Living In The Silver Coast Portugal – that will be the topic of today’s article.
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Introduction
As living in other parts of the world seems so expensive, many people are looking for a more affordable place to live. The search for the perfect place to live can be tricky, but there are plenty of hidden gems out there. Portugal’s Silver Coast is one of those places.
As we’ve mentioned in our post, Reasons to Move to Portugal‘s Silver Coast, the cost of living is relatively low in this region compared to other parts of Europe. Additionally, the climate is mild year-round, making it a great place to live for those who want to avoid extreme temperatures.
However, it’s quite essential to understand the living cost to anticipate. Moreover, you should ensure you’ll have access to the services and amenities you need before making the move. This includes healthcare, transportation, the internet, and more.
I’m sure you might have many questions regarding day-to-day living on Portugal’s Silver Coast. So, to help you out, we’ve put together this guide that covers everything you need to know about life in this region. Worry less, if you’ve been surfing the web for “what’s it like living in silver coast Portugal,” you’re in the right place.
That being said, we have put together the cost of living in terms of price to expect. Also, we’ll give you some useful tips on how to get by without spending too much. So, are you willing to get a glimpse of what we’ve unleashed? Here’s a breakdown of the cost of living on Portugal’s Silver Coast.
Accommodation
Renting an apartment will be your best option if you’re planning to stay in Portugal for a long time. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center would cost you around $400 per month. If you want a place with more space, you could get a three-bedroom apartment for about $700 per month.
If you want to live in a more rural area, the prices would be much lower. You could rent a three-bedroom house for as little as $500 per month.
Food
Eating out can be quite expensive in Portugal, but it’s still possible to find affordable options. A meal at a mid-range restaurant would cost you about $15 per person. If you’re on a budget, you can find plenty of places to get a meal for less than $10. Groceries are also quite affordable in Portugal. A week’s worth of groceries for one person would cost around $60.
Transportation
Portugal has an excellent public transportation system, and it’s very affordable. A one-way ticket on the bus or train costs about $2. You can also buy a monthly pass for around $40, which gives you unlimited rides. If you’re planning to buy a car, you should expect to pay approximately $10,000 for a used car. Gasoline is also quite affordable in Portugal, costing about $1.50 per liter.
Healthcare
Portugal has high-quality and affordable healthcare. The country has a public healthcare system that is available to all residents. However, you can also choose to get private health insurance if you want. Private insurance starts at around $50 per month.
Education
Portugal has several excellent schools, both public and private. If you’re planning to send your children to a private school, you should pay around $250 per month for each child. Besides, several international schools are also available.
Internet and Phone
The price of internet and phone service in Portugal is relatively affordable compared to other countries. A basic internet plan would cost you around $30 per month. As for phone service, you can expect to pay about $20 per month.
Utilities
Utilities can be somewhat expensive in Portugal, especially during the summer. A typical utility bill for a one-bedroom apartment would cost around $100 per month. However, this price can go up to $200 during the summer months.
Finding Your Dream Job on Silver Coast
Finding your dream job in Silver Coast can be an exciting and daunting proposition. There are many factors to consider when looking for work in this beautiful region of Portugal, but with a bit of planning and research, you can surely find the perfect position.
One crucial aspect to keep in mind when seeking employment is the local economy. The region is home to a number of industries, including tourism, agriculture, and fishing. As such, job prospects will vary depending on the sector, you wish to work in.
However, it is important to have a clear idea of what you would like to do before beginning your search. Another thing to keep in mind is the language barrier. While many people in Silver Coast speak English, Portuguese is the predominant language.
This way, it would be beneficial to learn at least some basics before arriving in the region. Inspite of that, let’s quickly take a look at the ways to get jobs in this region as an expat.
1. Utilize Online Job Search Engines
This is one of the first things you should do when looking for work in any region. A quick search on Google or indeed will reveal a number of job openings in the Silver Coast region. In fact, you can even set up alerts for specific keywords so that you are notified as soon as a new job is posted.
2. Get In Touch With Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies play a crucial role in connecting job seekers with potential employers. Many of these agencies have a presence in the Silver Coast region and can help you find work in your desired sector. Also, they are an excellent resource for learning about job openings that may not be advertised online.
3. Attend Job Fairs
Another great way to find work in this part of the world is to attend local job fairs. These events provide an excellent opportunity to meet with potential employers and learn about available positions. Additionally, you can use these occasions to network with other professionals in your field.
