Top Affordable and Safe Cities to Rent Apartments in Portugal

Portugal is a beautiful country with a rich history, stunning scenery, and a friendly and welcoming culture. It's also become increasingly popular in recent years for its affordability, making it a great option for expats and digital nomads looking for a place to live and work abroad.

If you're thinking about moving to Portugal, one of the first things you'll need to do is find an apartment to rent. But with so many cities to choose from, where do you start?

Here are a few of the top affordable and safe cities to rent apartments in Portugal:

1. Braga

Braga is a beautiful city in the north of Portugal. It's known for its historical architecture, including the stunning Sé Cathedral, and its lively atmosphere. Braga is also a relatively affordable city to live in, with average rent prices for a one-bedroom apartment around €400 per month.

2. Guimarães

Guimarães is another historic city in northern Portugal. It's known as the "birthplace of Portugal" because it was here that the country's first king was born. Guimarães is a charming city with a pedestrian-friendly center and plenty of cafes and restaurants. Rent prices in Guimarães are even more affordable than in Braga, with one-bedroom apartments starting at around €300 per month.

3. Coimbra

Coimbra is a university city in central Portugal. It's home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, and it has a vibrant student culture. Coimbra is also a relatively affordable city to live in, with one-bedroom apartments starting at around €350 per month.

4. Porto

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. It's a beautiful city with a historic center, a charming waterfront, and a delicious food scene. Porto is a bit more expensive than some of the other cities on this list, but it's still relatively affordable compared to other major European cities. One-bedroom apartments in Porto start at around €500 per month.

5. Faro

Faro is the capital of the Algarve region in southern Portugal. It's a popular tourist destination, but it's also a great place to live. Faro has a beautiful historic center, plenty of beaches nearby, and a relaxed atmosphere. Rent prices in Faro are a bit higher than in some of the other cities on this list, but you can still find one-bedroom apartments for around €450 per month.

Safety in Portugal

Portugal is a very safe country. In fact, it was ranked the third safest country in the world in the 2023 Global Peace Index. The crime rate is low, and violent crime is rare.

Tips for Renting an Apartment in Portugal

When you're looking for an apartment to rent in Portugal, it's important to do your research. There are a number of websites and apps that list apartments for rent, and it's a good idea to compare prices and amenities before you make a decision.

It's also important to be aware of the different types of rental contracts in Portugal. The most common type of contract is a "contrato de arrendamento urbano," which is a fixed-term lease that typically lasts for one year. There are also "contratos de arrendamento para fins habitacionais," which are open-ended leases that can be terminated by either party with 30 days' notice.

Once you've found an apartment you like, you'll need to sign a lease agreement and pay a deposit. The deposit is typically equal to one month's rent, but it can be higher.

I hope this blog post has helped you learn more about the top affordable and safe cities to rent apartments in Portugal. If you're thinking about moving to Portugal, I highly recommend it! It's a beautiful country with a lot to offer.

Additional Tips

• When considering affordability, factor in the cost of utilities, groceries, and transportation in addition to rent.

• Learn some basic Portuguese before you move. This will make it easier to find an apartment and to get around.

• Be prepared to do some paperwork. The process of renting an apartment in Portugal can be a bit bureaucratic.

With a little planning, you can find a great place to live in Portugal and enjoy everything this beautiful country has to offer.

I hope this helps!