Unlock The World
Overseas Havens Reports
Conference Kits
Lahardan Books
Services
Our Customer Service team is here to assist with any questions or concerns CustomerService@LiveandInvestOverseas.com
Unlock The World
Overseas Havens Reports
Conference Kits
Lahardan Books
Services
Our Customer Service team is here to assist with any questions or concerns CustomerService@LiveandInvestOverseas.com
PORTUGAL WORLD'S #1
RETIREMENT HAVEN
Simply sign up to receive the FREE daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, plus our In Focus: Europe newsletter and we’ll immediately email you our editors’ latest research report… absolutely FREE
Braga, Portugal’s culturally rich northern gem, offers a greener, more affordable alternative to Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Known for its historic center, lively university atmosphere, Roman-era landmarks, and easy access to Porto, Braga blends Old World charm with modern convenience. With lower living costs, excellent healthcare, and strong transport links, it’s an increasingly appealing retirement choice for those seeking authenticity, culture, and a relaxed, well-connected lifestyle in Portugal’s lush Minho region.
Braga is the culturally vibrant capital of Portugal’s northern Minho Province, famous for its lush, green landscapes that produce vinho verde wine.
It’s an off-the-radar retirement choice in Portugal… especially compared to the Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto…
What has us turning our gaze away from those more stereotypical choices?
In short, Portugal has long been popular with expats, but its popularity has skyrocketed in the past two or three years.
Most of the attention is focused on those three areas (the Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto), and that attention has driven up property prices and costs of living.
Braga is Portugal’s third-largest city, famous for its historical buildings, monuments,gardens, and fountains.
For instance, Braga is known as the Rome of Portugal because of its numerous churches and religious sites. Pilgrims have journeyed here for centuries. But life in Braga is not all about penance, mass, and homilies…
Reviewed By Lief Simon
Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.
Start Your New Overseas Life Today
A world full of fun, adventure, and profit awaits! Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and we’ll send you a FREE report on the 10 Best Places To Retire In Style Overseas Today 2025
We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
Braga is easy to reach from North America, though it does require a connection since there are no direct flights from the United States or Canada to northern Portugal. Most visitors fly into Porto or Lisbon, depending on where they’re coming from. The most common route is to fly directly from a major U.S. or Canadian city to the Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO).
You can get to Braga from Porto in two ways:
By train: The train from Porto’s Campanhã or São Bento stations to Braga takes about 50 minutes to 1 hour and costs roughly €3–€5.
By car: Renting a car and driving north on the A3 highway takes approximately 40 minutes to 50 minutes.
If you prefer to fly into Lisbon instead, Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is well connected to major U.S. and Canadian cities. From Lisbon, you can reach Braga by:
Train: About 3.5 to 4 hours on the Alfa Pendular or Intercidades trains.
Car: A straightforward 3.5-hour drive north along the A1 and A3 motorways.
Bus: Around 4.5 hours, depending on the route and carrier.
Porto Airport is also well connected to major European hubs, with flights arriving from cities like London, Madrid, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Dublin, and Paris.
Getting to Braga within Portugal is straightforward. Buses and trains run multiple times a day from major cities, and driving on Portugal’s well-maintained highways is easy.
Braga is affordable not only relative to the costs of living in the United States and Canada; it’s also affordable relative to other places in Portugal.
For its rich lifestyle, Braga is a bargain. In fact, it is a small city with a population of under 200,000 people.
But because it’s a university town, the ambiance is always lively, with people out enjoying its gastronomic offerings, parks, and plazas.
Internet is fast and reliable in Braga.
Braga is compact. So, you can easily get by without a car and make your way from A to B on foot.
Our Overseas Retirement Index 2024 determined that Braga is 41% cheaper than the cost of living in the United States. For example, Braga’s average cost of living for a couple is US$2,855.
Above all, what Braga offers is tranquility in a well-appointed, well-maintained, and elegant city.
This is a place that enchants visitors with its vibrant cultural offerings, blending ancient and youthful energies with its historical ambiance and modern-day university town buzz.
Braga is the center of Portugal’s Minho region, an area that’s famous for outstanding natural beauty, with lush landscapes, mountains, river valleys, and a rugged Atlantic coastline.
While many countries overseas do not require credentials for real estate agents, Portugal does.
You’ll find agents in the city with licenses issued by the government.
Most property is sold freehold. Portugal’s property registry system is centralized and very reliable.
Property prices and costs of living in Braga haven’t been inflated as much as in places like the Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto.
So, let’s take a closer look at the cost of living in Braga, Portugal.
