Recently gaining much popularity, living in the Azores has quickly become a fan favorite among expats worldwide.
Scenic beauty, welcoming community, affordable lifestyle – these nine islands offer quite a lot to its residents. In this blog, we will explore all you need to know about living in the Azores should you relocate.
The Azores have emerged as a favorite destination among expats, offering scenic beauty, a welcoming community, and an affordable lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Where is The Azores
Comprising nine islands roughly 1,500 kilometers off the coast of mainland Portugal, the Azores is nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean. These three-group islands consist of:
- Eastern Group: São Miguel and Santa Maria.
- Central Group: Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, and Faial.
- Western Group: Flores and Corvo.
From the busy metropolitan heart of São Miguel to the calm, less inhabited Corvo, every group has its appeal. Whether your preferred lifestyle is lively city living or a more isolated, nature-oriented vacation, the Azores are a popular choice for many because of their variety.
Who is Currently Living in the Azores?
The Azores boast a varied population with many residents and an increasing expat count. This number has increased so much that Portugal’s foreign resident population surpassed one million last year. Only in Azores there are 6,237 resident expats. Retirees from Northern Europe, the UK, and North America have been increasingly lured to the islands over the past few years. They prefer living in the Azores for its moderate temperature, picturesque scenery, and laid-back style of life.
Part-timers, remote workers, artists, entrepreneurs, and retirees are among the expanding expat community members. Some residents are here year-round, while others come periodically to take in the island’s natural beauty. Newcomers will find it simple to fit in and feel at home in the friendly and accepting local community.
The Best Places For Living in The Azores
There are several lovely areas for living in the Azores, each with unique benefits for amenities, pricing, and way of life.
São Miguel
Often the best choice for newcomers living in the Azores, São Miguel is also the biggest island and most developed one. Renowned for its hot springs and beautiful surroundings, the island presents a fusion of modern conveniences with unspaced beauty. Ponta Delgada, the capital, boasts a thriving expat population that makes meeting people and enjoying all the advantages of city life simple.
Terceira
Celebrated for its rich cultural legacy and ancient landmarks like the UNESCO World Heritage site, Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira is a great choice for individuals. It is an ideal place to live in the Azores for those fascinated by Portuguese culture, history, and its vibrant festival scene. It also boasts a friendly environment and a large expat population.
Pico
Renowned for its vineyards and breathtaking vistas of Portugal’s tallest mountain, Pico is perfect for nature lovers. Those who love solitude and peace will find the island’s quiet, slower-paced way of life appealing. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is a great spot with lots of water sports and hiking paths.
Faial
Among sailors and water sports aficionados, Faial is one of the favorite places to live in the Azores, with its picturesque marina and Pico vistas. For expats seeking a balanced existence between action and peace, the island’s laid-back attitude and simple access to the other central islands make it a sensible choice.
Santa Maria
Because of its pleasant temperature and sandy beaches, Santa Maria is perfect for individuals looking for a beach-oriented lifestyle. Since it’s quieter than other islands, retirees or those looking for a serene, picturesque location to reside would find ideal homes and prefer living in the Azores here.
Every island presents a different experience; hence, it’s good to see a few before deciding on anything.
How to Move to The Azores?
Immigration & Visas for Living in the Azores
Here are the main visa choices for anyone interested in traveling or living in the Azores:
Portugal D7 Visa: The Portugal D7 visa is best suited for retirees or financially stable people. If you have a passive income, pension, or investment, this is your go-to solution. With the D7 visa, you will be living in the Azores comfortably.
Digital Nomad Visa: As the name suggests, Digital Nomad Visa is for remote workers. This lets individuals operate online from the Azores. As the popularity of remote work grows, this visa is becoming more and more popular amongst digital nomads considering living in the Azores.
Portugal D2 Visa: This visa is for company owners and entrepreneurs hoping to launch businesses in Portugal. It also appeals to foreigners living in the Azores who wish to help the local economy.
