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Cascais, Portugal: Cost of Living, Healthcare, Local Clubs and Activities, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Cascais | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Guincho beach in Cascais, Portugal

Cascais, Portugal

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Nov 10, 2024

Summary: The approximate population of Cascais, Portugal is around 200,000 people. People describe Cascais as a charming coastal town with a relaxed atmosphere and stunning beaches. Expats love living in Cascais for its proximity to Lisbon, its beautiful beaches, its vibrant nightlife, and its relaxed atmosphere. The weather in Cascais is mild and temperate. The average temperature in the summer is around 68°F (20°C) and in the winter it is around 50°F (10°C). The average cost of living in Cascais for an expat is around $2,000 per month. The cost of a one bedroom apartment is around $1,000 per month and a two bedroom apartment is around $1,500 per month.

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What do I need to know about living in Cascais?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Cascais, they said:

"Cascais is a popular destination for expats looking to retire in Portugal. Before making the move, it is important to understand the cost of living in the area, the availability of healthcare and other services, and the local culture and customs. Expats should also research the local climate and the best time of year to visit. Additionally, it is important to understand the Portuguese language and the visa requirements for living in Portugal. Finally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local real estate market and the process of buying or renting a property in Cascais," remarked one expat who made the move to Cascais.

"After basic research using internet sites, so you understand the cost of living and ease of speaking English, spend time here--two weeks or so--before making any commitment. Renting for a few months or longer is most common and affords the flexibility to try other towns, as the life style varies quite a bit between city and village or rural life. This is not a dirt-streets beach town; it is historic, relaxed, casual yet chic," explained one expat living in Cascais, Portugal.

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What do I need to know before moving to Cascais?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Cascais, they said:

"Cascais is a beautiful coastal town in Portugal, located just outside of Lisbon. It is a popular destination for expats due to its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and excellent quality of life. Before moving to Cascais, expats should be aware that the cost of living is higher than in other parts of Portugal, and that the weather can be quite unpredictable. Additionally, expats should research the local healthcare system and make sure they have the necessary documents to obtain a residence permit. Finally, it is important to familiarize oneself with the Portuguese language and culture, as this will make the transition to life in Cascais much smoother," wrote a member in Cascais.

How do I find a place to live in Cascais?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"Cascais is a beautiful coastal town in Portugal, and there are many options for finding a place to live. One of the best ways to find a place to live in Cascais is to search online for rental listings. There are many websites that offer listings for apartments, houses, and other types of rental properties in Cascais. Additionally, you can also search for rental properties in local newspapers and classifieds. Another option is to contact a local real estate agent who can help you find a suitable place to live in Cascais. Finally, you can also ask around in the local community for recommendations on rental properties," said one expat in Cascais.

What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Cascais?

"Expat homes and apartments in Cascais are typically modern and spacious, with plenty of natural light and stunning views of the ocean. Many of the homes and apartments have balconies or terraces, perfect for enjoying the warm Mediterranean climate. The interiors are often decorated with contemporary furnishings and feature high-end appliances and amenities. Many of the homes and apartments also have access to communal pools, gardens, and other amenities," explained one expat living in Cascais, Portugal.

What is the average cost of housing in Cascais?

If you are thinking about moving to Cascais, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The cost of housing in Cascais is generally quite high, with prices ranging from moderately expensive to very expensive. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Cascais is typically around €1,000 per month, while larger apartments and houses can cost significantly more," remarked one expat who made the move to Cascais.

How do I meet people in Cascais?

When we asked people living in Cascais about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Cascais often join clubs and activities such as golf, tennis, sailing, and surfing. Expats can also join local language classes, book clubs, and wine tasting groups. Additionally, expats can meet people by attending local festivals, visiting local markets, and exploring the city's many restaurants and bars. Expats can also join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats living in Cascais," said one expat who made the move to Cascais.

"Americans in Portugal ([email protected] and on facebook) offers social activities to mark the US holidays and some informational meetings on taxes or similar topics during the year; International Women in Portugal is also helpful on a broad basis related to settling in," explained one expat living in Cascais, Portugal.

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What should I bring when moving to Cascais?