4. Use Social Media
Social media platforms like LinkedIn can be beneficial when looking for work. Many companies now use these sites to post job openings, and you can use them to connect with potential employers. Aside from this fact, LinkedIn is also a great way to build your professional network.
5. Consider Freelance Work
In today’s digital world, there are a number of ways to find freelance work. Silver Coast is no different, and there are a number of businesses that are looking for talented freelancers. If you have a specific skill set, this can be an excellent way to find work in the region.
Best Tourist Attractions in Silver Coast
The Portuguese “Venice” in Aveiro
With its canals, colorful boats, and bridges, Aveiro has been nicknamed the “Portuguese Venice.” Located in the Silver Coast, this city is a must-see for anyone visiting Portugal. Aveiro is known for its unique architecture and picturesque views. The city center is filled with beautiful buildings and monuments. The main attraction is the Praça do Peixe, a fish-shaped square in the center of town.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Portugal. Located in the Silver Coast town of Nazaré, this sanctuary is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The sanctuary is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also explore the nearby caves, which are said to have been used by the Virgin Mary.
The Silver Coast Beaches
One of the best things about the Silver Coast is its beaches. With over 100 kilometers of coastline, there are plenty of beaches to choose from. Some of the most popular beaches include Praia da Rocha, Praia do Alvor, and Praia da Luz. These beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
The Castle of Leiria
The Castle of Leiria is a must-see for anyone interested in history and architecture. This castle was built in the 12th century and has been well-preserved. The castle is located on a hilltop, providing visitors with stunning views of the city of Leiria. Visitors can also explore the castle grounds, including a museum, gardens, and a chapel.
The Tomar Synagogue
The Tomar Synagogue is one of the most important historical sites in Portugal. This synagogue was built in the 15th century and is one of the oldest synagogues in Europe. The synagogue is a beautiful and unique building with a rich history. Visitors can explore the synagogue, learn about its history, and see the ancient artifacts on display.
Pros and Cons of Living in Silver Coast as an Expat
There are many reasons why people decide to move abroad, and the Silver Coast in Portugal is a popular destination for those looking for a new life. It’s not hard to see why – the region has a lot to offer, from its stunning coastline to its friendly locals. However, there are also some potential downsides to living in Silver Coast as an expat. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider before making a move.
PROS
Beautiful Scenery
The Silver Coast is renowned for its natural beauty, with miles of coastline to explore and plenty of green space inland. If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, this is definitely the place for you.
Friendly Locals
Another big plus of living in Silver Coast is the friendly locals. Portugal is known for its hospitable people, and you’ll find this to be true in Silver Coast as well. From your neighbors to shopkeepers, people here are generally very helpful and welcoming.
Affordable Cost Of Living
Compared to other popular expat destinations, the Silver Coast has a relatively low cost of living. This is great news if you’re on a tight budget or just want to stretch your money further. Moreover, Portugal has a sound healthcare system and public transportation network, so you can be sure you’ll be well taken care of if you move here.
CONS
Language Barrier
Although English is widely spoken in Portugal, you may still find it challenging to get by without at least some basic Portuguese. This can be a barrier to making friends, getting a job, or even just doing everyday tasks like grocery shopping.
Isolation
Another potential downside of living in Silver Coast is the isolation you may feel. The region is quite rural, so if you’re used to living in a big city, it may take some time to adjust. There are also fewer expats here than in other parts of Portugal, so it can be harder to find people in similar situations.
Weather
Finally, the weather in Silver Coast is worth mentioning. The summers here are beautiful, but the winters can be quite cold and wet. If you’re not a fan of the cold, this may not be the place for you. So, be ready for some drastic changes in temperature if you move here.
Interesting Facts about Silver Coast Cultures and Traditions
When it comes to Silver Coast Portugal, there is so much to learn about its cultures and traditions. This region is known for its unique history and culture. With that said, here are some interesting facts about Silver Coast Portugal’s cultures and traditions:
- The Silver Coast of Portugal has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic era
- The Celts founded the first human settlement in the region in the 4th century BC
- The Romans occupied the region from the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD
- During the Middle Ages, the Silver Coast was ruled by the Moors.
- In the 12th century, the first Portuguese king, Afonso Henriques, conquered the region from the Moors.
7 Types of Jobs Available For Expats in the Silver Coast
Apart from the fact that Silver coast offers low job opportunities to expatriates, many of which are in the customer service, catering and retail sectors. Below are some popular types of jobs that expats often take up while living in the Silver Coast.