These visas are absolutely necessary for long-term residency for non-EU nationals. EU/EEA nationals must register their residence within 90 days of arrival; they do not need a visa.
Our residency and migration partner, Portugal Residency Advisors, provides comprehensive information on the visa application process and securing a residence permit. They also offer valuable insights for expats living in the Azores.
Pros of Living in The Azores
Expats living in the Azores enjoy numerous benefits:
- Mild Climate: The Azores fit year-round outdoor activities with its subtropical climate featuring warm summers and mild winters.
- Affordable Cost of Living: Living in the Azores is more affordable than in mainland Portugal, mainly Lisbon. This would include accommodation, food, and general expenses.
- Nature & Outdoor Activities: The Azores present hundreds of outdoor activities, including hiking, diving, whale watching, and hot springs.
- Growing Expat Population: The Azores’ welcoming environment helps expats blend in. As the population of foreigners grows, there is more knowledge and resources available to newcomers.
- Family-Friendly Environment: The Azores is a safe and friendly area in which to raise a family. Additionally, you can enjoy retirement peacefully thanks to low crime rates in the country.
Cons of Living in The Azores
Despite its many charms, living in the Azores has certain disadvantages.
- Restricted Job Opportunities: Usually, employment possibilities in industries like tourism, fishing, and agriculture only cover the residents already living in the Azores. For expats living in the Azores, remote work or self-employment is best.
- Healthcare Facilities: Although there are rudimentary healthcare facilities, specialist treatments could call for a visit to mainland Portugal. For greater coverage, many foreigners choose private health insurance, which can be classified as a high cost of living in the Azores.
- Isolation: The Azores’ far-off location can be isolating, particularly for people who depend often on mainland supplies and services.
- Language Barrier: Portuguese is the main language spoken by people living in the Azores. Hence, there can be difficulties for individuals who do not speak it. One can benefit from learning some fundamental Portuguese while living in the Azores.
- Seasonal Tourism: The flood of visitors at busy times could result in packed areas that would not be appealing to people who want a more sedate way of life.
Cost of Living in the Azores
The cost of living in the Azores is lower than in other European destinations, which is a major appeal for expats. Here’s a look at some typical expenses:
Dining Out
Dining out is affordable and diverse in the Azores:
- Inexpensive Meal: €10 (range €6.50–€25).
- Three-Course Meal for Two: €40 (range €35–€45).
- Domestic Beer: €1.60 (range €1.20–€3).
- Cappuccino: €1.80 (range €0.70–€2.00).
Groceries
Basic groceries are reasonably priced:
- Milk (1L): €1.00.
- Bread (500g): €1.05.
- Eggs (12): €2.69.
- Local Cheese (1kg): €14.06.
- Chicken Fillets (1kg): €8.88.
- Apples (1kg): €2.28.
The affordability of local produce helps keep grocery costs low.
Transportation
Public transport and fuel are accessible:
- One-Way Ticket: €1.50.
- Monthly Pass: €50.
- Gasoline (1L): €1.60.
Utilities and Internet
Monthly utility bills are affordable:
- Basic Utilities for 85m² Apartment: €150.
- Mobile Plan (10GB Data): €18.50.
- Internet (60 Mbps): €12.
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Real Estate Prices Azores: Living or Investing
Renting Property in Azores
Buying Property in Azores
Azorean real estate offers a reasonably priced substitute for mainland Portugal, with options ranging from modern flats to historic Portuguese mansions. Here is a general guide on island property values:
São Miguel: €1,843.00 per square meter
Comprising the Azores’ biggest and most developed island, São Miguel commands the highest real estate asking price. Its popularity among both residents and foreigners, as well as its many facilities, cultural diversity, and close proximity to natural beauties, including springs and lakes, help to explain this mostly.
