6 November 2025

Montijo: neighborhood life near Lisbon

Living in Portugal means choosing a country where mild weather, Portuguese warmth, and quality of life are part of everyday living. Each year, many French expatriates decide to settle in the Lisbon region, drawn by its economic dynamism, heritage, and Mediterranean atmosphere. But while the capital remains as attractive as ever, it is also becoming increasingly expensive. Finding a reasonably priced home in a pleasant neighborhood is now a real challenge.

That’s why more and more families, young professionals, and even companies looking for offices near Lisbon are turning to Montijo. Located on the southern bank of the Tagus, this Portuguese town combines proximity to the capital with a more peaceful lifestyle. Montijo appeals to those who want to experience Portugal differently — enjoying the benefits of Lisbon without its drawbacks.

Summary

Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

A strategic location just a stone's throw from Lisbon

Montijo enjoys an ideal location in the heart of the Lisbon region, just 25 minutes from the city center via the Vasco da Gama Bridge — the longest in Europe (17 km). By car, it takes about 25 to 30 minutes to reach Parque das Nações or Lisbon Airport, and 20 minutes by ferry from the Cais do Sodré terminal to Seixalinho, Montijo’s terminal.

This accessibility appeals to both families and professionals: many companies are setting up in the area to benefit from more affordable rents while remaining close to the Portuguese capital. And by 2026, the planned Montijo Airport — still under study — is expected to further boost the area’s economic and residential appeal.

For French citizens considering relocation to Portugal, Montijo therefore represents a strategic alternative: well-connected, modern, and designed for a balanced lifestyle.

More affordable prices and a high quality of life

The Portuguese real estate market remains one of the most competitive in Europe, and Montijo is a clear example of this. Property prices in Montijo are 40 to 50% lower than in Lisbon, with an average price of around €3,000 per square meter, depending on the neighborhood. By comparison, the capital often exceeds €6,200, and some “prime” areas can reach €12,000 per square meter.

In practical terms, a new 100 m² apartment in Montijo costs about the same as a 40 m² studio in one of Lisbon’s trendy districts. For families, it’s an opportunity to enjoy spacious, modern, and comfortable homes — often with a terrace, parking, and close proximity to schools and shops. New developments like Bay View Montijo perfectly illustrate this shift: contemporary apartments, local amenities, and a view of the Tagus.

Beyond housing, the overall cost of living remains reasonable: dining, services, transport, and healthcare are all more affordable than in Lisbon. Portugal’s healthcare system, known for its quality, is accessible to foreign residents. Private health insurance plans complement the public system, offering flexibility that expatriates particularly appreciate.

An authentic and friendly neighborhood life

What makes Montijo truly special is its strong sense of community. It’s a human-scale town where life revolves around local shops, markets, schools, and cafés. French families find it an ideal environment:

Expatriates particularly appreciate this authentic Portuguese atmosphere, where it’s easy to build connections with locals. The historic center, with its colorful façades and cobbled streets, evokes Lisbon neighborhoods like Campo de Ourique or Graça — but in a quieter version.

Daily life here is simple and pleasant: people take their time, greet each other at the market, and share meals on sunny terraces. It’s this quality of life that increasingly attracts families, freelancers, and retirees from France and beyond.

Montijo, an alternative to Lisbon for living and investing

An authentic neighborhood life, combining tranquility and proximity

Just 25 minutes from downtown Lisbon, Montijo offers a peaceful lifestyle — away from the urban hustle yet perfectly connected to the capital. Located on the southern bank of the Tagus, this human-scale town embodies another way of living in Portugal: gentler, simpler, yet equally vibrant. Here, the neighborhood spirit has preserved its authentic Portuguese charm. You can stroll through farmers’ markets, family-run cafés, and green spaces. The historic center, with its colorful façades and pedestrian streets, recalls Lisbon neighborhoods like Graça or Campo de Ourique — but in a calmer, more relaxed atmosphere.

