Nazare, Portugal

Life in Nazare means that utilities should fall around US$100 a month maximum, and internet should cost less than US$20 a month.

The city is for the most part very safe, and visitors should not fear the risk of any violent crime, but car burglaries do happen around Nazare Beach—an easy threat to avoid simply by walking or biking around the city.

Because it is a seaside city, Nazare is also known for its delicious seafood, the prices of which are inexpensive compared to most mid-to-upscale American restaurants.

For example, a regular lunch should only cost about US$10, while a nicer three-course meal for two people should cost around US$45.

Groceries, and market-fresh produce, are also cheaper in Portugal— a loaf of bread costs around US$1.22 compared to America’s US$3.43, and a dozen eggs will set you back US$2.60 in Portugal compared to US$4.42 in the United States.

Most importantly, Portugal also has a low-cost public healthcare system, so many general appointments will only cost a few euros (or they might even be free).

A hospital visit from a general practitioner will cost around US$75, and a specialist will run around US$90. There is a health center, a couple clinics, and a hospital in the city center.

There is private and public healthcare in Portugal, and the general rule (even for expats) is that public healthcare is reserved for the elderly, who usually cannot afford private healthcare. 

Even so, the costs are much less in Portugal than in the US, and most medication usually doesn’t require a prescription and only costs a few euros.

Most doctors in the private health care system are excellent, especially dentists, and many of them are also fluent in English.

Some people refer to the Silver Coast as a “cheaper, less warm version of the Algarve.”

The truth is that, yes, prices tend to be lower than in the Algarve, and the breeze from the Atlantic prevents the Silver Coast from reaching impossibly high
temperatures in the summer.

However, it is also true that the Silver Coast has its own personality, and comparisons are often unfair.

On the one hand, choosing the Silver Coast will mean being able to indulge in the “sun, sea, and sand” lifestyle at (still) affordable prices.

It also means a very laid-back daily routine where sometimes it may feel like nothing happens.