Best Beach Towns to Live in Portugal for less than $2,500 per month

Portugal has increasingly become a desirable destination for retirees, digital nomads, and young families, thanks to its stunning coastline, affordability, and high-quality healthcare. This guide explores some of the best beach towns where you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle on a budget of $2,500 a month or less.

The Green Coast

Overview
As its name suggests, the Green Coast is lush and verdant, characterized by its fields, orchards, vineyards, and flowers. Although it receives more rain, the superb greenery is worth it. Winters here are wet and cold, but summers are mild and never too hot.

Viana do Castelo

Description
Located less than an hour’s drive from the Spanish border, Viana do Castelo is rich in history and culture. The Praça da República features a 16th-century church and town hall, a Gothic cathedral, and numerous seafood restaurants.

Attractions

• Beaches: Praia Cabedelo is popular with surfers, kitesurfers, and bodyboarders.
• Healthcare: A private hospital is available.
• Other Amenities: Modern shopping center, gyms, and dental clinics.

Sample Monthly Budget for a Couple:

• Rent (Two-bedroom, unfurnished apartment near beach): $900
• Utilities (Electricity, gas, water, trash): $150
• Internet/Cell Phone Package: $75
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (Car or Public Transport): $300
• Dining Out/Entertainment: $300
• Private Health Insurance: 175 **Total**: 2,300

Vila do Conde

Description
Just a 30-minute drive from Porto, Vila do Conde offers a scenic coastline that is frequented by Portuguese families. Situated at the mouth of the Ave River, the town has both tranquil areas for families and a surfer’s paradise on the other side.

Attractions

• Traditional Crafts: Known for its traditional bobbin lace.
• Historical Sites: Cobbled plazas and historic churches.
• Amenities: Modern shopping centers, grocery stores, hospitals, gyms.

Sample Monthly Budget for a Couple:

• Rent (Two-bedroom, unfurnished, close to the beach): $980
• Utilities (Electricity, gas, water, trash): $150
• Internet/Cell Phone Package: $75
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (Car or Public Transport): $300
• Dining Out/Entertainment: $300
• Private Health Insurance: 175 **Total**: 2,230

The Costa Nova

Overview
Often dubbed “the Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro offers a stunning lifestyle with its picturesque houses and vibrant atmosphere. The Costa Nova area, with its candy-striped homes, is especially enchanting.

Aveiro – The Costa Nova

Description
A 10-minute drive from Aveiro city center, Costa Nova’s charming fishing shacks now serve as colorful homes. The area is perfect for sunbathing and offers a relaxed vibe, although amenities are primarily found in Aveiro.

Sample Monthly Budget for a Couple:

• Rent (Two-bedroom, furnished apartment in front of the sea): $1,100
• Utilities (Electricity, gas, water, trash): $150
• Internet/Cell Phone Package: $75
• Groceries: $400
• Dining Out/Entertainment: $300
• Transportation (Car or Public Transport): $300
• Private Health Insurance: 175 **Total**: 2,500

The Silver Coast

Overview
This region stretches from Aveiro to Lisbon, featuring fields, wildflowers, historic sites, and castles. Despite its yearly rain, the area is famed for its beauty and authenticity.

Nadadouro – Foz do Arelho

Description
Located near the largest coastal lagoon in Portugal, Nadadouro and Foz do Arelho offer a mix of lagoon and Atlantic Ocean swimming options. Nearby is the city of Caldas da Rainha and the medieval village of Óbidos.

Sample Monthly Budget for a Couple:

• Rent (One to two-bedroom apartment near the beach or in town): $875
• Utilities (Electricity, gas, water, trash): $150
• Internet/Phone Package: $75
• Groceries: $300
• Dining Out/Entertainment: $300
• Transportation (Car or Public Transport): $300
• Private Health Insurance: 175 **Total**: 2,175

São Martinho do Porto

Description
This resort town boasts a horseshoe-shaped bay with tranquil waters, ideal for families. A raised walkway offers scenic views around the bay, and nearby services are available in Caldas da Rainha.

Sample Monthly Budget for a Couple:

• Rent (Two-bedroom, furnished near the beaches): $1,100
• Utilities (Electricity, gas, water, trash): $150
• Internet/Phone Package: $75
• Groceries: $300
• Dining Out/Entertainment: $300
• Transportation (Car or Public Transport): $300
• Private Health Insurance: 175 **Total**: 2,400

Lisbon Coast

Overview
Lisbon and its environs offer expensive but tantalizing coastal living. With patience, affordable options can be found, such as in Setúbal and Costa da Caparica.

Setúbal

Description
Just south of Lisbon, Setúbal is an industrial city with some of Portugal’s finest beaches. It has a large traditional mercado, private hospitals, medical and dental clinics, gyms, shopping centers, and restaurants.

Sample Monthly Budget for a Couple:

• Rent (Two-bedroom, furnished apartment with river views): $1,100
• Utilities (Electric, gas, water, trash): $150
• Internet/Phone Package: $75
• Groceries: $400
• Dining Out/Entertainment: $300
• Transportation (Car or Public Transport): $300
• Private Health Insurance: 175 **Total**: 2,500

The Algarve

Overview
The Algarve is known for some of the best weather in Europe with hot, dry summers and mild winters. While it has expensive real estate, it’s possible to find affordable living with time and patience.

Armação de Pêra

Description
Just 10 miles from Albufeira, this serene village offers tranquil beaches and historic charm. It’s not far from Albufeira’s amenities, such as shopping centers and private healthcare.

Sample Monthly Budget for a Couple:

• Rent (One-bedroom, furnished with sea views): $1,100
• Utilities (Electricity, gas, water, trash): $150
• Internet/Phone Package: $75
• Groceries: $400
• Dining Out/Entertainment: $300
• Transportation (Car or Public Transport): $300
• Private Health Insurance: 175 **Total**: 2,500

Praia da Luz

Description
Near Lagos, Praia da Luz is a sleepy resort town that transforms into a local haven in winter. Its beaches are nestled in a bay protected by rugged cliffs, ideal for adventurous activities.

Sample Monthly Budget for a Couple:

• Rent (One-bedroom apartment with sea views): $1,100
• Utilities (Electricity, gas, water, trash): $150
• Internet/Phone Package: $75
• Groceries: $400
• Dining Out/Entertainment: $300
• Transportation (Car or Public Transport): $300
• Private Health Insurance: 175 **Total**: 2,500

Vila Real de Santo António

Description
Near the Spanish border, this village resembles Lisbon due to its post-earthquake reconstruction. It features beaches like Praia de Santo António and Praia de Monte Gordo, ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Sample Monthly Budget for a Couple:

• Rent (Three-bedroom, unfurnished apartment with sea and river views): $930
• Utilities (Electricity, gas, water, trash): $150
• Internet/Phone Package: $75
• Groceries: $400
• Dining Out/Entertainment: $300
• Transportation (Car or Public Transport): $300
• Private Health Insurance: 175 **Total**: 2,330

Conclusion

Portugal offers a range of stunning coastal towns, each with its unique charm, making it a top choice for anyone looking to live by the beach without breaking the bank. From the lush landscapes of the Green Coast to the sun-drenched Algarve, there’s a seaside spot to fit your budget and preferences. Consider the amenities, community, and overall vibe of each location to find your perfect beach town in Portugal.

Note: The budgets listed are estimates and can vary based on lifestyle and other factors.