Moving to Cascais: the honest guide for expats (2026)
Cascais is where a lot of international families land near Lisbon: a polished seaside town 30 minutes west of the capital, with beaches, marinas, top international schools and a large, established expat community. It's beautiful and easy — and it's one of the most expensive places in the country.
Why Cascais
- Family-friendly and international — safe, clean, English everywhere, a big community of foreign residents.
- Top international schools — several of the country's best are here or nearby (see the schools directory).
- Coast + Lisbon access — beaches on your doorstep and a direct train into central Lisbon.
The honest trade-off
Cost of living (indicative)
Rent: a good 1–2-bed ~€1,300–2,000+/month; family homes well above.
Couple's monthly budget (rent excluded): ~€900–1,400.
Indicative 2026 — see the cost-of-living calculator.
Who it suits
Families and higher-budget movers who want the coast, top schools and a soft, international landing near Lisbon. If the price is steep, Lisbon proper or the Porto region give you more for less.
Compare areas with the region matcher, or ask us.
Rent in Cascais in 2026
INE's median rent for new lease contracts in the municipality of Cascais was €16.83/m² in the 12 months to June 2026 (based on 4,051 new contracts) — about 72% above the national median of €9.76/m². Only Lisbon is higher among Portuguese municipalities. Multiplied by typical flat sizes, that gives the indicative monthly rents below. Treat them as a starting point rather than a quote: small flats usually cost more per m² than the median, and asking prices on portals tend to sit above signed contracts. Test your own budget with the rent calculator.
| Median rent, new leases | €16.83/m² |
| T1, 60 m² (indicative) | ~€1,010/month |
| T2, 85 m² (indicative) | ~€1,430/month |
Source: INE, Estatísticas de Rendas da Habitação ao nível local — median rent per m² of new lease contracts, 12 months to June 2026 (published 29 September 2026). T1/T2 = €/m² × area, rounded to €10; indicative only.
Guidance, not legal or tax advice — verify your case with official sources.