In this article, I'll discuss a few points about what it's like to live in Portugal, such as the cost of living, climate, gastronomy, and others. Come and find out a bit about Portugal!
Pleasant climate
The climate in Portugal is quite varied, with different characteristics depending on the region of the country. In general terms, Portugal has a Mediterranean climate in the coastal areas and a more continental climate in the inland regions. But don't be fooled if you think it doesn't get cold in Portugal. Many houses don't have any kind of heating and it can be rather expensive to install heating and itâs also possible to see snow in Portugal.
How do you choose where to live or spend your holidays?
Winters: Winters in coastal areas, such as Lisbon and Porto, are generally mild and rainy, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C. If you don't like rain, traveling in winter or living in these cities may not be the best choice.
Summers: Summers are hot and dry, and average temperatures can range from 25°C to 35°C in the lower areas close to the sea, such as Lisbon and the Algarve. In the Algarve regions, temperatures can easily exceed 40°C during heatwaves, especially in July and August. The Algarve is a favorite destination for many immigrants due to its climate.
Alentejo, TrĂĄs-os-Montes , and Beiras are special regions with greater variations in temperature between summer and winter.
Winters: Winters in the interior of Portugal are colder and harsher, with temperatures that can drop below 0°C in some regions, especially in the mountains or higher inland areas. Frosts are common and snow can fall in the higher areas.
Summers: Summer in the interior is extremely hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C, and can reach 40°C on the hottest days. Nights, however, tend to be cooler compared to the coastal area.
On the islands, the climate is very special.
Madeira: Madeira's climate is subtropical, with mild temperatures all year round. Temperatures vary between 15°C and 22°C in winter and 20°C to 28°C in summer. The island has a mild climate, with a good amount of rainfall throughout the year, especially in the mountainous areas. The vegetation is lush due to the humidity and mild temperatures.
Azores: The climate in the Azores is temperate oceanic, with mild temperatures throughout the year. In winter, average temperatures are between 12°C and 17°C, while in summer they range from 18°C to 25°C. The Azores are known for their high rainfall, with frequent rains throughout the year, which results in very green and lush vegetation. Humidity is high, and the climate can be variable, with rapidly changing weather.
Cost of Living
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, has become one of the most expensive cities in the world when analyzing the cost of living in relation to income. If your salary comes from another country, the cost of living can be totally different. The average price for renting a one-bedroom house in Lisbon can cost between 900⏠and 1,300⏠per month. A two-bedroom flat can cost between âŹ1,300 and âŹ2,000 per month. 3 or more bedrooms (in more central or good areas): rents can range from âŹ2,000 to âŹ3,500 or even more, depending on the location and condition of the property.
For those interested in buying a one-bedroom flat, the price can range from âŹ150,000 to âŹ250,000, while a three-bedroom flat can range from âŹ450,000 to âŹ800,000 or more, especially in more central or prestigious areas. But as we often say, it's not all Lisbon and there are much more affordable cities.
In Braga, for example, you can find a one-bedroom house for between 500 and 700 euros. Other cities include Coimbra, Viseu, Aveiro, Funchal (Madeira), Leiria, Ăvora, Ponta Delgada (Azores), Castelo Branco and Guarda. They have much lower living costs compared to Lisbon and Porto and are great alternatives with various services for society.
Natural beauty
Portugal is a country with a great diversity of landscapes: beaches, mountains, countryside, vineyards, and historic towns. Nature is accessible to those who want to go hiking, surfing, boating,g and much more. Whether you like the beach or nature, Portugal is the ideal destination for you. You can have the best of both worlds in just one country.
Culture and History
Portugal has a rich cultural and historical heritage. Cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra offer an immersion in history, architecture, art, and cuisine. In addition, traditional festivals such as Fado and popular festivals are a highlight. But don't worry. The vast majority of cities and regions always have something to see, so wherever you go you'll always have something to see or get to know.
Gastronomy
Portugal ranked number 5 in the world's best gastronomy in 2025.
Portuguese gastronomy is a reflection of Portugal's history, geography and cultural traditions, and is characterised by a great diversity of dishes and flavours. Influenced by Mediterranean cuisine, Portuguese cuisine is known for its use of fresh, seasonal ingredients such as fish, seafood, meat, vegetables, olive oil, spices and herbs. Portuguese gastronomy is extremely rich and varied, from fish to meat to soups and of course the deserts.
Health system
Health care in Portugal is guaranteed by the National Health Service (SNS), which was created in 1979 and is responsible for most of the country's medical and hospital care.
All Portuguese citizens and legal residents have the right to healthcare, with controlled costs or free in many cases, depending on the situation. Portugal has public and private hospitals offering a range of specialised treatments and services, with the SNS covering hospital costs for the most part.
There are health centers all over the country that offer basic healthcare, such as general and family medicine consultations, nursing services, and disease screening.
According to Euro Health Consumer Index by Country 2025 Portugal is in 13th place.
Although the SNS covers most healthcare, the private sector is also very present, with many Portuguese opting for private health insurance to access faster or more specific care.
Around 3M people in Portugal have health insurance, which allows them to go private without having to pay the full amount.
Some of the challenges facing the health system in Portugal:
Lack of health professionals, especially doctors and nurses in some remote areas.
Waiting times: Some patients, especially those who need appointments with specialists, can face long waiting times.
Financial sustainability: The increase in the elderly population and the pressure on health services require continuous reforms in the financing and organization of health care.
Education
Education in Portugal is highly valued and has undergone several changes over the years, with the aim of modernising and aligning itself with the needs of the contemporary world. The Portuguese education system is public and âfreeâ for citizens, which makes it accessible to a large part of the population. As well as having a public and private education system, depending on your tastes and wallet, Portugal has some well-known universities in Europe.
The University of Coimbra is one of the oldest in Europe and in 2013 was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Founded in Lisbon by King Dinis in 1290, it was definitively transferred to Coimbra in 1537, occupying the Paço Real buildings. The University of Lisbon comes 28th in the European ranking of the best universities.
Fees and Taxes
In Portugal we have a number of taxes and the main category ones are: Income Tax, Consumption Tax (Standard Rate: 23%, Intermediate Rate: 13% and Reduced Rate: 6%), Petroleum Products Tax, Property Tax, Special Consumption Tax, Administrative Fees, and Social Security Contributions.
Ease of Retirement
Portugal is a popular destination for retirees, mainly due to its pleasant climate, affordable cost of living, and tax benefits, such as exemptions for foreign retirees in some situations.
Strategic Position
Portugal is very well located for traveling, whether to explore the rest of Europe or to more distant destinations. Lisbon Airport, for example, has connections to practically every continent. As it is located in Europe, it is possible to travel very cheaply to other European countries.
