Affordable European Living
The Value of Portugal
Thanks to the European Union, people living in of the 26 countries making up the Schengen Area essentially have no international borders. That means if you live in Greece, Italy, Germany, or France, you can enjoy free and unrestricted movement throughout Europe in the same way Americans can travel throughout the United States.
And while it’s true that it can be quite expensive to live in cities like Paris, Rome, or Berlin, there is one country that offers exceptional value as well as free access to most of Europe … and actually is inviting outsiders to move there: Portugal.
Benefits of Portugal:
Portugal is located on the Iberian peninsula just west of Spain. Practically its entire Western border is beachfront property along the Atlantic coast.
It has the climate of Southern California, the history of Europe, and a population that is friendly and welcoming to newcomers from the US, Canada, and elsewhere. And it’s also one of the most affordable places to live in the world, let alone Europe.
A recent comparison of the cost of living between residents of Portugal’s capital city of Lisbon and New York City illustrates how Portugal offers European living at an outstanding value.
Everything from food to travel to utilities is significantly lower in Lisbon compared to NYC. For example, Lisbon’s rent is 210.9% lower than New York City’s for comparable properties.
Portugal makes it possible for you to live in Europe for less than what you currently pay for where you live now, putting your dream of living in Europe finally within reach.
Food for Thought
But housing isn’t the only thing that is remarkably cheaper in Portugal. Food and wine are also generally much lower than in the US or Canada. Plus, many people consider the food to be fresher and better than back home thanks to the big, outdoor central markets found in most Portughese cities. Many couples have food budgets of less than $200 per month for fresh, healthy, and delicious food that reflects their new lifestyle.
That makes Portugal ideal for people looking to move somewhere exciting and exotic but who also are on a budget. Portugal also is a great option for retirees who need to stay within their budget.