About an hour’s drive from Porto, along the Tâmega River, there is a town that has just made it onto a prestigious international list: International Living has included Amarante among the “21 small towns where you can live better, ” many of which have a cost of living that can be kept below $2,000 per month (an amount equivalent to about 1,715 euros, depending on the exchange rate). Of the three Portuguese towns selected, it is the one closest to Porto.
What International Living highlights about Amarante
According to the publication, Amarante is a small, picturesque town in the Tâmega and Sousa subregion, with a historic bridge and a view of the river as its hallmark (the town is known for the São Gonçalo Bridge over the Tâmega River). The pace of life is intentionally slower, allowing residents to experience the traditional Portuguese “calm” away from the hustle and bustle of more touristy destinations. Among the town’s highlights are high-quality traditional restaurants, local fruit stands, and historic bakeries known for their regional pastries.
How much does it cost to live in Amarante?
The publication also highlights Amarante’s real estate market, estimating that modern, move-in-ready one-bedroom apartments located in the historic center can cost as low as $150,000—about 128,600 euros, depending on the exchange rate. A traditional three-bedroom house, on the other hand, costs around $300,000 or more, equivalent to approximately 257,200 euros. To rent a similar property, the publication indicates monthly rents of around $1,000—about 857 euros—for two- or three-bedroom apartments.
Compared to Porto, your money goes further
The difference becomes even clearer when compared to prices in Porto. According to 2026 data, renting a studio or a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Porto costs between €900 and €1,300 per month — practically the same as renting an entire two- or three-bedroom apartment in Amarante, which costs around $1,000 per month (about 857€, at the exchange rate on August 27, 2026). In other words, the cost of a simple studio apartment in Porto can get you a much larger apartment in Amarante.
Portugal has three towns on the list
In addition to Amarante, International Living’s list also includes Lousã, in the district of Coimbra, known for its schist villages and mountain trails, and Castelo Branco, a district capital with a public hospital, private clinics, and a 13th-century Templar castle atop a hill. Neither of these two is as close to Porto as Amarante.
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