Are you thinking of moving to Porto? If so, there are a few things you should know before making the move.

In this blog post, we will discuss 10 things that will help make your transition smoother. From the cost of living to the weather, we will cover everything you need to know! So, if you’re considering making the move to Portugal’s second-largest city, keep reading.

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Why Consider a Move to Porto?

As the second largest city in Portugal, Porto is a lively and diverse place to live. Situated on the Douro River, the city is known for its stunning architecture, including the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.

Porto is also home to a vibrant food scene, with a wide variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from.

And of course, no mention of Porto would be complete without mentioning its famous wine production. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed lifestyle by the river or a more cosmopolitan city experience, Porto has something to offer everyone.

10 Things to Know Before Moving to Porto

1. The cost of living in Porto is relatively affordable.

Compared to other major cities in Europe, the cost of living in Porto is quite reasonable. You can expect to pay around $800-$1000 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center. Of course, this price will go up if you want a larger apartment or if you want to live in a more desirable area.

Food and transportation costs are also relatively low in Porto. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $15, and a monthly public transportation pass will set you back about $30.

Overall, the cost of living in Porto is quite reasonable, especially when compared to other major cities in Europe.

2. The weather in Porto is mild all year long.

The climate in Porto is classified as “marine west coast.” This means that the city experiences mild winters and cool summers. The average temperature in January (Porto’s coldest month) is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average temperature in July (Porto’s warmest month) is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

The city also experiences a fair amount of rainfall, so you can expect to see your fair share of rainstorms if you move to Porto. However, the rain usually doesn’t last too long and is often followed by bright, sunny days.

3. Porto is a very safe city.

One of the things that makes Porto such a desirable place to live is its low crime rate. In fact, it is often ranked as one of the safest cities in Portugal. It is also worth noting that Portugal is a very safe country overall, so you can rest assured knowing that you and your family will be safe if you move to Porto.

Of course, no city is completely free of crime, so it’s always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. But overall, you can feel confident knowing that Porto is a very safe place to call home.

4. It has steep hills.

If you’re not used to walking up hills, you may want to start working on your cardio before moving to Porto. The city is known for its steep hills, and you will likely find yourself walking up and down them on a daily basis.

While this can be challenging at first, you’ll quickly get used to it and may even start to enjoy the extra exercise!

5. The food is delicious.

If you enjoy good food, then you will love living in Porto. The city is known for its fresh seafood, and you can find some of the best codfish dishes in all of Portugal here. Porto is also home to a number of Michelin-starred restaurants, so you’ll be able to find plenty of great places to eat no matter what your budget is.

In addition to codfish, other popular dishes in Porto include francesinha (a sandwich made with meat, cheese, and eggs), lampreia (a type of eel), and tripas a moda do Porto (tripe with white beans).

So, if you’re a foodie, you will definitely be happy with the culinary scene in Porto!

6. The people are very friendly.

One of the things that expats often mention about living in Porto is how friendly the locals are. People here are known for being helpful and hospitable, and you will quickly make friends if you put yourself out there.

Of course, it can be challenging to meet new people when you first move to a new city. But luckily, there are a number of ways to meet people in Porto. There are several Facebook groups for expats living in the city, and many apartment buildings have their own WhatsApp groups where residents can chat and connect with one another.

Additionally, there are plenty of things to do in Porto if you’re looking to meet new people. There are several gyms, sports clubs, and cultural organizations that you can join, and the city is also home to a number of expat bars and restaurants.

So, if you’re worried about feeling isolated in Porto, don’t be! There are plenty of ways to meet people and make friends here.

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7. Porto is also a great city for families.

There are a number of excellent schools, and the city is very family-friendly overall. Additionally, there are plenty of things to do in Porto if you’re looking for things to keep your kids entertained. The city has several parks, playgrounds, and museums that are perfect for families.

If you’re thinking about moving to Porto with your family, you can rest assured knowing that it is a great place to raise kids.

8. The city is very walkable.

Another great thing about Porto is that it is very walkable. This is due to the fact that the city center is relatively small and compact. As we mentioned before, there are quite a lot of hills, but overall, Porto is a great city to explore on foot.

9. The public transportation is excellent.

If you don’t feel like walking, then you can take advantage of the city’s excellent public transportation system. Porto has an extensive metro system, as well as a number of bus and tram lines. The metro is particularly convenient if you’re looking to get around the city quickly and efficiently.

10. It is home to Port Wine

Last but not least, it’s important to mention that Porto is the birthplace of port wine. This type of wine originated in the city in the 18th century, and today, it is produced in the nearby Douro Valley.

If you’re a fan of port wine, then you will definitely want to visit Porto. The city is home to a number of port wine cellars, and you can even take a port wine tour from the city center.

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Final Thoughts

Overall, Porto is an excellent city to live in. It has a lot to offer expats, from its delicious food to its friendly locals and convenient public transportation. If you’re thinking about moving to Portugal, then we highly recommend considering Porto as your new home.