From Florida to Portugal: A Journey of Lower Costs and Pleasant Surprises

At the start of 2020, my family, consisting of three members, found ourselves residing in West Palm Beach, Florida. It was then that we decided to embark on a European adventure lasting half a year.

During our travels, we rented a cozy Airbnb nestled in farmland close to Coimbra, Portugal. The charm of the place captivated us, prompting us to extend our visit repeatedly until the host eventually inquired if we might be interested in purchasing the property.

We decided to take the plunge and bought the house, settling in Central Portugal for the next three years. Here's a glimpse into the most significant differences we experienced by making this move abroad.

One compelling reason for our relocation was the noticeably reduced cost of living in Portugal. Although exceptions exist, housing prices in Portugal stood out as significantly more affordable than those we encountered in Florida.

To illustrate, a report from the Miami Association of Realtors indicated that the median price of a home in Palm Beach County was $363,000 in January 2020. Comparatively, in our Portuguese locale, properties were available for under $250,000.

Everyday necessities such as healthcare products, groceries, and road tolls were also much cheaper. In Florida, our weekly essential expenses were about $150, while in Portugal this amounted to approximately $80.

Dining out in Portugal was also budget-friendly, as our meals rarely cost us more than $31. Conversely, in the United States, an average dining experience would usually exceed $50.

Embracing the Warmth of Portuguese Hospitality

Upon moving into our new home in Portugal, our neighbors warmly welcomed us by sharing freshly harvested produce weekly.

In local stores, fellow shoppers and employees consistently demonstrated kindness, often ushering my husband and me to the front of lines when they noticed us with our young child. This was a stark contrast to Florida, where distractions sometimes led to us losing our place in line.

While the United States certainly has its share of friendly people, the genuine nature of the kindness we received in Portugal was both unexpected and heartwarming.

A Landscape of Unparalleled Beauty

Portugal's natural allure reminded us of American national parks. Traveling through the country felt like a continuous trek in sprawling, untamed wilderness, punctuated occasionally by the sight of another traveler.

The country boasts a myriad of nature trails, bike paths, and scenic boardwalks. They weave seamlessly through the landscape, offering unparalleled access to lush beauty.

Although the United States holds many beautiful locations, the easy access to nature in Portugal, unlike what we experienced in Florida, made it feel extraordinarily ubiquitous.

Adapting to New Social Rhythms

A striking difference was the late-night lifestyle embraced by many Portuguese. It's common for families, including children, to come together for dinner around 8 p.m.

During these gatherings in Lisbon, adults would linger over wine and conversation, while children played nearby, often not retiring until 9 p.m. or later.

In contrast, our U.S. routine had us dining by 6 p.m., ensuring our child was in bed by 7:30 p.m.