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Cost of Living in Évora, Portugal: A Comprehensive Guide

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Written by Kittenproperties

25.05.2023

Introduction

Évora, a charming city nestled in Portugal's Alentejo region, presents an enticing blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and affordability. This article delves into the cost of living in Évora, giving insights into the cost of everyday needs, rent, buying property, transportation, and more.As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Évora is a small city that carries a big punch. Home to just over 56,500 inhabitants, its rich history, quality of life, and moderate cost of living make it an attractive choice for expats and locals alike. But just how much does it cost to live in Évora?

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Everyday Living Expenses in Évora

Grocery Shopping in Évora

Grocery prices in Évora are moderate and on par with the rest of Portugal. For instance, a loaf of bread is approximately €1.10, a liter of milk costs around €0.60, and a dozen eggs can be found for about €2.50. Shopping at local farmers markets can further cut down your expenses, providing fresh produce at affordable prices.

Dining Out in Évora

The cost of dining out in Évora varies depending on the restaurant. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around €10, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is about €40.

Utilities and Internet Expenses

Utilities for a two-bedroom apartment in Évora, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, come to an average of €100 per month. A high-speed Internet connection runs around €30 per month.

Housing Costs in Évora

Renting in Évora

Rent is significantly cheaper in Évora compared to Lisbon or Porto. A one-bedroom apartment in Évora city center will cost around €400 per month, while a similar apartment outside the city center can be rented for approximately €300 per month. A three-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around €700 per month, while one outside the city center is about €600 per month.

Buying Property in Évora

The price to buy property in Évora is also more affordable than in larger cities. On average, the price per square meter for an apartment in the city center is around €1,500. In contrast, property outside the city center is typically around €1,200 per square meter.

Transportation in Évora

Public Transportation

Évora has a well-developed public transportation system, with single tickets for local buses costing €1.20. A monthly bus pass is available for around €30.

Driving and Gas Prices

Those preferring to drive will find gasoline prices hovering around €1.50 per liter. Keep in mind that owning a car also entails additional costs like maintenance, insurance, and parking.

Other Expenses

Healthcare

Portugal has an excellent healthcare system. While healthcare is generally affordable, private health insurance can offer additional peace of mind and faster access to specialists. Monthly premiums for such insurance typically range from €20 to €50 per person.

Entertainment

Évora offers plenty of inexpensive or free entertainment, like exploring its historic sites or enjoying its beautiful parks. Cinema tickets cost around €7, while a gym membership is typically about €35 per month.

Living in Évora: A Closer Look

Évora offers more than just affordability; it offers a unique lifestyle that blends tradition with modernity, all steeped in a relaxed pace of life.

Culture and Lifestyle

Évora's rich cultural heritage is evident in its stunning architecture, ranging from Roman ruins to medieval cathedrals. The city offers a diverse cultural scene, with numerous festivals, exhibitions, and concerts throughout the year. Meanwhile, the slower pace of life compared to larger cities like Lisbon or Porto allows residents to truly savor their surroundings and everyday experiences.

Educational Opportunities

Families will find several high-quality public and private schools in Évora. Furthermore, the University of Évora, one of Portugal's most respected educational institutions, offers excellent higher education opportunities. This presence of academia contributes to a vibrant, youthful energy in the city.

Job Opportunities in Évora

The job market in Évora is diverse. While agriculture and winemaking remain significant in the surrounding Alentejo region, the city itself offers opportunities in various sectors.

Tourism Sector

Thanks to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, tourism plays a crucial role in Évora's economy. Those with language skills, particularly in English, Spanish, French, and German, will find various job opportunities in this sector.

Teaching Jobs

Évora's status as a university city also means there's a demand for teaching jobs, especially for those qualified to teach English as a foreign language.

Technology and Business Services

Like much of Portugal, Évora has seen a growth in technology and business services sectors. Companies are increasingly attracted to the city due to its high quality of life and lower operational costs, creating opportunities in fields like IT, finance, and customer service.

Safety in Évora

Safety is an essential factor when considering where to live. Évora is one of the safest cities in Portugal, with crime rates well below the national average. Its small size and community-focused lifestyle contribute to this sense of security.

Conclusion

Évora presents a high standard of living at a moderate cost. From its affordable housing options to reasonable everyday expenses, this charming city offers an excellent quality of life that doesn't break the bank. If you're considering a move to Portugal, Évora certainly deserves a spot on your shortlist.Living in Évora offers a unique blend of history, culture, and affordability. Whether you're an expat looking for a slower pace of life, a student in search of a vibrant university town, or a retiree seeking sunshine and value for money, Évora might just be the perfect fit.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Évora a good place to retire?

Yes, Évora is an excellent place to retire. It offers a slower pace of life, affordable cost of living, rich culture, and warm weather.

2. How does the cost of living in Évora compare to Lisbon?

The cost of living in Évora is significantly lower than in Lisbon, especially in terms of housing.

3. Can I find English-speaking jobs in Évora?

While Portuguese is the primary language, English-speaking jobs can be found, particularly in tourism, teaching, and the digital sector.

4. What is the climate like in Évora?

Évora enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.

5. Is healthcare in Évora affordable?

Yes, healthcare in Portugal is generally affordable, and Évora is no exception. However, many expats choose to take out private health insurance for additional coverage.

6. What is the language spoken in Évora?

The official language is Portuguese, but English is widely spoken, particularly among younger people and in the tourism sector.

7. Are there international schools in Évora?

While there aren't any international schools in Évora itself, several are located in Lisbon, which is about 1.5 hours away by car.

8. How far is Évora from the beach?

The Alentejo coast is around an hour's drive from Évora, offering beautiful, unspoiled beaches.

9. How can I find a job in Évora?

Job listings can be found online, or you can reach out to employment agencies. Networking is also a key part of job searching in Portugal.

10. Does Évora have a good social scene?

Yes, Évora has a lively social scene, thanks to its blend of locals, expats, and students. The city offers a range of restaurants, bars, and cultural events, as well as outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.

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