Porto is the second most populous and economically relevant city in Portugal, with an important industrial center. But when it comes to living in it, are the costs worth it and is the city really nice? 

As you all know, we are in love with this city and that’s why, in this article, we will show you what it’s like to live in Porto. Check it out!

How is it to live in Porto?

Living in Porto is a mix of tranquility and excitement. 

We say this because Porto, although it is the second largest city in the country, has a great countryside essence. On the other hand, life is very pulsating with a lot of local shops, diverse cultural events, many bars, restaurants, and clubs that go on until dawn.

It means having a great quality of life, excellent school system, and a good balance between work and personal life, not to mention the great infrastructure for all residents with good job offers and wonderful security.

But not everything is like flowers, right? Living in Porto can also be a love-hate relationship for those who don’t like winter. During the coldest station of the year, it gets very cold and rainy. But we promise you that when spring blooms, all the dormant love comes out and everything is beautiful!

Porto is magical and has a captivating energy that we simply cannot explain. Just living here to know! 

Best and worst neighborhoods to live in Porto

Now, let’s be practical! If you’re thinking about moving here, we need to start listing the best parishes (what they call neighborhoods here), and the worst, right?

Best parishes to live in Porto:

+ Bonfim
+ Ramalde
+ Cedofeita

Worst parishes to live in Porto:

+ Cerco
+ Pasteleira
+ Aldoar

What are the most expensive areas in Porto?

Foz do Douro! Just take a walk around to see the beautiful mansions and luxury homes built there.

For you to have an idea, according to Idealista’s Housing Price Report, the value of a square meter for sale in December 2022 was  €4,193. 

To make a comparison, the second place is far! The neighborhood Bonfim closed at €3,134.

The negative point of this region is that, although the place is incredibly beautiful, there’s no subway and that can make you become car dependent. But if that’s not a problem, it’s an amazing place to live in! By the ocean, amazing views.

How much does it cost to live in Porto?

One of the most difficult questions to answer is how much you need to live because it all depends on the amount of comfort you want.

But we’ve made a simple list to help you plan ahead. It’s a simulation using Numbeo website + the experience living in the city. Come with us:

Rent Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in the city center	€900
Apartment (1 bedroom) outside the center	€700
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in the city center	€1,500
Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside the center	€950

Public transport costs

The value of public transport in Porto varies according to the route you will take, as it covers not only the city of Porto but also the metropolitan region.

Single ticket €1.30 (Oporto city only)

Monthly ticket 30€ or 40€ for the metropolitan area

To better understand the amount you will pay, it is worth using the zone counter available on the Metro website and avoiding possible mistakes, especially if you are a newcomer to the city.

Security in Porto

Porto is a quiet city in terms of security. The care required is in relation to not carrying valuables and being attentive to belongings in the most touristic places, which are targeted for petty theft.

Even the city’s oldest neighborhoods, which can give a bad impression due to their dilapidated buildings and graffitied walls, are no reason to be afraid. Crime is really low in Portugal as a whole.

We, in particular, feel extremely safe returning home alone at dawn and on foot. And we say that with the feeling of a liberating security!

The weather in Porto and the northern region

Maybe not its best feature! The climate in Porto is milder than in most of Europe.

The weather is good most of the year, but in autumn and winter it rains a lot. Temperatures in the city in winter vary between 5º and 14ºC. But summer has longer days and temperatures that reach 35°C in July and August. So we can say that the pain fast!

And if you know how to make it work, you can always enjoy some Porto wine but the river with a great view and a good jazz, right?!

Life in Porto

It’s very good. As we said up there, the city has an inexplicable energy. It has the perfectly balance between the quiet life in the countryside with the hectic life in the capital.

The cultural life is quite attractive, as well. New exhibitions appear daily in museums and galleries, theater, film and music festivals. People gather constantly to enjoy a beautiful sunset, the bars are always full, people are cheerful and welcoming.

And the feast of São João in Porto? It’s beautiful to see the city decorated, families setting tables in the streets, putting sardines to grill, releasing balloons in the sky and enjoying the beautiful fireworks. There are smiles and hugs everywhere.

There’s no need to say more, right?! We love this city and we’ll support you if you decide to come.

Advantages of living in Porto

Last, but not least, a little list of all the advantages that living in Porto brings:

• Security;
• Many tourist and cultural attractions;
• Quality of life;
• Excellent education system;
• Efficient public transport;
• Leisure activities.

Disadvantages of living in Porto

Yes, there are disadvantages! We have to be honest. But nothing is perfect and that’s what makes it charming:

• Lots of tourists;
• Humid and rainy climate.

And to end this article, which is a love letter to the Invicta City, we’ll leave you with a saying that goes: “Porto is not a city, it is a feeling”. And anyone who knows it, knows it’s true!

Is it worth living in Porto?

Oh! How worth it is to live in Porto!

And if you want to live here too, let us know and we’ll help you!