Surrounded by majestic mountains and natural parks, the medieval city of Bragança in northern Portugal offers affordable living without sacrificing modern amenities. Home to 34,000 residents, Bragança boasts a private hospital, a modern shopping center, and furnished apartments for just $400 to $500 a month. Add another $150 for electricity, water, and internet, $30 for a transportation pass, $100 for private health insurance, and $400 for food, and a couple can live comfortably on $1,500 or less per month.
Meander along cobbled lanes, admire the 12th-century castle, and practice your Portuguese at the local mercado while picking up the freshest produce, meats, seafood, and artisanal products. Bragança is just the right size, where neighbors know each other, and every corner of the medieval streets tells a story.
Throughout the year, Bragança comes alive with festivals—from the Medieval Fair to cultural celebrations and religious holidays. Dining out is affordable, with mid-range restaurant meals costing around $15 and quick bites at cafés available for even less.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love leisurely strolls in the city’s parks or more challenging hikes in Parque Natural de Montesinho, a vast natural reserve in the nearby mountains.
Bragança has a continental climate, with hot, dry summers reaching 86°F and cold, wet winters, where temperatures can dip to freezing. But the ample rainfall keeps the landscape lush and green, with rolling hills, forested parkland, and breathtaking vistas.
Check out 16 places where you can retire on $1,500 per month:
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Any Vietnamese/Mexican fusion restaurants? Endlessly frustrating pro sports teams? Then pass.