ZonaJakarta – You’ve probably seen it before—someone posts a photo of their sunny European balcony, a fresh espresso in hand, claiming they’re living a dream life abroad for half the price they used to pay in the U.S.
And suddenly, as you glance at your rent reminder or medical bill, you wonder: Could I really live better somewhere else… and spend less doing it?
With the cost of living in U.S. cities climbing fast—from rising rent to ballooning healthcare—many people are seriously considering whether life abroad could be more sustainable. But before you sell your couch and book a one-way flight, let’s look at the real math behind the dream.
Let’s use Portugal as our case study—a country often praised for its beauty, safety, and balance between modern living and affordability. Compared to many mid-sized U.S. cities like Austin or Denver, Portugal offers a surprisingly familiar lifestyle, minus the financial headaches.
Rent That Doesn’t Break the Bank
In many U.S. cities, even a modest one-bedroom apartment can cost upwards of $1,800 per month. Add to that utilities and Wi-Fi, and you’re easily looking at $2,000 or more just to keep a roof over your head.
In Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, rent still feels high by local standards, but significantly lower for Americans. A well-located one-bedroom often goes for $900 to $1,200 a month, with utilities and internet totaling around $150 combined. And in smaller cities like Porto or coastal towns, the savings grow even more.
The Healthcare Game Changer
Perhaps the biggest shock for many Americans moving abroad is how affordable healthcare becomes. In the U.S., private health insurance can cost anywhere from $350 to $600 per month for an individual—and that’s not including deductibles, co-pays, or surprise bills.
Portugal, on the other hand, has a well-regarded public health system that residents and long-term visa holders can access affordably. Even private insurance plans run under $100 monthly for many.
Routine doctor visits can cost as little as $30 out-of-pocket, and emergency care won’t leave you with a bill bigger than your rent. Simply put, healthcare becomes something you don’t have to constantly budget—or worry—about.
Grocery Runs and Dining Out: Everyday Spending, Reimagined
A regular grocery haul in the U.S. might set a solo shopper back $400–600 a month, especially with rising food prices.
But in Portugal, shopping at local markets or smaller neighborhood stores is not only a cultural staple—it’s cheaper. You’ll find produce, bread, and even local wine for a fraction of U.S. prices. It’s easy to keep your grocery bills closer to $250–300 a month without sacrificing quality.
Dining out is another pleasant surprise. While lunch at a U.S. restaurant (with tax and tip) might cost you $20 or more, you can easily enjoy a sit-down meal in Lisbon for under $15—sometimes even with a glass of wine.
Getting Around Without a Car Payment
Most American cities require a car. That means gas, insurance, maintenance, and often a monthly payment—together totaling $500 or more.
In contrast, Portuguese cities like Lisbon have clean, reliable, and affordable public transportation. A monthly metro and bus pass runs under $50 and can get you nearly anywhere in the city. Plus, the culture supports walking and biking, so you might find yourself spending less—and moving more.
The Price of Peace of Mind
Beyond the spreadsheets, there’s an invisible—but powerful—cost to living in the U.S.: financial stress. Between medical bills, rising rent, student loans, and the need for multiple income streams just to stay afloat, many Americans report feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to “keep up.”
In countries like Portugal, the pace of life is slower. People linger at cafes. Long lunches are normal. Public spaces are clean and safe. While income levels may be lower, so is the cost of simply existing.
That sense of balance—between work and life, between stress and security—is hard to put a price tag on, but for many, it’s worth more than any paycheck.
So, Is It Really That Simple?
Not exactly. Moving abroad requires planning, paperwork, and patience. Portugal offers various visa options—including ones for remote workers and retirees—but there are still requirements to meet. Language barriers, cultural differences, and bureaucracy can be challenging at first.
But if you’re open to change and willing to do the research, living abroad is more accessible than it once seemed—and it may just offer the lifestyle you’ve been trying to afford in the U.S., at half the cost.
Final Thoughts: What Are You Really Paying For?
At the end of the day, the cost of living isn’t just about rent, groceries, or internet. It’s about how much you pay—financially and emotionally—for stability, wellness, and joy.
The U.S. still offers endless opportunities. But if you’re finding the price of that dream climbing out of reach, know that other places might offer something surprisingly valuable: a comfortable life that doesn’t come with a monthly panic attack.
After all, freedom isn’t just about where you live—it’s about how you live. (*)
