In recent years, Portugal has become one of the most desired destinations for those looking to start a new life in Europe. This seaside country has increasingly captivated Americans, Britons, and other foreign citizens—not only for its charming landscapes but especially for its unique combination of quality of life, mild climate, safety, and affordable cost of living.
For those considering relocation, Portugal offers much more than beautiful beaches and picturesque historical centres. It’s a strategic choice for anyone who values well-being, accessibility, vibrant culture, and a welcoming international community.
Baixa: Where Tradition and Modernity Live Side by Side
One of Portugal’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to harmoniously blend past and present. Cities like Porto, Lisbon, and other historical towns preserve rich architectural heritage, with narrow cobbled streets, colourful façades, and centuries-old monuments. At the same time, the country has rapidly modernised, offering contemporary infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and revitalised urban spaces.
For those seeking an urban environment with heritage and culture, Porto stands out as the perfect example of this fusion. The city offers residential projects that honour history while meeting the demands of modern lifestyles—providing comfort, functionality, and refined aesthetics. Living in Portugal means stepping out for coffee at a century-old kiosk, working in a high-tech coworking space, and dining at a riverside gourmet restaurant—all in the same day.
Affordable Costs and High Quality of Life
Portugal offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to the United States or the United Kingdom. According to recent data published by MCS.pt, costs can be around 40% lower, reflected in essential areas such as housing, food, services, and healthcare.
Renting or buying a home in Portugal is, on average, 45% more affordable than in major American cities. In addition, daily expenses—from dining out to grocery shopping—are noticeably more accessible. This reality allows many foreigners to enhance their lifestyle, opting for central locations or higher-quality properties—something often unfeasible in their home countries.
A Reference in Healthcare Services
Healthcare is one of Portugal’s strong points. The National Health Service (SNS) provides general and affordable coverage to all residents, complemented by a high-quality private system. Portugal’s healthcare system ranks 23rd in the World Health Organization (WHO) rankings, standing out for the quality and accessibility of its services.
Private health insurance costs between €20 and €150 per month on average, in contrast to the often €500+ plans in the US. Hospitals like CUF or Hospital da Luz, in Porto and Lisbon, offer excellent services, state-of-the-art technology, and highly qualified medical teams—ensuring peace of mind for those who choose to settle in the country.
Education and Family-Friendly Environment
Portugal has a strong education network, with quality public schools and a growing number of private and international institutions. For foreign families, schools like CLIP and The Oporto British School in Porto, or Carlucci American International School and St. Julian’s School in Lisbon, offer international curricula (IB or American system), making it easier for children and teens to adapt.
Porto also stands out in the national education landscape, home to some of the country’s top schools. According to data from the Ministry of Education and analysed by Agência Lusa, schools in Porto lead national rankings with excellent average scores in secondary school national exams. Examples include Grande Colégio Universal (Porto), ranked first with an average of 16.5, followed by Colégio Nossa Senhora do Rosário (16.4), Colégio Efanor (16.3), and other private schools in the region among the top ten. This academic excellence reinforces the city’s appeal for families who value premium education.
Beyond academics, Portugal deeply values family life. The slower pace, green spaces, beaches, and overall safety contribute to an ideal environment for those travelling with children or planning to raise a family.
International Community and Cultural Openness
Over recent years, Portugal has welcomed a growing community of expatriates. This movement has fostered a vibrant, collaborative network through forums, networking events, cultural initiatives, and volunteer projects. For newcomers, this community acts as essential support—facilitating integration and nurturing friendships and professional opportunities. The cultural openness and hospitality of the Portuguese make adapting to the country especially smooth.
Safety and Stability
Portugal consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world, currently 7th in the Global Peace Index. This ranking reflects low violent crime rates, political stability, an effective judicial system, and a culture strongly focused on peaceful coexistence.
Porto is one of the safest cities in Europe, reinforcing Portugal’s reputation as a peaceful nation. According to the Numbeo Crime Index, Porto has a crime index of just 29.94 (low) and a safety index of 70.06 (high) [Numbeo, 2025].
Efficient public services, a stable judiciary, and strong social cohesion further consolidate this perception. Porto thus offers a secure foundation for anyone looking to invest, work, or simply live in a vibrant and welcoming urban environment.
Preparing the Move
Before taking the leap, careful planning is essential: gather required documents, choose the visa that best fits your profile (D7, Golden Visa, digital nomad, among others), and thoroughly research the city’s vibe and lifestyle. Visiting Porto before the final move allows you to feel the city’s energy, explore historical neighbourhoods, enjoy local cuisine, and start building authentic connections.
Moving to Porto is not just about changing homes—it’s about embracing a new rhythm of life, where each day is lived with more balance, proximity to the Douro River, and a strong connection to local culture and community. For those seeking a destination that combines quality of life, professional opportunities, safety, and authenticity, Porto is not just a smart choice—it’s a truly transformative one.
If you’d like to explore more about what makes Porto such a special destination, we recommend reading the article on why Porto has become the ideal destination for digital nomads. For those considering investing, check out our piece on reasons to invest in Porto’s luxury real estate market, where we explore the unique potential of this vibrant city.
Fontes: MCM, Agência Lusa, Numbeo Crime Index, Global Peace Index., Ministério da Educação, Porto Canal, Goldcrest
