Last Updated on October 24, 2024 by Maryam Siddiqui
Located on the silver coast of Portugal, Aveiro is a popular destination for tourists from all around the world. Often referred to as the Venice of Portugal, living in Aveiro is for those looking for a rather small and well-maintained city near the ocean.
While it is nowhere as big as Lisbon, Aveiro is slowly becoming a popular destination for expats who are trying to escape the hustle and bustle of busy city life. If you’re searching for a peaceful city close to the ocean and other big towns, then Aveiro might be right for you.
So what is life in Aveiro like? Is it worth moving here? These are just but a few questions that this post seeks to answer. Stick around to learn more about the city and why expats love it!
Living in Aveiro: Day by day
Life in Aveiro is similar to that of any other major city in Portugal because you can find practically anything you need right here in Aveiro.
Living in the Venice of Portugal also means that there are plenty of canals and other boats that you can use to get a new perspective of this city.
Similar to other cities in Portugal, there is also no shortage of beauty in Aveiro. It’s home to several beaches and museums where you can spend quality time with friends and family. And it also has a lot to offer in the way of infrastructure, education, and other social amenities necessary for comfortable living.
For you to get the true picture of exactly how life is in Aveiro, we need to break down several factors that are key to day-to-day life in Portugal.
Who lives in Aveiro?
Formerly popular as a holiday destination in Portugal, Aveiro is slowly becoming desirable as a retirement destination, especially for expats who want to escape the busy city life.
According to Pordata, expat penetration in Aveiro was 7.2% of the population with resident permits. Aveiro’s expat ratio is relatively lower compared to other major cities like Lisbon and Porto. It is also essential to mention that fewer expats in a particular region also come with advantages.
The cost of living is often lower when you live among local communities as compared to predominantly expat communities.
Why are expats moving to Aveiro?
Right off the bat, Aveiro is exceptionally beautiful and has the vibes of the bigger cities in Portugal. This city is close to the sea, giving expats the unique opportunity to enjoy what the big cities have to offer without the chaos that comes with it.
Specifically, families are motivated by the good education system that Aveiro offers to University students. Generally, the quality of life is good in Aveiro, and it is no surprise that expats are eventually finding their way to this city.
- Is the Cost Of Living In Aveiro: Estimates And Tips a big factor when expats decide where to live? Check out our guide to find out!
Cost of living in Aveiro
Since Aveiro is located on the Silver Coast, you can already expect a low cost of living. Generally, the cost of living in Portugal is already cheaper than in most other European countries. Of course, there are differences between cities in Portugal, but the major change is rent.
Renting a 1-bedroom apartment can cost around €600 if it’s within the city center and €500 if it’s outside the city center. All-in-all, you can live in under €1,200 in Aveiro if you don’t spend unnecessarily.
In contrast to other larger cities like Lisbon and Porto, the cost of living is definitely cheaper.
| Expenses | Costs |
|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | €637 |
| A single person’s estimated monthly cost exclusive of rent | €599 |
| 3 bedroom apartment in the city | €1,046 |
| A family of four estimated monthly cost exclusive of rent | €2,096 |
Estimates are from Numbeo (as of September 2023).
You should also realize this data is just an estimate; however, your monthly spending will be determined by your individual spending habits and standards of living.
Also, choosing to live among the local community may mean you spend less than when living in a predominantly expat community. This is because you start to adapt to the Portuguese culture, which includes shopping at the farmer’s market and cooking at home!
What are the best neighborhoods to live in Aveiro?
For expats thinking of moving to Aveiro, it can be quite a challenge to decide exactly where to live in Aveiro. Just to point you in the right direction, here are some of the popular neighborhoods in Aveiro.
Glória and Vera Cruz
This is one neighborhood that is worth mentioning. It is a civil parish in the municipality of Aveiro. This civil parish is home to over 20,000 people, according to the population census of 2022.
It is one of the bigger parishes in Aveiro, and also the place that every tourist wants to see. It’s not only beautiful but also historical and full of culture.
Esgueira
The parish of Esgueira is also a relatively large neighborhood that covers an area of about 17.15 km². By virtue of the sheer size of the municipality, it is home to about 20,000 locals.
São Bernardo
This is a central parish in Aveiro that is quite popular among tourists and expats. It is a rather small parish covering a space of 3.46 km² with a population of around 5,000 residents.
Santa Joana
This is another popular parish in Aveiro with a population of nearly 10,000 people. It is home to several architectural and religious landmarks that are quite popular places to visit during leisure time.
Aradas
If you are considering moving to any of the six popular neighborhoods in Aveiro, Aradas is a good option for you. This parish has a population of over 10,000 people. There is plenty to do here in Aradas, including hiking during the weekends.
Oliveirinhas
Other than Glória, Vera Cruz, and Esgueira, Oliveirinhas is the biggest parish in Aveiro. It covers a space of about 12.07 km² with a rather smaller population of over 5,000 residents.
Costa Nova: The charming town of Ílhavo
If you’ve ever heard of Aveiro, then the cute striped houses of Costa Nova have appeared in your memory somewhere. This area is one of the most famous in Portugal and belongs to a neighboring city of Aveiro called Ílhavo. It’s located a 15-minute drive south of central Aveiro, but it’s also a place to consider moving to.
