Portugal is the cheapest country in the world to live — idealista/news
With the start of the new year, there are those who plan change life complete. When evaluating the cost and quality of life of the countries in the world, Forbes concluded that Portugal is the cheapest country in the world to live in – and also the best -, especially for US citizens. The weather, security, low cost of living the ease of obtaining residence visas are factors that explain Portugal’s first place on the list that brings together the ten cheapest countries to live. In addition to our country, there are four other European states in this ranking.
This list of countries was released by International Life, which publishes the Annual Global Retirement Index every year, bringing together the best places for retirees globally. To evaluate the cheapest countries with better quality of lifeThis index takes into account the cost of livingthe climate, ease of obtaining visas, housing accesshealth and leisure activities, for example.
It is precisely because it evaluates such a comprehensive number of factors that this list, which brings together the cheapest countries to live it is not just for retirees, but also for those looking for a better and more affordable life, points out Forbes. And also for those looking for a refuge to live in order to avoid the frenetic routine, violence or even social, political and economic crises that they witness in their countries of origin.
“When there is the possibility of cutting the cost of living by half (…) many doors open to have a better life. If you don’t need to work so hard or for so long, you can afford to spend your days the way you want and with the people you love most (…) And settle down in a country where every day is a new adventure ”, shared the executive editor of International Living, Jennifer Stevens, quoted by the magazine.
This is the complete list of 10 cheapest (and best) countries to live inaccording to analysis by International Living:
- Portugal;
- Mexico;
- Panama;
- Ecuador;
- Costa Rica;
- Spain;
- Greece;
- France;
- Italy;
- Thailand.
How is it to live in the countries of Southern Europe?
This list is primarily a guide for US citizens who plan change your life in 2023 and find a cheapest place to live, where quality of life is also guaranteed. And as the dollar is now higher than the euro (1 dollar is worth 0.95 euros at the current exchange rate), there are five European countries that cross this list: Portugal, Spain, Greece, France and Italy. Let’s explore the reasons that put the countries of the southern europe on this list.
Portugal: this is how you live in the cheapest country of all
In the 2023 ranking, Portugal was elected the country with the best cost and quality of life. That is, it is the best country to live in and also the cheapest. One of the reasons that justifies this position on the list is precisely the strength of the US dollar against the euro, which has become the cost of living in national territory even lower compared to what happens in the USA – even if it is rising given the high homology.
“O cost of living daily is low compared to the USA – a couple can comfortably accommodate such expenses (including home income and everything else) for about $2,800 a month [cerca de 2.649 euros]says Jennifer Stevens. “A bachelor could live well on about $2,000 a month [1.892 euros]all-inclusive (and even less so in rural areas)”, he adds.
In addition, the same publication highlights that the ease in obtain residence visa in Portugal makes staying in the country in the long term “relatively easy”. Remember that Portugal has a new law for foreigners and um scheme for non-habitual residents they felt attracted more and more foreign families to live in the country.
Not that it concerns the house prices, the executive editor of International Living immediately warned that living in “big cities like Lisbon and Porto will cream more and in smaller cities less”. And he also highlighted the Algarve cities of Lagos, Vilamoura and Tavira, given their history, landscapes, beaches and traditions.
Spain: laid-back lifestyle attracts foreigners
“A year-round sunny climate, a welcoming culture, a Lifestyle incredibly relaxed and a cost of living relatively low”. This explains Sally Pederson, correspondent for International Living, the reasons why Spain is considered the sixth cheapest country to live for foreigners.
although the cost of living in spain has increased in the last year given how high it felt, living in the country is still cheaper than in the US. But a lot depends on the location. Who chooses to live in a small and quiet town you will be able to spend around 1,900 dollars a month (about 1,797 euros). “In the sunny regions of Valencia and Andalusia, it is even possible to get a T1 apartment for 700 euros a month”, exemplifies Sally Pederson. “The freshness and low food prices are other factors that explain the affordable cost of living in spain”, he further highlights.
“Spain offers a wonderful variety of climates and scenarios”, continues the correspondent, highlighting the mediterranean coast of the country where there are 300 to 320 Sun days per annum. In addition, there are also green regions close to Oregon (the northwest coast of the USA) and for those who like snow, there are the Pyrenees mountains.
Italy: the country to have a “full life”
Italy is “unique” for those looking for a “full life” and the right dose of adventure and pleasure, says International Living correspondent Chip Stites. It’s the cost of living it is “surprisingly low” for a country that protects both its economy and its heritage.
Hmm middle class italian lives on less than half as much as an American of the same class, says Chip Stites. You real estate prices can reach 20,000 dollars (about 18,919 euros) in the south of the country. And a couple can expect to spend $1,829 a month (about €1,730), including home income and other expenses.
das sunny beaches from the south of Italy, Sicily and Sardinia, to mountainous areas with snow. Italy is full of breathtaking scenery and has a range of climates to suit all tastes, including beach, mountains and countryside. “There are enough climatic zones, types of food, wines and clothes for vegetarians even the most demanding pensioner”, he adds.