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total | US$1,745 | |
| Rent | US$650 | Two-bedroom apartment in the city center. |
| Transportation | US$63 | Monthly pass for a couple. |
| Utilities | US$181 | Electricity (including air conditioning), gas, and water. Internet and Cable TV. |
| Cell Phone | US$41 | Monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data. |
| Entertainment | US$450 | Eating out twice a week, going for drinks twice a week, and going to the movies twice a month. |
| Groceries | US$300 | Monthly grocery haul. |
| Extra - Medical Appointment | US$55 | Basic consultation at a private clinic. |
| Extra - Household Help | US$60 | Twice per week. |
Braga in a nutshell is a culturally vibrant.
Its key appeal comes from its historic center, a dense, buzzy neighborhood that’s full of cafés, restaurants, boutiques, churches, supermarkets, businesses, hotels, homes, and more…
Once surrounded by medieval walls, a stunning Renaissance gate announces the entrance to Braga’s pedestrianized historic heart today.
Sites of historical significance abound in Braga.
For example, the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary and Sé de Braga Cathedral, and the sound of church bells, are reminders of Braga’s significance as a religious center.
On the other hand, Portuguese people love a good party. So, the cultural events calendar in Braga is stacked with festivals, concerts, and exhibitions year-round…
Braga is big on festivals and has annual events. Braga Romana, held every June, is its most famous festival, which celebrates the city’s ancient Roman roots. Other festivals throughout the year celebrate theatre and jazz and folk music.
Braga also has lots of restaurants, bars, and a vibrant nightlife—so you’ll never be stuck for choice if you want a fantastic meal, delicious wine, or a cocktail with friends.
Golfers will have their choice of golf courses in the area which offer stunning views all around you.
Plus, within a 30-minute drive, you can be at the beaches of Portugal’s northwest coast, including Esposende, Fao, Ofir, Geres, and Porto. And, a river access across the region, provides opportunities for kayaking and waterfall canyoning.
Take the short (one hour) train ride to Porto. This city is packed with art, impressive architecture, historical neighborhoods, beaches, parks, and gardens. And of course, don’t forget to try the port wine.
Porto is also home to the international English-speaking church of Saint James (Anglican) and the Kadoorie—Mekor Haim synagogue, which is the largest synagogue on the Iberian Peninsula and one of the largest in Europe.
Braga, often called the “Rome of Portugal,” is a charming, historic city that offers a perfect balance of tranquility, authenticity, and modern convenience.
While it has a smaller expat community than the Algarve, Lisbon, or Porto, that’s part of its charm—life here feels genuinely Portuguese, with a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere.
Compared to larger cities like Lisbon and Porto, Braga is significantly more affordable. Housing, groceries, dining, and healthcare all come at a lower price, making it an excellent choice for retirees looking to stretch their budget without sacrificing quality of life.
Braga enjoys a mild climate with warm summers and cool, crisp winters. Unlike the hotter southern regions, the weather here is comfortable year-round, with plenty of sunshine and greenery.
As one of Portugal’s oldest cities, Braga is steeped in history. From its stunning baroque churches to ancient Roman ruins, the city is a cultural gem. It also boasts lively festivals, including the famous Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations.
While smaller than other expat hubs, Braga still has an active international community. Many social groups and activities cater to newcomers, making it easy to meet fellow retirees and locals. Language classes, cultural events, and meetups ensure that expats feel connected and engaged.
Portugal has a high-quality healthcare system, and Braga is no exception. The city has modern hospitals, English-speaking doctors, and a mix of public and private healthcare options, providing retirees with excellent medical care.
Braga is just 40 minutes from Porto, giving you access to an international airport, major shopping centers, and all the amenities of a big city while enjoying the peaceful pace of Braga. The region is also well-connected by train and bus, making travel throughout Portugal and Spain easy.
Surrounded by lush landscapes, Braga offers plenty of outdoor activities. Whether it’s hiking in the nearby Peneda-Gerês National Park, exploring the rolling vineyards of the Minho region, or strolling through beautifully manicured city gardens, there’s no shortage of ways to stay active and enjoy nature.
Braga is known for being one of the safest cities in Portugal, with a strong sense of community and low crime rates. Locals are friendly, and the city has a relaxed pace, making it ideal for retirees seeking a peaceful yet engaging lifestyle.
Learning Portuguese is a wise move if you’re planning on living here. It can be difficult, and you’ll need support; try different teaching methods to figure out what works for you.
A few of the local services are innovative. For example, Portuguese with Carla takes a film in Portuguese and pauses after every scene to break down the language in the scene.
Duolingo, the world’s most popular language-learning program, teaches Brazilian, not European Portuguese… the alternative is Drops, which is similar to the way Duo works, but teaches traditional Portuguese.
In nearby Porto, you’ll find several language schools offering Portuguese lessons, both online and in person. The University of Porto also has Portuguese language courses in several modalities (semester, intensive, and summer courses).
You can get by with English alone in Braga and shouldn’t have a problem finding English-speaking doctors, real estate agents, and lawyers, as well as English-language media.
