The Western Algarve is less than an hour’s drive from Faro Airport, yet it feels like a completely different world compared to the central Algarve. In short, life in Portugal is a different adventure depending on where you want to settle.
This delightful area in Portugal is known for its unspoiled beaches, rich cultural heritage, and wild natural landscapes.
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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.
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Portugal had not been a well-known destination and attracted very few foreign
visitors. The country remained largely undiscovered until the mid-1990s, when Europeans began immigrating en masse.
Expats to Portugal enjoy its beautiful landscapes, historical architecture, stunning beaches, and welcoming residency programs. Nowadays, Portugal is home to hundreds of thousands of (mostly European) expats and North Americans are just picking up on
the trend.
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | 3% to 4% | It’s difficult to get a mortgage unless you deposit comparable funds in a Portuguese bank account. |
| HOA Fees | €67 to €100 | This can range from €0 to €100 depending on the unit size and value as well as property amenities. |
| Property Taxes | €42 | About €450 annually. If you purchase a small unit, the value of that unit may qualify for a special program that waives property taxes for the first three years of ownership. Ask your real estate lawyer if you qualify. |
| Transportation | €63 | New cars range from €14,000 and up. Extensive coverage car insurance ranges from €350 per year and up. |
| Gas | €50 | Using a water heater. |
| Electricity | €100 | With heating and air conditioning in each room, plus costs for appliance-use and cooking. These figures are based on a 125-square-meter, ground-floor, condo apartment built in 2007 with a B+ energy rating. Heating and air conditioning costs will be affected by your energy rating. |
| Water | €27 to €30 | Including water, sewage, garbage collection, and community landscaping provided by Tavira Verde. |
| Cell Phone | €35 | |
| Internet | €55 | Package with internet and cable TV. |
| Cable TV | – | Included in internet fee. |
| Household Help | €300 | Two five-hour visits, twice a week monthly. The standard rate is €7.50 per hour. |
| Entertainment | €398 | Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant: €40 per couple per meal out. Local drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole: €20 (€1.50 for a beer; €2.50 for a glass of wine; €12 for a bottle of wine). Movie theater trip twice a month: tickets €3.50 per person. |
| Groceries | €320 to €400 | |
| Gym Membership | €50 | Rolling membership at Hitio Gym or pilates classes twice a week. |
| Medical Appointment | €4.50 to €75 | Basic clinic/GP visit using National Centro de Saude: €4.50 (€3.50 for prescription). Private appointment without insurance: €50 to €70. |
| TOTAL | €1,511.50 to €1,698 |
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | €470 to €800 | One-bedroom, unfurnished apartment in the city center: €470. Two-bedroom, unfurnished apartment in city center: €650. Three-bedroom apartment in a modern urbanization (with a parking garage) in walking distance to downtown: €800. |
| Transportation | €63 | New cars range from €14,000 and up. Extensive coverage car insurance ranges from €350 per year and up. |
| Gas | €50 | Using a water heater. |
| Electricity | €100 | With heating and air conditioning in each room, plus costs for appliance-use and cooking. These figures are based on a 125-square-meter, ground-floor, condo apartment built in 2007 with a B+ energy rating. Heating and air conditioning costs will be affected by your energy rating. |
| Water | €27 to €30 | Including water, sewage, garbage collection, and community landscaping provided by Tavira Verde. |
| Cell Phone | €35 | |
| Internet | €55 | Package with internet and cable TV. |
| Cable TV | – | Included in internet fee. |
| Household Help | €300 | For bi-monthly, four-hour visits. The standard rate is €7 per hour. |
| Entertainment | €398 | Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant: €40 per couple per meal out. Local drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole: €20 (€1.50 for a beer; €2.50 for a glass of wine; €12 for a bottle of wine). Movie theater trip twice a month: tickets €3.50 per person. |
| Groceries | €320 to €400 | |
| Gym Membership | €50 | Rolling membership at Hitio Gym or pilates classes twice a week. |
| Medical Appointment | €4.50 to €75 | Cost for private GP and medical specialist visit at Taviclinica. Dental check-up/cleaning at Ecodenta is €60. National Health System charges tax only on visits (€4) and basic tests (upwards from €10). However, no dental or specialist services are available at the local health center. |
| TOTAL | €1,872.50 to €2,356 |
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| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | €400 | Cheapest part of town; basic one-bedroom rental. |
| Transportation | €40 | Bus ticket: €4 to €5; monthly pass: €40. |
| Gas | €35 to €40 | For cooking and hot water. |
| Electricity | €65 | More if using heating or air conditioning. |
| Water | €27 to €30 | Including washing machine use. |
| Cell Phone | €7.99 | Cell phone service for one phone with a pre-existing number with MEO. |
| Internet | €78 | TVMucho annual subscription; Wi-Fi but no cable; internet TV only. |
| Cable TV | – | |
| Entertainment | €204 | Two “prato do dia” lunches for two per week; walking in the park or beach is free. |
| Groceries | €70 | All local-brand items only, shopping at markets and grocery stores. |
| TOTAL | €926.99 to €934.99 |
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.
We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
Among the cities that are part of the Western Algarve are: Ferragudo, Alvor, Lagos, and Praia da Luz.
The Western Algarve is known for its tranquil and countryside vibe, while still providing easy access to bustling towns like Lagos and Portimão. This area of Portugal showcases a mix of coastal, mountainous, and inland scenery.
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