Customer Service Representative
As a customer service representative, you will be the first point of contact between a company and its customers. You will be responsible for handling customer inquiries and complaints, providing information about products and services, and promoting sales. Customer service representatives need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as patience and calmness under pressure.
Retail Sales Assistant
As a retail sales assistant, you will be responsible for assisting customers and carrying out various tasks in a retail environment. These tasks may include stock control, cashier duties, and helping customers with their purchases. Retail sales assistants need good customer service skills and work well under pressure.
Restaurant waiter/waitress
If you want to work as a waitress, you should know that this job requires a lot of patience and hard work. You will be responsible for taking orders, serving food and drinks, and cleaning tables. Waitresses need to have good people skills and be able to work long hours on their feet.
Chef
As a chef, you will be responsible for preparing and cooking food in a restaurant or hotel kitchen. You will need to have good culinary skills and work well under pressure. In addition, chefs need to follow instructions and know food safety and hygiene regulations.
Hotel Receptionist
This is also another job to which expatriates in the Silver coast can apply. As a hotel receptionist, your work may include; handling customer enquiries, making reservations, and checking guests in and out of the hotel. You will need to have good customer service skills and work well under pressure.
Tour Guide
If you are knowledgeable about the history and culture of the Silver coast, you may be able to find work as a tour guide. As a tour guide, you will be responsible for showing tourists around the city and providing them with information about the sights and attractions. You will need to have good people skills and speak English fluently.
English Teacher
English teaching is one of the most popular jobs for expatriates in the Silver Coast. As an English teacher, you will be responsible for teaching English to students of all levels. You will need to have a good knowledge of the English language and speak it fluently. In addition, you will need to be patient and can explain things clearly.
Things People Will Not Tell You about Silver Coast
The Weather Is Really Unpredictable
Of course, everyone knows that the weather is unpredictable. But what people don’t tell you is just how unpredictable it can be. One minute it can be sunny and hot, and the next minute it could be raining or even snowing. This can make it difficult to plan, especially if you’re trying to book a vacation or travel there for business.
There Are a Lot of Tourists, But Not Many Locals
While the Silver Coast does attract many tourists, there aren’t actually that many locals. This is because it’s a popular retirement destination for foreigners, and many people who own property there don’t actually live there full-time. So, if you’re looking for a place to really get to know the locals, this may not be the best place.
The Nightlife Isn’t Really That Great
The nightlife on the Silver Coast is pretty limited, especially compared to other parts of Portugal. There are a few bars and clubs, but nothing that stays open too late or gets too crazy. If you’re looking for a party destination, you might want to look elsewhere.
It’s Quite Expensive To Live Here
While the cost of living isn’t as high as in some other parts of Europe, it is still relatively expensive compared to other places in Portugal. This is especially true if you’re looking to rent or buy property.
Frequently Asked Questions about Silver Coast
How do I get to Silver Coast?
The best way to get to Silver Coast is by flying into Lisbon airport and then making your way to the nearby town of Leiria. From there, it is a short drive to the coast. Moreover, you can also take a bus or a train from Lisbon to Leiria.
What is the weather like in Silver Coast?
Just as we’ve mentioned earlier, the Silver Coast has a temperate climate, which means that the weather is mild and pleasant all year round. The average temperature in summer is around 25 degrees Celsius, while in winter, it hovers around 15 degrees Celsius.
How affordable is the cost of living?
The cost of living in Silver Coast is quite affordable. In fact, it is one of the most affordable coastal areas in Portugal. Expenses such as food, accommodation, and transportation are relatively low when compared to other parts of the country.
What kind of food can I expect?
The food in Silver Coast is quite varied. There are many seafood restaurants, as well as traditional Portuguese eateries. You can also find international cuisine in some larger towns and cities.
What’s the best time to visit the silver coast?
The best time to visit Silver Coast is during the summer months. This is when the weather is at its finest, and the beaches are busiest. However, if you are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, then the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn may be more ideal.
What’s the nightlife like?
We mentioned earlier that the nightlife in Silver Coast is quite vibrant. There are many bars and clubs to choose from, as well as live music venues. Whether you’re looking to party all night or just have a few drinks with friends, you’ll be sure to find something to suit your taste.
Conclusion
As an expat, you should know that the benefits of living in the Silver coast cannot be overemphasized. It has a temperate climate which makes the weather mild and pleasant all year round. The cost of living is quite affordable, and food is also quite varied in many seafood restaurants. So, why waiting? Hurry now and book your flight ticket to Silver coast today!