The standard of health care in Portugal is excellent. The country ranks by WHO as the 12th (out of 190) best system among UN-member countries.
General rule of thumb for health care in Portugal: All procedures are free except for dental care and cosmetic surgery.
Expect to pay minor fees when it comes to visits to the emergency room, your family doctor, or requesting an ambulance (fees are affordable and range from US$6 to US$22).
The health care systems and the medical staff in Portugal are highly qualified, and the public hospitals in the larger urban cities have state-of-the-art facilities.
Once you are a resident in Portugal, register yourself with your local health center, your centro de saúde.
For private facilities and primary care facilities, you will also be required to pay for a percentage of the diagnostic exams and the appointments.
While health care in Portugal is free and available to all, you are expected to pay some fees.
Depending on your needs, it’s a good idea to also get private insurance to balance out the extra fees incurred.
On average, per year, private health insurance in Portugal will run you from US$440 (for a basic plan) to US$1,100 (for a fuller plan).
In Braga, there are public hospitals and health centers, as well as private hospitals and clinics.
Hospital de Braga is one of the biggest hospitals in the region. And, the Braga Private Hospital provides quality care in the private system.
Porto, a major city with several more hospitals, is less than an hour away for anything that can’t be treated in Braga.
You should have no trouble meeting your health care needs here. In fact, you’ll likely be upgrading the quality of care you receive by relocating to Braga, Portugal.
Braga has the Mediterranean climate that Portugal is famous for, despite not being on the Mediterranean. It gets a full four seasons, including warm to hot summers and mild winters.
Because it’s inland, summers are hotter and winters are cooler than in other places in Portugal.
The coldest month in Braga is January when temperatures can dip to 48°F. The hottest months are July and August when the average temperature is 70.5°F.
Minho Province is the wettest area of the country, so expect rainfall.
Average humidity in Braga, Portugal is 80%.
Braga is prone to flooding, heat waves, wildfires, and earthquakes, although major events are rare.
Portugal has your typical Mediterranean temperate climate, except you will not experience extreme weather like you would in other European countries.
Reviewed By Lief Simon
Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.
Start Your New Overseas Life Today
A world full of fun, adventure, and profit awaits! Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and we’ll send you a FREE report on the 10 Best Places To Retire In Style Overseas Today 2025
We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
Is Tipping Custom In Portugal?
Tipping in Portugal differs from the States and other European destinations. Those who choose to spend time in Portugal should learn the local standards.
You have no obligation to tip in restaurants, hotels, bars, or personal service locations like salons and spas. However, a tip is appreciated by the service provider and tips are more common in tourist areas or places with a high expat population.
In Portugal you can find over 150 banks including a range of private national retail banks, public and cooperative banks, international banks, and mobile banks.
Portugal’s banking system is modern and advanced. Many of their banks are linked up to its Multibanco system.
The cuisine here is extraordinary… especially the seafood. Every menu has at least one entire page of fish options, whatever typically comes off the boats: sardines, mackerel, cod, octopus, shrimp, and on, and on… They grill it up and serve it whole. The simplicity is refreshing and the meals are light yet filling.
For decades now, I’ve tried to educate people on how to do some basic analysis on investment real estate. One...
Almost 30 years ago I got a life-changing call from a property scout I had sent on a mission to...
Thirty minutes from the south and west coasts of the Algarve is Monchique, an area of rolling hills, mountains, and...
In most Portuguese towns and cities, as soon as summer officially ends, the ice-cream carts disappear from sight. Make way...
We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
As seen in
RETIRE OVERSEAS AND
LIVE LIKE ROYALTY
Sign up for FREE and learn how to live the good life on a modest budget, find bargain property, and more. Plus, check out our FREE report on the 10 BEST PLACES TO RETIRE.
Top Countries
Budgets
Affordable
Resources
Real Estate
Overseas Property Alert
How To Become Independently Wealthy And Fund The Lifestyle Of Your Dreams
Buying Real Estate For Cashflow
Discover tips and strategies used by global property investing veterans
Explore Our Latest Posts
Learn how to invest and purchase property abroad…
Conferences
Live and Invest In Panama Conference
Live And Invest In Greece Workshop
Live And Invest In Portugal Conference
Contact Our Events Team:
Toll-Free U.S. and Canada:
1 (888) 627 8834
From Outside North America:
1 (443) 599 1221
Working Hours
Monday – Friday 08:00 am – 17:00 pm EST.
Reach us with your questions by email at: events@liveandinvestoverseas.com
Store
Overseas Havens Reports
Conference Kits
Lahardan Books
Services
Free Report
THE 10 BEST PLACES TO RETIRE IN 2025
Sign up to receive the FREE daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter and we’ll immediately email you our editors’ latest research report…
We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
Follow Us:
© 2008 - Live and Invest Overseas - All Rights Reserved.