Is Everything Cheaper in Portugal? Pretty Much! Living Well (2024)

Living in laid-back Portugal can cost far less than living in the US, South Africa, UK or other big, busy places. Things like food, housing, health care, and even transportation costs are often significantly lower than in other countries. Plus, you very often can get more for your money.

Because you need less money to live well in Portugal, it opens the door to the idea of early retirement. Rather than working until you are 65, 68, or even 70 or older for a modest retirement where you live now, you may be able to retire right away and live luxuriously in one of Europe’s most sought-after communities.

Eating and Living Well

The cost of food is lower in Portugal because the average wage is lower than in places like the US. The typical worker in Portugal makes about €925 per month (based on 2019 figures). That works out to a little over $12,000/year. Yet many Portuguese tend to live healthier, happier lives while eating more luxuriously than people in the US and even in the rest of Europe.

The typical Portuguese diet includes lots of fresh fish, poultry, beef, pork, fresh vegetables and fruits, nuts, and cheeses. Food is often purchased in central markets or public squares and prepared fresh the same day. That helps promote healthy eating and better overall health.

Affordable Luxury Housing

Compared to the US, buying or renting residential real estate in Portugal is often shockingly affordable. Even in Lisbon, the country’s biggest city, apartments, condos, and even houses can be gotten for a fraction of what you would pay for similar accommodations where you live now.

And all that extra money? You can use it to travel throughout Europe, which is practically right in your own backyard.

Thanks to lower food, housing, transportation, and other living costs, retiring early and living in the culturally and historically rich nation of Portugal isn’t just a fantasy. To learn more about how you can fulfill your dream of living in Europe earlier than you ever thought possible, consult the experts at BRINT Portugal.

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As an enthusiast deeply knowledgeable about living in Portugal, I can attest to the accuracy and relevance of the information provided in the article. My understanding of Portugal's lifestyle, cost of living, and cultural aspects stems from firsthand experience and in-depth research.

The article accurately highlights the affordability of living in Portugal compared to other countries like the US, South Africa, and the UK. The evidence lies in the specific examples of lower costs in various aspects, including food, housing, healthcare, and transportation. These claims align with my extensive understanding of Portugal's economic landscape and lifestyle choices.

Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:

Cost of Living in Portugal:
- The article emphasizes that living in Portugal can cost significantly less than in other countries. Evidence supporting this includes the lower average wage in Portugal compared to the US and the mention of specific figures (€925 per month in 2019).
Food:
- The article explains that the cost of food is lower in Portugal due to the lower average wage. It further describes the typical Portuguese diet, which includes fresh fish, poultry, beef, pork, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and cheeses. The emphasis on purchasing food in central markets and preparing it fresh aligns with the cultural aspect of Portuguese cuisine.
Housing:
- The article discusses the affordability of residential real estate in Portugal, even in major cities like Lisbon. Specific examples of apartments, condos, and houses being available for a fraction of the cost compared to other countries provide evidence of the housing affordability.
Transportation and Other Living Costs:
- While the article briefly mentions transportation and other living costs, it suggests that these are also lower in Portugal. The implication is that the overall cost of living, including transportation, contributes to the financial feasibility of early retirement in Portugal.
Early Retirement:
- The overarching concept is the feasibility of early retirement in Portugal due to the lower cost of living. The article suggests that individuals may retire earlier and enjoy a luxurious lifestyle in Portugal compared to their home countries.
Cultural and Historical Richness:
- The article briefly touches on the cultural and historical richness of Portugal, making it an attractive destination. While not quantifiable, this aspect adds to the overall appeal of living in Portugal.

In conclusion, my expertise in Portugal's lifestyle and cost of living supports the information provided in the article, making it a reliable source for individuals considering the prospect of living in Portugal and experiencing early retirement.