Cascais Guide
Learn the good, the bad, and the ugly about living in Cascais
the reality check
Cascais is one of Portugal’s pricier markets. Bureaucracy moves slowly and learning portuguese may take up to 600-750 hours. Winters feel cold inside many homes without proper heating or insulation. Consider keeping a backup plan for 12 to 24 months in your home country, including banking, credit, and a clear return option.
Now why people still choose it:
Cascais is safe and scenic and only 30 to 40 minutes by coastal train to Lisbon.
Once a fishing town and later a royal retreat made fashionable by King D. Luís, it is now a coastal hub with cobblestone streets, traditional architecture, the Condes de Castro Guimarães and Paula Rego Museum, local galleries, and the Mercado da Vila with fresh produce all year round.
If that mix of reality and lifestyle still fits your goals, keep reading.
what to love
Lively summers and peaceful winters.
Close to beautiful beaches and scenic coastal walks.
A perfect mix of historic charm and modern comforts.
The famous Mercado da Vila with fresh produce and local treats.
The Weather
Cascais has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters, warm summers, and around 2,800 hours of sunshine yearly. Temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) in winter to 24°C (75°F) in summer, occasionally exceeding 32°C (89.6°F). Expect some wind in summer, driven by the nortada, a dominant northwest flow.
For the most part, the Atlantic Ocean keeps the weather comfortable year-round, perfect for lovers of the outdoors.
Housing costs and Quality
Typical purchase prices in Cascais run 4,000–8,000 €/m² [about $402–$804/ft²], higher on or near the waterfront or some prime neighborhoods. Make sure your realtor knows the area really well.
Mortgages often require 30% down, must end by age 75, and usually include life insurance that can cost more than interest on smaller loans. On a €250,000 loan over 15 years, the insurance can cost more than the interest. Also, add 6–8% for taxes and closing fees.
Rents average about 16 €/m² per month in standard areas and often 18–25 €/m² in prime spots [about $1.60–$2.50/ft² per month]; The standard ask is 2 rents and 2 deposits in advance but some landlords may ask for more. You can then use the rental contract as VISA proof.
Listings use gross area that includes balconies and porches. Usable space is often 20-30% less. Many homes lack insulation or central heating. Prioritize double glazing, heat pumps or central heating, and ventilation. If buying, order an engineer inspection and verify usage license, recorded areas, energy certificate, permits, and other HOA-type rules. Red flags include musty smell, visible mold, single glazing, high humidity, weak electrical, and “renovations” without permits (cheap fix-n-flip type reno's).
Neighborhoods and mobility
Waterfront Cascais, Monte Estoril, and Estoril trade convenience for price and flatter walks. Parede and Carcavelos offer better value on the same train line. Birre, Areia, Murches, and parts of Alcabideche offer more space where a car helps. If car-free, live near the line and core services and test a full week without a car.
Fuel averages about 1.70–1.75 €/L [$7.60–$7.80/gal]. Tolls in the main highway connecting Cascais to Lisbon are about €1.5 [$1.62] one-way. Cars are heavily taxed; a 10-year-old VW Golf can cost around €10,000, often in cash until you are able to get local credit.
Work, Taxes & Healthcare
Average income is under €1,400 per month. Minimum wage is about half that at €850. A doctor may earn about €42,000 per year. Portugal taxes worldwide income but has treaties to avoid double taxation. Above €50,000 per year, top marginal rates approach about 45%. Dividends and capital gains are taxable. Speak to a Portuguese tax advisor before moving or selling your house. Plan a first-year cushion near $50,000, more for families; two 10-day recon trips can run to about $10,000; a moving container is often around €15,000; appliances are 230 V, so replace most 110 V gear.
Register in the public health system and consider private insurance to reduce the increasingly waiting lists that can take up to a year or more. Do a 3–6 week winter field test in a normal apartment. Track bills line by line. If the numbers work, rent first for 6–12 months, then buy with full due diligence.
THE SCHOOLS
Cascais offers excellent international schools, catering to families seeking high-quality education in a stunning coastal setting. International school fees in the Lisbon–Cascais area can reach €6,000 per child per year and seats are limited. Plan a year in advance due to the long waiting lists. Public schools are free, but language transition can cost a year.
Kairos Montessori School provides a holistic, child-centered education.
King’s College School delivers a prestigious British curriculum with academic excellence.
St. Julian's School blends the British curriculum with IB, emphasizing community values.
St. James’ International School offers a rigorous British curriculum with top GCSE and A-Level results.
International Christian School combines faith-based education with an American curriculum in a close-knit community.
Astoria International School provides personalized learning with Portuguese and British curriculum.
There are more schools than these, but these schools ensure a range of educational options for families in Cascais, supporting both academic achievement and personal development.
Check some of the links below:
https://www.kairosmontessori.pt
https://www.kingscollegeschool.pt
https://www.stjulians.com
https://www.stjamesschool-cascais.com
https://www.icsc.pt
