1) Job Market and Salaries — 6/10
Aveiro has a smaller IT job market than Lisbon or Porto, but it punches above its weight thanks to strong ties between industry and academia. Local roles exist, mostly in engineering-driven companies, R&D teams and spin-offs connected to the University of Aveiro.
Current IT vacancies filtered by city are available on devs.com.pt
Pros
- Stable demand for engineers, especially in software, embedded systems, data and QA
- Good mix of local roles and remote-friendly positions
Cons
- Fewer vacancies overall
- Salary ceilings are lower than in Lisbon and Porto
Key questions answered
- Is it realistic to find a local job? Yes, especially for engineers with solid fundamentals
- Local market or remote work? A balanced mix, with remote work becoming increasingly common
2) IT Ecosystem and Companies — 7/10
Aveiro is one of Portugal’s most “engineering-heavy” tech cities. The ecosystem is strongly influenced by the university and nearby industrial clusters.
Tech companies, research-driven teams, and industry news frequently appear on devs.com.pt:
👉 Tech companies & ecosystem updates
Pros
- Strong R&D culture
- Close cooperation between companies and university labs
Cons
- Fewer international HQs compared to Lisbon
- Ecosystem is less visible internationally
3) Startup World and Investment — 6/10
Startup activity in Aveiro is pragmatic rather than hype-driven. Many projects are bootstrapped, technical and focused on B2B, hardware, IoT or deep tech.
Pros
- Solid environment for technical founders
- Lower operational costs than major cities
Cons
- Limited VC presence
- Scaling often requires moving fundraising activities to Lisbon or Porto
4) Community, Meetups, Conferences — 6/10
Aveiro has a consistent but compact tech community. Events tend to be technical and practical rather than marketing-focused.
Upcoming meetups and events are listed here:
Pros
- Developer-focused meetups
- Strong student and researcher participation
Cons
- Fewer large-scale conferences
- Networking is more local and niche
5) Cost of Living for IT Professionals — 8/10
Aveiro offers an excellent balance between cost and quality of life.
Pros
- Rent and daily expenses are noticeably lower than Lisbon and Porto
- Comfortable lifestyle on mid-level salaries
Cons
- Fewer premium services and lifestyle options
6) Housing and Rental Availability — 8/10
Finding housing in Aveiro is generally straightforward.
What to know
- Newer apartments are common
- Prices are stable and predictable
Risks
Older buildings may have insulation or humidity issues
7) Internet and Remote-Work Infrastructure — 7/10
Fiber internet is widely available and stable, making Aveiro a solid option for remote work. Mobile coverage is reliable across most areas.
8) Coworkings — 6/10
Coworking options exist but are limited.
1. Reality check
2. Enough for occasional use
Not a “coworking city” with constant events and large spaces
9) English and Expat Friendliness — 6/10
English is commonly spoken in IT and academic environments. Outside of that, Portuguese becomes more important in daily life.
10) Bureaucracy and Services — 6/10
Administrative processes are calmer than in Lisbon, but still slow by international standards. English-speaking support exists, though not everywhere.
11) Transport and Connectivity — 7/10
Aveiro is well connected:
- Direct train links to Porto and Lisbon
- Close to Porto Airport (around 1 hour)
- Owning a car improves flexibility, especially for nearby industrial areas.
12) Work–Life Balance — 9/10
One of Aveiro’s strongest points.
Why
- Calm pace
- Coastal lifestyle
- Easy to separate work from personal life
13) Climate and Productivity — 7/10
Mild coastal climate with cooler summers than inland cities. Winters can feel damp, especially in poorly insulated apartments.
Final Take: Is Aveiro a Good City for IT?
Aveiro is a quiet, engineering-oriented city that works especially well for remote professionals and technical specialists who value focus and affordability over hype.
Best suited for
- Remote engineers
- R&D-focused professionals
- Developers who prefer calm cities with strong technical culture
Less ideal for
- Those seeking large-scale networking and frequent conferences
- Professionals chasing rapid job switching and top-tier salaries
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