Located on São Miguel, Ponta Delgada, the main city, is a vibrant center with stores, restaurants, and international connectivity that all help to explain its greater real estate demand and pricing.
São Jorge: €1,441.00 square meter
Renowned for its magnificent cliffs and traditional Azorean cheese making, São Jorge presents a mid-range real estate price at €1,441.00 per square meter. Though less densely inhabited than São Miguel, the island is well-liked among people living in the Azores looking for a quiet life with access to stunning surroundings.
The price reflects São Jorge’s attractiveness to nature enthusiasts seeking more affordability without compromising picturesque vistas or outdoor activities, such as hiking along its well-known fajãs (coastal plains created by lava flows).
Terceira: €1,301.00 per square meter
Terceira, home of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage city, balances modest cost of living with historical importance. More reasonably priced than São Jorge and São Miguel, the asking price is €1,301.00 per square meter. Cultural events, energetic local customs, and a friendly community define Terceira. For expats living in the Azores, who appreciate history and a vibrant social scene free from a high price tag, its reasonable pricing reflects the island’s mix of metropolitan conveniences and cultural richness.
Santa Maria: €1,424.00 per square meter
Santa Maria appeals to individuals who value a beach-oriented way of life because of its mild temperature and sandy beaches. Comfortable in the mid-range category, its asking price of €1,424.00 per square meter is Santa Maria’s natural beauty, and a more subdued, laid-back vibe draws people seeking a quiet haven.
Particularly for expats and retirees, the island provides a more laid-back pace of life, and prices reflect a mix between exclusiveness and accessibility.
Pico: €1,431.00 per square meter
Renowned for its wine output and breathtaking volcanic scenery, Pico Island is named for Portugal’s highest mountain. Like São Jorge, real estate here is valued at €1,441.00 per square meter.
Particularly for wine buffs and environmentalists, the island’s UNESCO-listed vineyards and outdoor leisure choices make it a special location for living in the Azores. Pico’s modest price fits its appeal as an island that offers a strong feeling of community and culture together with natural beauty.
Faial: €1,263.00 per square meter.
At €1,263.00 per square meter, Faial, sometimes known as the “Blue Island” for its profusion of hydrangeas, presents the most reasonably priced real estate. A popular stop for sailors and water sports aficionados, Faial is well-known for its vibrant marina in Horta and the vistas of surrounding Pico Island.
For those wishing to invest in the Azores without overstretching their funds, the island’s cheaper real estate values appeal. Faial is a sensible option for retirees and expats living in the Azores because of its reasonably priced cost, active sailing scene, and stunning surroundings.
The Azores are also seeing an increase in eco-friendly and sustainable properties, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers.
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FAQs About Living in The Azores
What are the disadvantages of living in the Azores?
Generally speaking, living expenses in the Azores are less than those in either mainland Portugal or the United States. Food, utilities, and rent are reasonably priced; imported items can be expensive. Budgeting for expats living in the Azores will vary depending on lifestyle, but generally, the islands offer a reasonably priced solution.
What is it like living in the Azores as an American?
Americans, among other foreigners, find the Azores friendly and easy back. English is rather common, which facilitates newcomer integration. For remote workers, retirees, and adventure seekers, the islands provide a blend of European attractiveness and an island way of life.
Is it expensive to live in the Azores?
Although the Azores’ cost of living is reasonable, other items—like imported goods and transportation—may be more expensive given the islands’ distance. Still, local vegetables, reduced utilities, and reasonably priced homes usually help to balance these expenditures.
Are the Azores a nice place to live?
Yes, the Azores provide a great quality of living and close-knit society, therefore making them a lovely and quiet area to live for those looking for peace, the natural surroundings, fresh air, and pleasant residents appeal.
Can foreigners buy property in the Azores?
Foreigners have unrestricted purchase power for property in the Azores. With possibilities ranging from reasonably priced flats to classic mansions with ocean views, foreigners living in the Azores find it simpler to invest in real estate.
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