Living in Lisbon
Article by Viv Europe - Official legal and Relocation Partner to KipperTree
09 03 2023
Thinking about living in Lisbon? Expats from around the world are choosing to relocate to the capital of Portugal. Find out why!
We’re sure you’ve thought about living in Lisbon at least once since getting to know Portugal’s quality of life. The capital of Portugal is getting increasingly famous lately, attracting people from all over the world.
The metropolis is a mix of modern and historic, rustic and elegant, typical and touristic. But how can you relocate there? Where to live? Is it expensive? And is it worth living in Lisbon?
Get to know everything you need to move to Lisbon as soon as possible. You won’t want to stay away much longer, even if it’s just for a scouting trip. By the end of this article, you’ll know all about Lisbon’s transport, universities, labour market, and cost of living.
What it’s like living in Lisbon
Living in Lisbon is like living in a poem. It feels like being in the essence of what it means to be Portuguese. Its yellow trams, hills, and charming narrow streets with a view of the Tagus river never get old.
Besides that, it is Portugal’s main urban centre, with life in every corner and culture in the air. But it is not only the Portuguese that enjoy the city. Lisbon has a great variety of nationalities among its residents.
Who lives in Lisbon
The city of Lisbon is home to over 545,000 people, but it has about 2 million inhabitants, counting its metropolitan area.
According to official data, 21% of the city’s residents are foreigners, and 11.5% are in the Lisbon metropolitan area.
Of the inhabitants of Lisbon, 63% are of working age, while 23% are elderly and 13% are young. These are the people with the highest purchasing power in the country, the highest levels of education in the country, and are proudly Lisboetas.
Why are ex-pats moving to Portugal?
Portugal is a great place to live, and foreigners are starting to realize that. The southern European country is one of the 4 safest countries to live in, according to the Global Peace Index 2021.
Since long ago the British have been enjoying Portugal as a holiday destination, but now it’s become a hub for the international community.
Cost of living in Lisbon
The cost of living in Lisbon can vary greatly depending on one’s needs, spending habits, and preferences. To help you, we’ve traced the average cost of living (as of June 2022) with the help of Numbeo.
Recently, prices for housing and electricity have increased with the rise in inflation. Almost everyone outside of Portugal would agree that they’re facing the same thing in their country.
Take a look at the table to know the current estimates of the cost of living in Lisbon:
It’s a known fact in Portugal that Lisbon is one of (if not) the most expensive regions to live in. The city is not only the capital of Portugal but also the country’s leading commercial, touristic, and cultural hub.
Almost every Portuguese has considered moving to Lisbon, and now the whole world is flirting with the idea. No wonder it’s getting expensive to live here.
Prices are rising globally, and Lisbon is no exception. If you’d like to know whether Lisbon is still cheap, head over to read our article. You’ll understand the difference between the purchasing power of locals and ex-pats.
Best neighbourhoods to live in Lisbon
When choosing a place to live in Lisbon, there are some aspects to pay attention to. Depending on your lifestyle, work, family size, and finances, your definition of Lisbon may vary. There are, however, some neighbourhoods that stand out and that are nowadays considered the best ones to live in.
After all, it’s one thing to visit a city, but living in it is an entirely different one. Let’s check out some famous Lisbon districts (freguesias) that ex-pats like you love dearly!
Alvalade
Alvalade is known to be a fancy neighbourhood, where rich families have lived for generations in Lisbon. Needless to say, it is a beautiful and central place, with traditional architecture and the most charming streets.
The average price of a property of 100 m² is €522,700
Most popular among the Portuguese
Good access to public transport
Many green areas and parks
Relatively close to the city centre
Parque das Nações
Also known as Expo, Parque das Nações is one of the best places to live in Lisbon. It is a modern part of the city that has been recently built, with large streets, new buildings, and parking spaces in the garages.
It is also a self-sufficient neighbourhood with many green areas, restaurants, and access to the Tagus river.
The average price of a property of 100 m² is €643,300
Most popular among the Portuguese
Excellent access to public transport
Many green areas and parks
Far from the city centre
Saldanha
Also considered the Central Business District (CBD) of Lisbon, the neighbourhood of Saldanha is a great choice to settle in the capital. It is a historical and central area, a few minutes away from Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon’s main avenue. Besides, Saldanha is full of universities, ancient and modern architecture, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and so on. Definitely, a complete place to stay in Lisbon for a short or long period of time.
The average price of a property of 100 m² is €618,800
Very popular among ex-pats in Portugal
Excellent access to public transport
Many green areas and parks
In the city centre
Estrela
Another excellent place to live in Lisbon is the neighbourhood of Estrela. Even though it has a great location, near the centre, Estrela has not yet been found by the huge waves of tourists that usually hit Lisbon. It’s a much calmer neighbourhood, with lots of green, and perfect for families with children.
Estrela is home to the streets of charming old mansions, transformed into embassies today, and the stunning Basilica da Estrela.
The average price of a property of 100 m² is €554,200
Popular among the expatriates in Portugal
Bad access to public transport
Many green areas and parks
Relatively close to the city centre
Príncipe Real
Located in the heart of Lisbon, the neighbourhood Príncipe Real is an upscale area with fashion stores, art galleries, and outdoor areas. Its 19th-century mansions, gay bars, and views of the 25 de Abril bridge make this area one of the most sought-after by ex-pats – and the main LGBTQ+ centre in Lisbon.
As in most neighbourhoods in central Lisbon, parking can be quite tricky. But it’s worth it if you’re living in Lisbon’s most cosmopolitan area.
The average price of a property of 100 m² is €576,900
Popular among both the Portuguese and ex-pats
Excellent access to public transport
Many green areas and parks
In the city centre.
To find out more about Lisbon and its best locations, read the full article here.