People living in Cascais were asked what three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They wrote:

"When moving to Cascais, it is important to pack items that will help you adjust to the climate and lifestyle. Pack comfortable clothing for the warm summers and mild winters, as well as a light jacket for cooler evenings. Bring a good pair of walking shoes for exploring the city and its surrounding areas. Don't forget to bring a swimsuit for the beautiful beaches. Sunscreen and a hat are also essential for protecting yourself from the sun. Additionally, bring any necessary medications and toiletries. Finally, make sure to bring a few items that will help you feel at home, such as photos, books, and other personal items," explained one expat living in Cascais, Portugal.

Where should I setup a bank account in Cascais?

We asked expats in Cascais what banks they use and there advice about banking. They advised:

"Cascais is a popular destination for expats looking to retire in Portugal. Before making the move, it is important to understand the cost of living in the area, the availability of healthcare and other services, and the local culture and customs. Expats should also research the local climate and the best time of year to visit. Additionally, it is important to understand the Portuguese language and the visa requirements for living in Portugal. Finally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local real estate market and the process of buying or renting a property in Cascais," remarked one expat who made the move to Cascais.

Will I be able to find a job in Cascais?

When we asked people about industries and career opportunities in Cascais, they reponded:

"Tourism is the major industry across Portugal. Jobs are posted at the facebook site "Job Opportunities in Cascais" as well as at restaurants or shops seeking help. International teachers are also in demand and Cascais is close to the NATO headquarters. Housecleaners and nannies / babysitters are often requested. Due to the economy and bureaucracy, it isn't easy for a foreigner to come here and start a business--yet there are many who've accomplished that," said one expat who made the move to Cascais.

"Foreigners often have jobs in the hospitality industry in Cascais, such as working in hotels, restaurants, and bars. Other popular jobs for foreigners include teaching English, working in retail, and providing administrative support. Additionally, many foreigners find work in the tourism industry, such as tour guides and tour operators," explained one expat living in Cascais, Portugal.

What is life like in Cascais?

When we asked people living in Cascais what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Cascais is generally quite pleasant. The city is known for its stunning beaches, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, with plenty of opportunities to explore the city and its surroundings. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to live and work abroad. The city also offers a wide range of activities and attractions, from outdoor activities such as surfing and hiking to cultural attractions such as museums and galleries. Additionally, the city is well-connected to the rest of Portugal and Europe, making it easy to travel to other destinations," wrote a member in Cascais.

"All of the things you mention. There is a wide range of social activities and sports but a lot of young families with children. The city provides many fun activities and festivals during the year," commented one expat who made the move to Cascais .

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What do expats in Cascais appreciate most about the local culture?

"Kind, helpful and genuinely friendly Portuguese people. The beautiful and, mainly, pristine beaches, forests, villages, towns, rivers and ocean," remarked one expat who made the move to Cascais.

"Expats in Cascais appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and the friendly locals. They also enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the area, with its beaches, cliffs, and forests. The city's vibrant cultural scene, with its museums, galleries, and festivals, is also a draw for expats. The city's excellent transportation links to Lisbon and other cities in Portugal make it easy to explore the country. Finally, the city's excellent food and wine scene, with its traditional Portuguese dishes and local wines, is a great way to experience the culture," explained one expat living in Cascais, Portugal.

What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in Cascais may find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. Portuguese is the official language of the country, and many locals may not be able to communicate in English. Additionally, the Portuguese culture is very family-oriented, and expats may find it difficult to make friends and build relationships with locals. Furthermore, the Portuguese are known for their laid-back attitude, which can be difficult for expats who are used to a more fast-paced lifestyle. Finally, the Portuguese are known for their strong sense of pride and patriotism, which can be difficult for expats to understand and appreciate," remarked one expat who made the move to Cascais.

"Pace of life and government bureaucracy. Pace of life is easy to adjust...slow down and enjoy. When dealing with government agencies just be prepared for extreme bureaucracy," explained one expat living in Cascais, Portugal.

Is there a lot of crime in Cascais?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"Little crime in Cascais. in Lisbon there is a fair amount of pickpocket crime but only in certain areas," remarked one expat living in Cascais, Portugal.