The neighborhood of Costa Nova, once a fishing village, is nowadays very touristic and holds many hotels. It’s definitely worth a visit during your scouting trip to Portugal!
Let’s Move to Europe
With Viv Europe your plans for Europe will come to a reality
Buying a house in Aveiro
The real estate prospect in Aveiro is slowly taking shape because this city is finally transitioning into an expat hub.
The value of owning a home in the heart of Aveiro is currently lower than in major cities like Lisbon and Porto. It is understandable why that is so. But slowly, Aveiro’s real estate market is also gaining popularity and has increased in value.
To put this into perspective, here is a breakdown of the value of property in the popular neighborhoods in Aveiro.
| Location | Price per m2 |
|---|---|
| Glória and Vera Cruz | €3,179 |
| Esgueira | €2,337 |
| São Bernardo | €1,544 |
| Santa Joana | €1,545 |
| Aradas | €1,986 |
| Oliveirinhas | €1,485 |
Estimates are from Idealista (as of September 2023).
It is worth mentioning that the data above is subject to change, and the valuation of the properties from the different neighborhoods might not be the same when you read this.
Therefore, take your time and do your due diligence before investing in any property. Be sure to seek the services of professionals.
- Read our complete guide on Buying A House In Aveiro: Tips For An Expat.
The labor market in Aveiro
Like other cities in Portugal, the labor market in Aveiro is also expat-inclusive. There are plenty of thriving sectors in Aveiro that also offer plenty of employment opportunities.
The shipbuilding and salt production industries have recently registered impressive development rates.
Another viable sector for employment is tourism. Aveiro is a tourist hub where there are plenty of job opportunities for anyone looking to establish a career.
Additionally, local factories offer employment in the industry department, while the University of Aveiro also presents teaching opportunities for expat professors. Maybe it explains why Aveiro is one of the 10 best cities to start a business in Portugal.
Public and private healthcare
Aveiro offers both public and private healthcare facilities to the local population. As far as the quality of healthcare is concerned, Aveiro’s public healthcare meets European standards and gives tough competition to private hospitals.
You will be pleasantly surprised to know that some simple health services are offered completely free in public healthcare facilities.
In fact, expats who have a residency permit in Aveiro enjoy the same rights to healthcare as the local population.
While Aveiro has good healthcare services, it is close enough to Porto and Coimbra, which have world-class specialized healthcare facilities.
Studying in Aveiro
Aveiro is among the best cities that offer quality education in Portugal. Expats who are looking for quality education for their children should consider moving to Aveiro. There are plenty of local public and private schools that offer top-tier education.
According to the Center of World University Rankings, the University of Aveiro is in the top six of the best universities in Portugal.
It would be an understatement to refer to this institution of higher learning as just good. The University of Aveiro plays a huge role in Portugal’s innovation and scientific research programs.
Public transport on the Silver Coast
Transportation is important to facilitate your day-to-day travels at the Silver Coast. There are several modes of transportation on the Silver Coast, both public and private.
While transportation on the Silver Coast is affordable, how much you will have to pay will depend on the specific mode you decide to use.
When it comes to public transportation, the two common modes of transportation are buses and trains. Regional trains are often cheaper, but buses remain the fastest means of transportation from point A to point B in Aveiro.
Leisure and things to do in Aveiro
Aveiro is a tourist hub for a reason. There are plenty of fun activities you can engage in while you are in this city.
To begin, Aveiro is an old historical town with a rich history and culture. Walk down the old town with beautiful paved narrow streets as you explore the charm of this city.
When you think of leisure activities in Aveiro, your list won’t be complete without mentioning a trip through the canals on the beautifully colored boats.
This is the hallmark of touring Aveiro; a boat ride through the canals will give you a view of the city from a whole different perspective. Absolutely perfect!
There are plenty of activities in Aveiro. Here are other leisure things you can do while living in Aveiro:
- Moliceiro Boat Tour;
- Costa Nova Beach;
- Ovos Moles Tasting;
- Check out the Aveiro Municipal Theater;
- Visit the Aveiro Historical Museum;
- Visit the colorful Costa Nova;
- Aveiro Salt Pans;
- Stroll down the Costa Nova beach;
- Engage in the vibrant Aveiro nightlife.
Pros and cons of living in Aveiro
It goes without saying that every city has its good side and bad side. So it is essential to have a look at the two sides of the coin just to give you what to expect and also enable you to set proper expectations.
Pros of living in Aveiro
- Has a lot of fun activities
- Not overrun by tourists even during summers
- Good quality education
- The city is safe
- Well organized roads
Cons of living in Aveiro
- It can get quite cold during winter
- Plenty of smokers in the city
- Quite a small town if you’re coming from a metropolis
Is it worth living in Aveiro?
Aveiro has plenty to offer expats from anywhere across the globe. The uninterrupted sea views and rich historical background are just but a few of what this city is all about. For us, the pros outweigh the cons any day!
Aveiro is particularly attractive for anyone looking to access a city without the stress and chaos that come with living in one. You will enjoy the lower cost of living that you would not get in the bigger cities in Portugal.
If you’re ready to move to Aveiro, let us be your guide through the process! Our professionals at Viv Europe are here to help you get the Visa, obtain the NIF Number, find a house, and officially move in!
Also, consider joining our Facebook Group – All About Portugal For Expats and get to meet and interact with other expats who have been through a similar journey as yourself. Good luck!
