What are the differences in lifestyle between living in Lisbon and Porto?

Lisbon and Porto are more alike; they are port cities situated on hillsides along rivers, adorned with magnificent bridges and well-known trams, and brimming with both contemporary and historically significant street art and azulejo tiles. They're hardly twins, though. In size, Lisbon is twice as big, it is fast-paced and more cosmopolitan, and it stretches to the south for 200 miles, so summers in the city may be hot. Porto is a small, walkable city with a more traditional vibe. Atlantic winds cool it during the summer, but in the winter, the same passage can bring in fog and rain. Still unable to decide? The good news is that there's only a three-hour train ride between the two.

Cost of Living

The one major thing that sets Porto apart from Lisbon is its cheaper cost of living. As of August 2023, rent costs in Lisbon are about 38.6% higher than those in Porto, according to Numbeo. When it comes to purchasing, an apartment in Lisbon's city centre costs twice as much per square metre as one in Porto.

Lisbon: It should come as no surprise that Lisbon, the city and centre of Portugal's economy, has a higher cost of living than the majority of the nation. Although still affordable when compared to places like London or Paris, costs have increased recently due to the inflow of visitors and expats, especially in housing. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs between €1,200 and €1,500 a month in rent, while prices in the suburbs are typically between €800 and €1,000. In keeping with the prominence and demand of the city, eating out, entertainment, and other consumer products are likewise marginally more expensive here.

Porto: Many foreigners find Porto to be an appealing option because it provides a more affordable option than Lisbon. The typical cost of a one-bedroom Student Accommodation Porto in the city centre is between €800 and €1,000, while there are less expensive options located outside of the centre. Furthermore, daily costs like food, public transportation, and entertainment are typically 10% to 15% less than in Lisbon. Though incomes in Porto may be somewhat lower than in the capital, this is frequently offset by the lower cost of living, especially for retirees, remote workers, and those in occupations that don't require a fixed location.

Beaches

Foz do Douro, the western neighbourhood of Porto that is directly on the Atlantic and is only a picturesque 20-minute tram ride from the city centre has a buzzing urban beach ambience that gives it an advantage over other cities. A promenade winds along a string of sandy coves dotted with granite outcrops; you can stroll past lighthouses and forts; there's a charming pergola from the 1930s that begs to be photographed; and there are numerous restaurants and bars with views of the ocean that face west and serve petiscos, the Portuguese equivalent of tapas, and port and tonic as you watch the sunset.

Lisbon also boasts some beautiful beaches, however, they are farther from the city core and a little less evocative. The closest, Santo Amaro de Oeiras and Carcavelos are 30 minutes away by train and protected from the winds and waves of the more westerly shores. If you're a beach bum, it's worth taking a day trip from Lisbon to the sophisticated town of Cascais, which is 45 minutes outside the city and has stunning views of golden dunes from historic houses.

Lisbon and Porto's climate

Although you might expect these Portuguese cities to have similar climates, Lisbon experiences warmer temperatures. Porto typically experiences colder winters, while spring and autumn may bring more rain.

In Lisbon, summertime temperatures can reach as high as 30ºC. It gets down to about 16ºC at night. Lisbon experiences mild winters, with typical highs of 10ºC. In actuality, Lisbon offers more sunshine than Porto, so if you're a sun worshipper, go for it. You can go with Porto if you don't mind wet days. The typical winter temperature ranges from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. The summertime high is approximately 28ºC.

Lisbon and Porto's security

Portugal comes in third place on the 2020 Global Peace Index. It is reasonable to state that both cities rank among the safest in all of Europe in terms of security. Furthermore, both cities consistently rank highly when it comes to security and family life.

A poll conducted by the Norwegian business Sumo Finans indicates that Porto is the greatest place to raise a family. In the same list, Lisbon comes in third place. Porto is ranked among the top cities for family-friendly activities in the same poll.

To sum up, both towns guarantee a secure atmosphere.

Transportation in Lisbon and Porto

Both cities feature efficient train networks, decent transit systems, and international airports. Therefore, you can readily link to the rest of the nation and the world from any city where you currently reside.

There is good infrastructure in both cities. You'll adore the roadways between Lisbon and Porto if you enjoy driving.

Hi my name is Shivesh Jauhari and I am a student in the Univertsity of Adelaide, I am here to share my experience about student life in the city.