"Cascais is generally considered to be a safe city, with low levels of crime. The city has a strong police presence and a good security infrastructure, making it a safe place to live and visit. The most common crimes reported in Cascais are petty theft and pickpocketing, which are usually concentrated in tourist areas. However, these types of crimes are relatively rare and can be avoided by taking basic precautions," wrote one member in Cascais.

Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Cascais accepting of differences?

"Portuguese are intrinsically accepting of others, so they embrace diversity. They respect American, British and Scandinavian persons highly among foreigners; they will not embrace 'Gypsies' but won't go out of their way to disrespect them. A good size foreign population lives here, representing all of Europe, South Africa, Asia, Middle East and South Americans," said one expat who made the move to Cascais.

"Cascais is a diverse city with a variety of cultures and backgrounds represented. People in Cascais are generally accepting of differences and embrace the diversity of the city. There is a strong sense of community and acceptance of different cultures, religions, and lifestyles," explained one expat living in Cascais, Portugal.

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What are the schools in Cascais like?

"The International School of Cascais (ISC) is one of the best international schools in Cascais. Located in the heart of the city, ISC offers a comprehensive education for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which is designed to develop students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. ISC also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. The American International School of Lisbon (AISL) is another excellent international school in Cascais. AISL offers a rigorous American-style education for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. The school follows the American curriculum, which is designed to prepare students for college and university. AISL also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. The Cascais Bilingual School (CBS) is a great bilingual school in Cascais. CBS offers a bilingual education for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. The school follows the Portuguese and English curriculum, which is designed to develop students’ language skills. CBS also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art," wrote an expat with kids at in Cascais.

"Go and visit; it might not be for you if you are against your child learning the Bible. We are Christians, so we like that. There are many other non-christian families though that appreciate the good morals that are encouraged here," commented one expat when asked about International Christian School of Cascais in Cascais.

What are the pros and cons of living in Cascais?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Cascais responded:

"Expats and digital nomads living in Cascais appreciate the stunning natural beauty of the area, with its picturesque beaches, rugged cliffs, and lush green hills. They also enjoy the mild climate, with temperatures rarely dropping below 10°C in the winter and rarely rising above 30°C in the summer. Additionally, the city is well-connected to Lisbon, making it easy to access the capital's many attractions. Expats and digital nomads also appreciate the friendly locals, who are welcoming and helpful. On the downside, the cost of living in Cascais can be quite high, and the city can be quite crowded during the summer months," commented one expat living in Cascais, Portugal.

"Love the location, beauty of the city, sea, etc. Love that it's so easy to assimilate without knowing the language. Very easy to meet people and make friends. Pre covid - lots of fun activities sponsored by the city of Cascais and in Lisbon. Public transport is great here in Cascais and in Lisbon. Train is easy and inexpensive to get between the cities. Lots of cultural activities here and even more in Lisbon. Good medical services with English speaking doctors. Love that Cascais is small enough to get acquainted with shop keepers and restaurant staff and owners. The climate is quite good a significant portion of the time. Easy to fly to other parts of Europe inexpensively and quickly. Lots of places within Portugal to explore. The seafood and wine. Movies and TV programming in English. Portuguese people are welcoming and tolerant of expats. Shopping at the Mercado for fruits and veggies - and fish, is great. Fruits and veggies taste so much better than in the States. The city of Cascais goes to great effort to keep the city clean, flower beds fresh and everything looking beautiful. Free bus service for residents. Negatives - in normal times the tourist density is bad during the summers. Women's clothing that I like is very scarce. Vitamins and minerals are very expensive. OTC medications are only sold in very small amounts," remarked one expat living in Cascais.

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What type of social life can someone expect in Cascais?

When we asked expats and global nomads about their social experiences in Cascais, they replied:

"Expats, retirees and digital nomads living in Cascais typically have an active social life. There are many opportunities to meet people and make friends, such as attending local events, joining clubs and organizations, and taking part in activities like surfing, sailing, and golf. The city also has a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs to explore. Additionally, the city is close to Lisbon, which offers even more opportunities for socializing," said one expat living in Cascais.

