Working abroad Tips & Tricks

Living and working in Porto

Last update: 24 May, 2024  ◦  29 December, 2023 by Photo from Lisa Lisa  ◦  4 minutes reading time
Living and working in Porto

The home port of Port, the iconic Ponte Dom Luís I, and the many charming tiled houses. We are, of course, talking about Porto! This colorful port city in the north of Portugal quickly captures your heart. So, go ahead and put living and working in Porto on your bucket list!

Life in Porto 🇵🇹
The colorful Porto is a true dream location if you want to work abroad. The city is known for its pleasant atmosphere, friendly locals, and the famous postcard photo of the colorful houses along the Douro River. All of that is true, but working in Porto has much more to offer! This Portuguese city is a paradise for your inner foodie. Portuguese people truly appreciate lunch, so around noon, restaurants serve their best dishes. It may sound like a cliché, but it's true: you must definitely try a fresh bacalhau if you're going to live and work in Porto. From traditional dishes to delicious burgers and fresh seafood, we've already gathered some must-visit restaurants in Porto for you.

Did you know that you can reach the beach in 15 minutes by metro from Porto? You read that right: just a stone's throw away from Porto, you can relax on a beautiful beach, sunbathe, and surf in your free time. In the mood for sightseeing? Porto has plenty to offer in that regard as well. Wander through the dozens of narrow alleys, discover the hotspots in Porto, or step back in time by visiting the many medieval remains, beautiful churches, or the old market hall. When you're living in Porto, you can't miss trying the local delicacy: Port wine. In Porto, you'll find many old wineries where, in addition to tasting (and you'll want to, trust us!), you can learn everything about this sweet wine variety. Most of these wineries are located across the river from Porto. Can you imagine... the sun in your face, a glass of Port wine in your hand, and a stunning view of Porto? Living and working in Portugal is not as crazy as it may seem!🌞

Living in Porto 🏙
In this beautiful city, you have a wide range of charming neighborhoods to choose from when seeking suitable living spaces. Opt for Baixa, right in the heart of Porto, if you wish to be surrounded by cozy bars, delightful restaurants, and narrow tiled houses. This district is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site! What about the lively Cordoaria? In this neighborhood, you'll find the trendiest clubs and bars, along with stunning historical landmarks. If you prefer the local experience, consider residing in one of the most authentic Porto neighborhoods, Matosinhos. Regardless of which neighborhood you select for your future home, you're sure to have an amazing time! An added benefit: since Porto is a relatively compact city, many places are within walking distance. 

You might expect that living in a lovely city like Porto would be expensive, but nothing could be further from the truth! In fact, it's quite affordable when compared to other countries. Outside the city center, you can find rooms starting at just 180 EUR per month. If you'd rather live close to the bustling life of Porto, you can expect to pay around 300 EUR for a studio and 400 to 500 EUR for an apartment. This makes working in Porto very attractive!

Looking for your dream place in Porto? Yobbers collaborates with HousingAnywhere, Homelike, Uniplaces, and Spotahome. These websites can assist you in your search for a new home! What's even better is that at the bottom of this page, you can find discount codes and links to gain priority access, making searching for accommodation abroad a bit easier (and more budget-friendly). Searching for accommodation in a different country can be a bit nerve-wracking, so having some extra support is always welcome!

💡 Tip: When you're planning to live and work in Porto, we recommend not signing any agreements in advance. Schedule a meeting with the landlords for when you arrive in Porto so that you can personally assess the property.

Working in Porto 👩‍💻
Almost always sunny, the sea just a stone's throw away, and a vibrant environment. You guessed it: working in Porto is popular among people of all nationalities, and who could blame them!

It's good to know that the average salary in Portugal is lower than other places. However, this doesn't really matter because the cost of living is also lower. So, you can enjoy plenty of fun activities with your salary when you choose to work in Porto! Portugal observes a 40-hour workweek and many companies are open on Saturdays, so don't be surprised if you find yourself scheduled to work on weekends when working in Portugal

Portuguese people are friendly, hardworking, and very polite, ou can see this reflected in the workplace as well. Respect is important, and you'll notice a somewhat more hierarchical structure. However, this doesn't mean that the work atmosphere will be anything less than pleasant and relaxed. Good to know before you embark on your work journey, right?

Are you eager to get started in Porto? Check out our current job vacancies in Portugal and grab a flight for an unforgettable time! 🌎 🇵🇹