The Nomad’s Guide To Living In Portugal

The Best (And Worst) Things About Living in Portugal as a Nomad

Living in Portugal can be a great experience for the food-loving digital nomad. Portugal is growing in popularity among tourists and nomads alike with its vibrant and culturally rich cities like Lisbon and Porto. Although less popular as a nomad destination, smaller villages with their slower pace of life draw a certain type of WFH worker as well.

The cost of living in Portugal is also very reasonable compared to other Western European countries. Plus, the weather in Portugal is usually pretty great too! 

If you’re looking for a new place to call home, Portugal should definitely be at the top of your list.

Here’s everything you need to know about living in this great country.

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The Best Things About Living In Portugal

Portugal is a great country to live in as a nomad. There are plenty of places to explore, the people are friendly, and the cost of living is quite reasonable. Here are six of the best things about living in Portugal.

1. It Has The Best Climate in Europe

There is no doubt that one of the best things about living in Portugal is the climate. The country enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. 

This means that you can enjoy outdoor activities year-round without worrying about extreme temperature swings or unpredictable conditions! Whether you love hiking or spending time at your favorite beach, there are tons of great options available to you.

2. It Offers a Relaxed Pace of Life

If you’re looking for a place to slow down and enjoy life, Portugal is the perfect choice. The relaxed vibe is one of the best things about living in Portugal. There’s no need to hurry here⁠— you can take your time and savor every moment. 

From enjoying a leisurely meal with friends to strolling through picturesque villages, you can experience the best of Portugal at your own pace! All in all, it’s a great place to be if you’re a fan of slow travel.

3. It Has Beautiful Beaches

The beaches in Portugal are simply amazing. From wide stretches of golden sand to secluded coves, there’s truly something for everyone here. Whether you’re looking to relax or get active, the beaches in Portugal offer a great way to enjoy your time outdoors. 

So why not take some time to explore them?

beaches in Portugal

Image Source: Pexels

4. It’s Rich in History and Culture

Portugal is a country with a rich history and culture. There’s just endless things to explore, from vibrant city life to its quaint villages. If you’re interested in learning about Portugal’s past, there are plenty of great museums and historical sites. 

Or, if you prefer to experience the culture firsthand, you can indulge in traditional Portuguese food, music, and dance. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to love about Portugal’s culture!

5. The Cost of Living is Affordable

Another great thing about living in Portugal is the affordability. Whether you’re saving for a down payment or building a nest egg, you can easily manage your finances. From affordable housing to inexpensive transportation options, there are plenty of ways to stretch your dollar further here. 

So why not consider making Portugal your new home? Whether you’re retiring or looking for a new adventure, you’re sure to love everything this country offers!

6. English is Widely Spoken

Although Portuguese is the official language, English is also widely spoken here. This can be a great benefit if you’re not fluent in Portuguese. Whether you’re looking for a job or trying to navigate your way around the country, you’ll find that English is a helpful language to know. 

The Downsides Of Living In Portugal

Living in Portugal has a lot of downsides too. Here are some of them:

1. Lots of Paperwork

 If you want to live in Portugal, be prepared for a lot of paperwork. From getting a visa to registering with the local authorities, there is a lot of bureaucracy involved. This can be quite frustrating, especially if you’re not used to it. We wouldn’t recommend Portugal if you’re new to being a nomad for this reason.

2. Learning Portuguese Can Be Hard

Unless you’re already fluent in Portuguese, you’ll likely find it quite difficult to learn. The language can be very confusing, and there are not many resources available for English speakers.

3. Corruption is a Big Problem

Sadly, corruption is a big problem in Portugal. From government officials to businesses, many people are involved in bribery and other illegal activities. This can make it difficult to get things done, and it’s something that you should be aware of before moving to the country.

4. The “Glass Half Empty” Mentality

One thing you may notice about Portuguese people is that they tend to focus on the negatives. Whether complaining about work or talking about their problems at home, they always find a way to be negative. While this can be frustrating sometimes, it’s something you’ll have to deal with if you live in Portugal.

5. The “Who You Know” Attitude to Business

In Portugal, it’s often not what you know but who you know. This is especially true in the business world, where connections and relationships are everything. If you don’t have the right contacts, it will be very difficult to get ahead.

6. TOURISTS!

Finally, it’s important to note the over-tourism problem that Portugal is currently facing. As more and more tourists come to the country, its residents are starting to resent them. This can make it difficult for ex-pats who move here, as they may face discrimination or be treated negatively by locals.

cost of living in Portugal

Image Source: Pexels

Cost Of Living in Portugal

The cost of living in Portugal is very reasonable, particularly when compared to other Western European countries. 

Expenses such as food, transportation, and housing are relatively affordable, and Lisbon and Porto (the country’s two largest cities⁠) are both relatively inexpensive when compared to other major European capitals.

That said, the cost of living in Portugal will vary depending on where you live, as some areas are more expensive than others.

For example, if you want to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon or Porto, you can expect to pay anywhere between 700 and 1,200 euros per month. Utilities will also cost around 100 euros per month, while food costs depend on your eating habits.

Overall, the cost of living in Portugal is very reasonable, and it is a great place to live if you’re on a budget. Whether you’re looking for an affordable home or simply some good food and drinks in a friendly atmosphere, there’s something for everyone here!​

Key Takeaways

So, if you’re looking for an affordable place to live with a low cost of living and plenty of opportunities, Portugal should be at the top of your list. 

With its stunningly beautiful coastal towns, the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, and welcoming locals, it’s hard not to fall in love with this charming country. And as more and more people are discovering Portugal’s charms, the cost of living is only going up, so now is definitely the time to make the move!

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