"A thoroughly international community where English is the common language. We plan cocktail hours, coffee mornings, have clubs for every interest and also just gather serendipitously in the normal course of a day," mentioned one expat inCascais.

"It is impossible not to be friends with the local Portuguese--they rather 'adopt' us and help us resolve any type of issue. We are a well integrated mix of natives and immigrants," remarked one expat in Cascais.

"Cascais is a vibrant and lively town with a great social scene. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafes to explore, as well as a variety of cultural activities and events to enjoy. The town is also known for its stunning beaches, which are perfect for relaxing and socializing with friends. During the summer months, the town is bustling with tourists and locals alike, making it a great place to meet new people and make new connections," wrote one expat living in Cascais.

What advice to expats in Cascais have about housing?

"When looking for housing in Cascais, it is important to research the area thoroughly and be aware of the local market. Expats should also consider the cost of living in the area, as well as the availability of public transportation and other amenities. It is also important to be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding renting and buying property. Additionally, expats should be sure to check out the safety and security of the area before making a decision. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local culture and customs when looking for housing in Cascais, Portugal," remarked one expat living in Cascais.

"Rental opportunities abound...but at some point, your age prompts you to want a secure spot for 'the rest of your days'. That means you need to buy," said one expat living in Cascais.

What are medical services in Cascais like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Cascais, they replied:

"Public care is available to all...it's just slower and more crowded. Easily affordable private care is like 5 star service," mentioned an expat living in Cascais.

"Cascais offers a wide range of medical services for its residents and visitors. The city has several public and private hospitals, as well as a number of specialized clinics and medical centers. The public hospitals provide general medical care, while the private hospitals offer more specialized services. Additionally, there are a variety of pharmacies and medical supply stores in the city. Cascais also has a number of medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and dentists, who are available to provide medical care," said an expat in Cascais.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Cascais?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Cascais can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Private health insurance is available, but it can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Public healthcare is also available, but it may not cover all medical expenses either. In general, healthcare and health insurance in Cascais can be expensive, but there are options available to help make it more affordable," remarked one expat living in Cascais.

"Expensive- relative to what? Compared to our former California prices, not at all. Cost in Cascais is no more expensive than comparable care in the rest of Portugal. Top-of-the-line insurance just got more expensive for elders, but it covers much more than comparable US plans like Medicare + supplement + out-of-pocket. The quality of CUF care, for example, is excellent. Prescription drug prices are way below the US (although non-prescription supplements are much higher). For example, my heart/cholesterol drugs are about 12 euros a month (and totally reimbursed by our top-of-line health insurance.) "List prices" of hospital care and surgery are much lower than in the US with comparable medical expertise and treatment. We, and our friends have had some serious medical events and we are very satisfied with the level of care," said one expat living in Cascais.

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Is the cost of living in Cascais high?

We asked people about the cost of living in Cascais, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Cascais is generally considered to be quite high. Rental prices for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Cascais, Portugal can range from around $1,000 to $1,500 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can range from around $1,500 to $2,000 per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Cascais, Portugal can cost around $20 to $30 per person," remarked one expat living in Cascais.

What are the visa & residency requirements in Cascais?

"In order to visit Cascais, visitors must obtain a Schengen visa from the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in their home country. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and proof of travel insurance. In order to obtain residency in Cascais, Portugal, applicants must submit a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and proof of travel insurance. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of employment, proof of health insurance, and proof of a clean criminal record. Once the application is approved, applicants will receive a residence permit, which must be renewed every two years," mentioned an expat living in Cascais.

Why do people move to Cascais?

When we asked people why foreigners move to Cascais, they responded:

"Cascais is a popular destination for expats due to its stunning natural beauty, mild climate, and vibrant culture. The city is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning views of the ocean and nearby beaches. Cascais is also known for its excellent infrastructure, with excellent public transportation, modern amenities, and a wide range of activities and attractions. Additionally, the city is home to a diverse population, with a variety of cultures and languages, making it a great place to meet new people and experience different cultures. Finally, Cascais is known for its low cost of living, making it an attractive option for expats looking to live in a beautiful and affordable location," mentioned one expat inCascais.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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