Porto vs Lisbon: Eva’s experience studying and working in Portugal
Leandra
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5 minutes reading time
If you’re thinking about working in Portugal, you’ve probably asked yourself the same question I once had: Should I move to Porto or Lisbon? I didn’t just compare the cities online. I actually experienced both. When I was 19, I moved to Porto during my Erasmus, life was mostly about studying and exploring the city. Five years later, I moved to Lisbon to start working in Portugal as a foreigner, and I’m currently still living here. Suddenly things like rent, career opportunities and daily routines mattered much more. Experiencing both cities showed me how different Porto vs Lisbon really is, financially, socially and professionally. In this blog, I’ll share what you can realistically expect when comparing Porto vs Lisbon, the cost of living in Portugal, and what it’s like working in Portugal as an international professional.
Porto vs Lisbon: Quick comparison
One of the most common questions for people planning to move to Portugal is whether Porto or Lisbon is the better city to live and work in. If you want a short answer:
- Porto is smaller, more affordable and feels more local
- Lisbon has more international companies and career opportunities
- Rent is lower in Porto
- The expat community is larger in Lisbon
- Lisbon feels more dynamic and career-focused
Porto is generally more compact and slightly more affordable, which makes it easier to settle in. Lisbon offers more international job opportunities, but housing costs are higher. If your priority is career growth, Lisbon is usually the stronger option. If you prefer lower living costs and a more local atmosphere, Porto may suit you better.
Studying in Porto: Affordable and social
When I moved to Porto, I was 19 and excited about everything. I lived near the city centre and spent evenings in Ribeira by the Douro River. Life felt simple. Porto is compact and easy to navigate. You can walk almost everywhere. Rent in Porto is manageable compared to Lisbon, and sharing an apartment made living in Porto as an international student affordable. Daily expenses are lower than in the Netherlands. Studying in Porto as a foreign student felt financially realistic because housing costs were lower and competition for rooms was less intense than in Lisbon. But beyond the numbers, Porto felt personal. The city has a strong local identity. It’s easier to build friendships because the scale is smaller. As a student, my focus was mostly on social life, exploring Portugal and finding out who I really am. I wasn’t thinking about long-term salary expectations or rental contracts. Porto gave me independence and confidence, but not yet professional responsibility.
Moving to Lisbon: This time for my career
After graduating, I realised I didn’t just miss Portugal, I missed the growth I felt there. But this time, I wanted stability and professional development. When comparing Porto vs Lisbon for work, Lisbon clearly offers more options. Lisbon has:
- More multinational companies
- More multilingual roles
- Strong demand for international profiles
- Larger corporate offices
For multilingual professionals, including Dutch or German speakers, Lisbon simply has more job opportunities than Porto. Many international companies hire foreigners for roles like Customer Support, Sales or Content Moderator. Neighbourhoods such as Arroios, Saldanha and Bairro Alto are popular among internationals who decide to stay longer and build a life in the city. For me, daily life also changed a lot. Taking the metro to the office in Lisbon felt very different from walking to university in Porto.
Cost of living: Porto vs Lisbon
The financial difference between Porto and Lisbon is noticeable. The Portuguese minimum wage is around €820–900 gross per month. Entry-level international roles in Lisbon often range between €1,000 and €1,400 net, depending on the company and the language you speak. Housing is where you see the biggest difference when comparing Porto vs Lisbon: Porto: rent is generally lower, especially outside the city centre. Lisbon: rooms in central areas often range between €450 and €750 per month. If you’re comparing the cost of living in Porto vs Lisbon, housing will usually be your biggest expense. Lisbon’s rental market is competitive, especially between September and January when many students and expats arrive. Finding accommodation in Lisbon can take some time, but there are ways to make it easier. Many international employers help new employees with accommodation, offer temporary housing, or even include it when you first arrive. That can make your monthly costs much lower when you move for work.
Curious about jobs that include support with accommodation? Take a look at our current vacancies in Portugal and see what opportunities are available. ✈️
Daily life in Lisbon vs Porto
Daily life in Portugal feels quite different in each city. In Porto, everything felt smaller and more manageable. I quickly got used to the local rhythm and the slower pace of life. Lisbon felt bigger and more international. The offices were larger, the teams more diverse, and English was used every day in many companies that hire foreigners. What stayed the same in both cities was the relaxed Portuguese work culture. Compared to Northern Europe, people really value work-life balance. But Lisbon combines that relaxed lifestyle with a more ambitious professional environment. In Porto, most of my growth felt personal. In Lisbon, it became more professional and structured.
Working in Lisbon: A different kind of responsibility
Starting my job in Lisbon felt more intense than starting university in Porto. My shifts begin early, usually between 7:00 and 13:00. I handle chats, emails and outbound calls. Expectations are clear, and performance matters. After work, I sometimes walk through Alfama or watch the sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. The view is similar to Porto’s sunsets, but the feeling is different.
Porto vs Lisbon: Which city should you choose?
Looking back, Porto was the perfect place for me when I was studying. The rent was lower, life felt a bit slower, and the city had a really local and relaxed atmosphere. Because Porto is smaller and more compact, it also felt like a comfortable first step when moving abroad for the first time. It was easier to settle in and quickly feel at home. Lisbon felt different. When I moved there for work, the city suddenly made more sense: more international companies, more career opportunities and a bigger international community. In the end, both cities are amazing in their own way. It just depends on what stage of life you’re in.
Final thoughts
Porto was my introduction to living abroad. It gave me independence and confidence. Lisbon is where I’m building structure and long-term growth. If you’re choosing between Porto vs Lisbon, think about what you need right now: a smaller, more intimate city, or a bigger place with broader career opportunities and a stronger international network.
Both cities can shape you, just in different ways. If you’re considering making the move to Portugal, take the time to look at our vacancies and see which city aligns with your goals. Your next chapter might be closer than you think. 🌍
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