It’s a city where people take the time to enjoy life:

Portuguese families and French expatriates alike find in Montijo a rare balance: accessible schools, proximity to the capital, and a genuine sense of community. Montijo appeals with its friendliness and quality of life — that of a human-scale Portugal, forward-looking and full of promise.

More affordable prices and more spacious accommodations

Property prices in Montijo remain 40 to 50% lower than in Lisbon, while offering an outstanding quality of life. The average price per square meter is around €3,000, depending on the area and type of property. In Lisbon, it exceeds €6,200/m² on average and can reach €12,000 in prime neighborhoods such as Príncipe Real or Baixa.

Criterion	Neighborhoods of Lisbon (center)	Montijo
Average price per m²	> 6 200 € (Alfama, Príncipe Real, Baixa)	≈ 3 000 €
T2 Apartment	350 000–450 000 € for ~60 m²	330 000 € for 90–100 m²
T3 Apartment	> 600 000 €	400 000–450 000 € for 120–130 m²

New residential developments, such as Bay View Montijo, perfectly illustrate this evolution. They offer bright apartments with terraces, parking spaces, and green areas — all for the price of a 40 m² studio in Lisbon. For investors, Montijo represents a strategic opportunity:

But beyond the figures, it is the feeling of space and serenity that strikes those who move in. The apartments are spacious, modern, and open to light and the river—a luxury that has become rare in Lisbon.

Ideal accessibility to the capital

Montijo is not a retreat, it is a natural extension of Lisbon. Thanks to its strategic location, the city is perfectly connected to the capital:

This easy accessibility makes it possible to work in Lisbon while enjoying a quieter setting and a more affordable cost of living. It’s also an advantage for families, businesses, and expatriates seeking to combine economic opportunity with Portuguese quality of life. Living in Montijo ultimately means choosing the best of both worlds: the proximity of the capital and the serenity of a town where life moves at a gentler pace. Between city and nature, modernity and Portuguese tradition, Montijo offers a rare balance — a peaceful, connected lifestyle oriented toward the future.

Q&A : Choosing to live in Lisbon or Montijo

What are the best neighborhoods to live in Lisbon?

Lisbon offers a wide variety of neighborhoods to suit all tastes. Historic neighborhoods such as Alfama, Bairro Alto, Bica, and Baixa charm visitors with their lively atmosphere. For a more residential and family-friendly setting, Campo de Ourique, Loures, and Príncipe Real remain safe bets. Finally, Parque das Nações attracts those seeking comfort and modernity in a forward-looking environment.

Is it cheaper to live in Montijo than in central Lisbon?

Yes, definitely. The average price per square meter in Montijo is around €3,000, compared to over €6,000 in the most sought-after neighborhoods of Lisbon. In other words, for the price of a 650-square-foot apartment in the capital, you can buy a 1,085-square-foot home in Montijo—often new, with a terrace and parking. This is a clear financial advantage for both families and investors.

How long does it take to get to Lisbon from Montijo?

The connection between Montijo and Lisbon is one of its great assets. It takes about 25 minutes by ferry to reach Cais do Sodré, or 30 minutes by car via the Vasco da Gama Bridge. An ideal location for enjoying the advantages of the capital without sacrificing tranquility.

Is Montijo part of Lisbon?

No, Montijo is not a neighborhood of Lisbon, but a town in its own right, located on the south bank of the Tagus River. However, it functions as a natural residential extension of the capital, with its own identity and a recognized quality of life. It offers the same Portuguese lifestyle, but in a quieter and more accessible environment.

Is Montijo right for you?

If you’re an investor, Montijo offers an excellent price-to-space ratio, strong rental demand, and long-term value growth potential.
If you’re retired or a seasonal resident, you’ll enjoy a peaceful setting, quality services, and close proximity to Lisbon for leisure or medical appointments.
If you’re a digital nomad or business professional, you’ll benefit from modern housing, a lower cost of living, and excellent connections to the capital.

Discorver the Bay View residence in Montijo

Discover Bay View, our new high-end residential project, located in the heart of the city, just a few steps from the Tagus River. A residence designed to last, combining Portuguese elegance with contemporary comfort.