Top 10 best cities to buy a house in Portugal

What makes a city the best place to buy a house and settle down?
Perhaps its cultural heritage, scenic assets, quality of life, and cost of living...

While all these elements undeniably help create a reasonable and rational ranking, the best choice remains a matter of the heart. Once you know the key steps to buying a house or apartment in Portugal, you might prefer a small seaside town or a vibrant metropolis.

Whatever your destination of choice, here is our ranking of the cities that, in our opinion, have the most to offer:

1. Lisbon
2. Porto
3. Cascais 
4. Faro
5. Sintra
6.  Albufeira
7.  Braga
8.  Madeira
9. Aveiro
10. Obidos

1. Lisbon, heart and capital of Portugal

 

World-renowned, the country's capital is rich in history, with a vibrant culture, lively nightlife, and pleasant climate. On paper, everything is there to make you want to buy a house in Lisbon.

It is the economic center of the country and hosts a dynamic international community that contributes to its openness and economic development. It features a modern transportation network (trains, metro, buses, and trams), an international airport, several prestigious universities, and many international schools. Its healthcare system is also well developed with multiple public and private hospitals.

Although it’s the most expensive city in Portugal in terms of real estate, with an average price of around €4,800/sqm, it remains more affordable than other capitals such as Paris or London. Its tourist appeal also provides excellent rental yields, especially if you invest in a property in Lisbon's historic center.

• Houses and apartments in Lisbon

 

2. Porto, the must-see of Northern Portugal

Porto is a culturally rich and charming city where life is good. Buying a house in Porto means enjoying its gastronomy and friendly atmosphere all year round.

Its cultural and architectural heritage is both rich and memorable. Some historic neighborhoods like Ribeira and landmarks like the Luís I Bridge are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Well-equipped, the city offers both modern and historical infrastructure (train, metro, buses, trams) and has an international airport. It also hosts prestigious universities and international schools.

The cost of living is lower than in France, and real estate is affordable, with an average price of €2,900/m². A house with a view of the Douro or a modern apartment downtown, it's your choice.

• Houses and apartments in Porto

3. Cascais, coastal charm close to Lisbon

Cascais is a sought-after seaside town near the capital, an ideal place to own a villa with ocean views. It boasts stunning beaches and incredible natural scenery while being a dynamic and attractive town. Cascais has a developed transport network, international schools, modern healthcare facilities, a marina, sports complexes, and leisure facilities.

• Houses and apartments in Cascais

4. Faro, a radiant city in the heart of the Algarve

Faro is well connected to the world via its international airport. It also offers a renovated marina and endless beaches, perfect for practicing a variety of water sports. The city features a university and modern medical services.

Like the rest of the region, Faro benefits from year-round sunshine and offers a pleasant lifestyle between beaches, countryside, and a lively urban center. The cost of living is about 20% lower than in Portugal's larger cities, although real estate prices remain relatively high.

• Houses and apartments in Faro

5. Sintra, historic gem near Lisbon

Sintra shines thanks to its exceptional cultural heritage, the green landscapes of the Serra de Sintra, and panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is famous for landmarks like the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira and their beautiful gardens.

At the same time, it benefits from its proximity to Lisbon, making it the ideal base for those seeking a natural setting close to the capital. Property prices are also more accessible (around €4,500/m²).

• Houses and apartments in Sintra

6. Albufeira, authentic charm and quality living

Albufeira attracts visitors with its golden beaches such as Praia do Pescatore, festive atmosphere, and picturesque neighborhoods. Once a fishing village, it has become a popular resort town with top-tier tourism infrastructure, golf courses, a marina, and seaside restaurants.

Highly popular with international tourists, Albufeira is a great choice for rental investment, whether buying an apartment in a residential complex or a house with a pool.

• Houses and apartments in Albufeira

7. Braga, historic city with competitive prices

Located in northern Portugal, Braga is a dynamic city that blends history, culture, and sustainable development. Founded over 2,000 years ago, it proudly showcases its heritage, such as the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary. Braga also hosts the University of Minho, the best in the country, and has been named Portugal’s Cultural Capital for 2025.

Braga is a welcoming and very affordable city: expect to pay around €2,000/m² to buy a home.

• Houses and apartments in Braga

8. Madeira, peaceful haven in the Atlantic ocean

The island of Madeira offers an exceptional living environment and breathtaking landscapes, such as the viewpoint at Cabo Girão overlooking the ocean. Nestled in the Atlantic, it’s connected to the mainland via the international airport in Santa Cruz. Modern and globally minded, Madeira features high-speed internet infrastructure (ideal for remote work) and bilingual programs in private schools.

With a mild climate year-round and a laid-back lifestyle, Madeira strikes the perfect balance between personal and professional life. The cost of living is about 9% lower than in France, and real estate in Funchal, its capital, averages €2,300/m².

• Houses and apartments in Madeira

9. Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal

Aveiro is an attractive and innovative city with modern infrastructure, such as its international port, the European Aveiro Steam City project, and a university renowned for its scientific innovation.

Located in central Portugal, this city, often called the “Venice of Portugal”, blends modernity and traditional architecture. Its timeless charm unfolds along its canals. Aveiro is a pleasant and affordable city to live in, with a cost of living and property prices around €2,800/m².

• Houses and apartments in Aveiro

10. Obidos, a medieval gem on the Silver Coast

This fortified medieval town is famous for its historic heritage, cobbled streets, and Chocolate Festival! Close to the beaches of the Silver Coast and just 80 km from Lisbon, Obidos offers a peaceful lifestyle suitable for both families and professionals. It’s the perfect destination to buy a charming white house adorned with bougainvillea for a reasonable price (around €2,700/m²).

• Houses and apartments in Obidos