7 Places to Retire in Portugal

• 4 December, 23

According to International Living, Portugal is the most affordable country in Western Europe where couples can live well on less than $30,000 per year.

International Living lists the 7 most idyllic places in Portugal where the cost of living is low and the quality of life is high:

Setúbal

Setúbal may be just what you are after as it is a city located in the greater Lisbon metropolitan area, making it a short commute by train. This authentic Portuguese city is home to 124,000 inhabitants. In ancient times, it was inhabited by the Phoenicians, and by the Romans who settles on the south bank of the River Sado. Around Sétubal there are nature conservation areas, the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve is where dolphins can be seen or you can opt to visit the Arrábida Natural Park. According to International Living, a couple can live nicely in Setúbal, including rent, utilities, basic health insurance, and other expenses for $2,400 or $28,800 a year.

Guimarães

Known as the Medieval UNESCO treasure of Portugal, Guimarães was the birthplace of Portugal’s first sovereign, Afonso I of Portugal. Today, it is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001 and considered Portugal’s birthplace marking it one of the most prized destinations in Portugal to visit, with the 10th century medieval castle being one of Gumarães top landmarks. According to International Living, “Including rent, utilities, internet, a basic plan for private health insurance, and enjoying meals out at local eateries, a couple can live well in Guimarães for $2,300 per month or $27,600 a year.”

Braga

For all its richness, life in Braga is reasonably affordable. A couple can rent a two-bedroom apartment, enjoy the city’s youthful vibe, and live nicely for $2,200 per month or $26,000 a year.”

Portimão

The town of Portimão was built on the site of a Phoenician and Cathaginian trading post.

“Depending on lifestyle choices a couple could live nicely in Portimão including rent, basic health insurance coverage, utilities, food, and more for around $2,500 a month or $30,000 a year.”

Mafra

a couple can live well in Mafra on about $2,400 a month including rent, food, utilities and basic health insurance for $28,800 a year.

Coimbra

Two hours north of Lisbon lies Portugal’s former capital, Coimbra, home to one of the oldest continually operating universities in Europe. a couple can live comfortably in Coimbra for $2,400 per month, around $28,000 a year, including rent, utilities, and private health insurance.

Caldas da Rainha

One hour north of Lisbon on Portugal’s Silver Coast sits the mid-sized city of Caldas da Rainha.

A couple could rent an entire villa in the country or a city center apartment rather inexpensively and lively nicely on $2,100, or $25,000 a year including private health insurance, utilities, and everyday necessities and splurges.

Cre: Portugalnews