Living on Madeira Island: everything you need to know about living in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean

The island of Madeira is a perfect destination for those seeking tranquility and lush landscapes without straying from the European itinerary. Furthermore, the island has been named for six consecutive years as the world’s best island destination by the World Travel Awards.

Located 1,000 km from mainland Portugal, the island of Madeira is the main island of the Madeira archipelago, which also includes the island of Porto Santo and many other small islets.

With a stunning and unique biome, its vegetation was declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 1999, due to its indigenous Laurisilva forest (a type of forest with trees from the laurel family).

But it would be a mistake to think that the place is only known for its natural attractions, as its gastronomy also plays an immense role in its recognition. There are various typical dishes, award-winning wines, and captivating luxurious hotels.

Another interesting fact about the region is that Funchal is the hometown of European football star, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cost of living on the island of Madeira

Above all, whenever we think about visiting a new place, the first question that arises is regarding its cost of living. That’s why we decided to gather some data that might help you

Firstly, it’s important to know that the cost of living can vary according to the number of people in the household. However, it’s possible to get an idea of the average monthly cost of living to reside in Madeira.

Rent

In some surveys, we noted that the average price for property rentals is around the figures below.

• 1-bedroom in the city centre — 597€
• 1-bedroom outside the centre — 446€
• 3-bedroom in the city centre — 940€
• 3-bedroom outside the centre — 650€

Now, when it comes to purchasing a property, the square meter price to buy a house in Funchal, for example, is:

• In the centre – 2.133€
• Outside the centre – 1.332€

Household expenses

Now, when it comes to residential expenses, it will also largely depend on each person’s lifestyle. However, based on average consumption, the data is as follows:

• Basic utilities (electricity and water) for 85m² — 91€
• Internet and TV — 35€

Groceries

Regarding groceries, it is very relative and can be more expensive or cheaper. Everything will depend on what you put in your pantry. However, taking into account basic consumption foods, we can estimate that the monthly value is around 250€.

Transport and Leisure

Finally, to get around the Island, you’ll spend approximately €80, which includes fuel costs or public transport, Uber, and taxis.

Now, to enjoy the various leisure options, you can budget around €200 per month. However, it’s worth remembering that this is also very relative, as there are many free leisure options such as walking trails, for example.

Employment on the Island of Madeira

A very important topic is the job market on the Island. And right away, we can point out that civil construction and tourism in general are the two most privileged areas.

However, cities like Funchal, which thrive on tourism, offer a significant number of jobs in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and similar establishments.

It’s worth noting that although English is not the country’s mother tongue, it’s a huge advantage for securing a good job.

See also: Madeira Job Offers

Salary

The minimum wage on the Island of Madeira is almost the same as the rest of the country, with a difference of just €17 more. In total, the minimum wage on the Island of Madeira is €682, and the average net salary there is around €918.

As we mentioned in the topic above, being fluent in more than one language can secure a good salary.

Climate and Weather on the Island of Madeira

Due to its privileged location, the island enjoys a very mild and pleasant climate. However, it is relatively rainy. The months from October to March are the wettest, and from May to September relatively drier.

Temperatures do not usually fluctuate much, staying between highs of 25°C and lows of 20°C in winter. Fortunately, thanks to the Gulf Stream, the waters usually remain pleasant throughout the year, staying between 18°C in winter and 24°C in summer.

See also: Weather in Madeira

Lifestyle

At first glance, the Island of Madeira seems like a bustling tourist sanctuary. However, the lifestyle is much more tranquil and peaceful. Instead of hours lost in traffic, on the Island you’ll have shorter commutes between home and work. This ultimately provides more free time for family and leisure.

But don’t be fooled, as there are various leisure options to suit all lifestyles. From lively shopping centers, bars, wine routes, extreme sports, and much more.

Entrepreneurship

Although we mentioned that civil construction and tourism in general are the two most privileged areas on the island, know that it’s possible to undertake and open your business quickly and simply.

Through the IEM (Madeira Employment Institute) website, you can check the possibility of obtaining credit lines to open your business and receive full support and guidance. However, it’s important to be registered on the website for at least 6 months.

Within the IEM, there are two employment programs that help entrepreneurs open their businesses there: CPE (Creation of Own Business) and CRIEE (Creation of Companies and Employment).

Access the official IEM.GOV.PT website for more information.

Quality of life throughout the year on Madeira Island

Living on Madeira Island means enjoying one of Europe’s best qualities of life. A place of great safety, quality hospitals, and highly advanced schools, the location becomes a true “slice of heaven” when compared to Brazil, for example.

Firstly, safety is one of the primary factors contributing to the island’s high quality of life. There, news of robberies, thefts, or issues affecting public safety are rarely heard.

Another factor is its pleasant climate, without extremes in winter or summer, and calm, warm waters all year round.

Finally, public schools are extremely advanced, offering quality free education to all their students. There, it’s common to find entrepreneurship and finance education starting from the first school year.

Commerce and Healthcare

Funchal is the largest city on Madeira Island, and is largely responsible for the growth of tourism in recent years.

And with this growth, various opportunities also emerged for commerce, which began to offer a greater quantity of products. However, it’s still important to note that there isn’t as much variety as on the mainland, but the trend is towards an increasingly growing supply.

Now, when it comes to healthcare, the inhabitants of Madeira Island and Porto Santo have at their disposal a network of 47 health centers, several public hospitals, and private clinics. Similar to commerce, this sector is also constantly being modernized.

In conclusion, as we’ve just seen, it’s certainly worth expanding your horizons and getting to know this wonderful place. Enjoy all the beauty and quality of life that Madeira Island can offer you.