wish you continued success. I am located in Setubal and would be delighted to extend my hospitality whenever you guys decide to visit, offering my assistance to explore the natural beauty of Setubal.

[menarobertson]

Thank you for this video, very informative

[johnwang]

Great video! In case anybody wants the list ordered by quality of healthcare, here it is:

Braga 1 -
Porto 1 -
Seixal 2 25Lisbon
Ericeira 2 45Lisbon
Caldas da Rainha 2 80Lisbon
Loulé 2 260Lisbon
Funchal 2 960Lisbon
Viana do Castelo 3 70Porto
Figueira Da Foz 3 140Porto
Beja 3 180Lisbon
Aveiro 3 250Lisbon
Vila Real De Santo Antonio 3 320Lisbon

The last column is the driving distance from the nearest big city, e.g., Ericeira is yellow but quit close to Lisbon, which may give it a handup. @izzytoons

[XPengMotors]

I can't believe Lagos didn’t make it on your list. It's the best! 🙂

[milaeke]

Very good video. If I was making plans to go back to Portugal I would consider many on your list, Thank you,

[paisley]

With all of this natural beauty and cultural diversity, how can anyone not choose Portugal as their holiday destination or permanent home?? 😃