Let's say that your budget is 2000 Euros per month. It really depends on what your needs are. There are a lot of families in Portugal that live with less. How big an apartment do you need? I would say that if you keep your rent+utilities within 900 Euros, you'd be fine. Your food would cost you no more than 500 (assuming normal eating habits), so you can have the rest for other expenses. Are you thinking of Lisbon? If you go to a smaller town, your rent would be significantly cheaper. If you are in Lisbon, you don't need to own car. Car ownership in Portugal is expensive. There is good public transportation in Lisbon and taxis are cheap. Hope this helps.

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Thanks for the info., and yes, that helps. No, I am not considering a big city like Lisbon. I have been looking at Faro and the surrounding area, but am open to other ideas. Being single, I would also be looking for just a small apartment, even studio as long as it has a kitchen. The transportation system in Portugal sounds so good, I am not thinking of owning a car at this time. Maybe later. I live pretty simple here in Florida, not much of a spender, and would expect to do the same thing in Portugal. Don't need much to be content.

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Most families in Portugal live on much less than 2000 euros. typical wages are around 1000-1200 euros monthly and that's with a good education.

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If you are heading to a smaller city, then you can live quite comfortably on 2000 Euros/month. My personal opinion is that the quality of life in Portugal for this budget is higher than 2500$ in the US. Also my two cents on Faro - I wouldn't call it a great choice. I do not find it to be any charming at all. You might want to take a look at Lagos.

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I have a question about Algarve, what are the best towns that have decent hospital or health clinic and what towns are less touristic?
Thanks.

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Choosing an expat health insurance provider is an important decision. Get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family.

Your info. has been very helpful. Much more specific than what I have been getting, like keeping rent/utilities at around 900 euros and the 2000 euros to live comfortably. That is something I can work with. I can now look at my finances here and do research there, than along with a trip to Portugal in a few months, than I should have a good idea on what is possible. I don't want to end up like a lot of expats that moved overseas only to find they couldn't afford it, than have to go home broke. Sad. Thanks again.

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Actually if you are planning on a small apartment, you can get something quite cheaper.

Here are a couple of sites where you can get some idea about the offerings. T# stands for the number of bedrooms, e.g. T1 means a one-bedroom apt; T0 would be a studio. Good luck!

http://casa.sapo.pt/

http://remax.pt/

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Indeed, great timing to purchase.
The government has a program where non europeans acquiring a half million € property, can acess to citizenship.
That express the degree of how the crisis has hit this land.

You can browse lots of listings of real estate. Another interesting oportunity, arrises from auctions [ real estate returned to banks with important discounts ].

cheers

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Your info has been very helpful. I had a lot of doubts about the possibility of making it work in Portgual, but your info makes it sound like it is possible. I have traveled a lot in latin american countries and it is true; you get what you pay for. Not that they were bad trips. met many nice people, but it just wasn't for me. I am looking for a more developed country like Portugal, even if it cost a bit more to live there. Retiring in Portugal sounds like a better fit for me, but i will know better when i vist in a few months, Not excited about the long flight, but i am sure it will be worth it. Your info gives me hope. One of the main reasons for retiring overseas is the cost of health care in the usa. I had a sinus problem and had it checked out. It cost me over $800 just for the initial visit. Any serious health problem would wipe out any savings i have. From what i have learned, the cost of private health insurance is worth it in :Portugal. Again, thanks for your info. Really excited for my trip.

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The main state run hospitals are in Faro, Portimão and Lagos. Each town has a state run Centro de Saúde (health centre / clinic). There are also many private hospitals and health centres across the region.

The Algarve is a great place to live but it relies heavily on tourism for its income, so the popular costal towns tend to get pretty busy. However, 20 or so kms inland there are some great towns, which are much quieter and, if you don't mind being a bit off the beaten track, there are some fantastic rural locations.

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Thanks for sharing that info. Could you please share the names of some of those towns you said were a bit away from the more touristy towns. It looks like I will be visiting Portugal next October and am in the planning stage of my trip. Thanks

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Beware that a private health assurance, have limited coverage and tons of exclusions. We still have a "socialist" type alike health coverage in Portugal, that is quite expensive for tax payers, but allows a "universal" protection and coverage in terms of health [ sure, you might have to wait 3 months to get an appointment, and dental care is non existent on the public system ].
Spain on the costa del sol, is facing overload of the health system due to the retired north european comunity instaled there.
get other inputs from other forums as this one - www.expat-blog.com , in order to gather information about this important move you are considering.

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I guess it really depends on the type of care you need, but me experience is that I get appointments here in Lisbon much faster than in Milwaukee . It is very common here that I get an appointment for the same week when I call (sometimes even the next day). And if you are sick with the flu, for example, you can call a doctor to come to your home. There are many different types of private insurance, so it is up to you what coverage you choose. But I would definitely recommend private insurance. Some public hospitals are in a pretty bad state.

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From what you said and what i've read on other posts, it looks like getting private health insurance is the way to go. Could you give me a ballpark figure on how much it would cost for a 63 year old male in good health, no medical problems so far. thanks

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I have checked into private health insurance and there are a couple big companies. The thing is that after 70 years old you are no longer eligible. So, after 70 you have to figure out a way to get health care.

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Bluewind, are you still planning on visiting Portugal this fall? If so, can you please post on this forum about your trip and what you learned while in Portugal? I have been thinking South America for retirement, studied a great deal about Ecuador, Chile, and Uruguay, but I'm not sure how I can handle a developing country. I've always wanted to live in Europe, and Portugal sounds like such a lovely place! Years ago I knew slightly a Portuguese family that had immigrated to Calif., and they were so delightful, friendly, and welcoming. It gave me an immediate good feeling about Portugal. I would appreciate hearing any information you can relay when you return from your trip. Thank you!

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The cost of living answer varies greatly...just as you say "I live in Florida" is that a back-water hole or Sanibel Island?! Depends on where you would live, how you live...and none of us can answer it for you! If research isn't answering it for you, come here for a couple of months and test out areas. Yes, you will lose about 25 cents on the dollar with current exchange rates, but the lower costs here for food and rent partially make up for that. If you have ANY idea about where you want to live, I could help with cost estimates, but you have to make some decisions to form a cost-comparison basis.

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I noticed on your profile that you are in the US. Are you aware of the immigration policies/requirements in EU countries? If you don't live in the EU or have an EU passport it is very difficult to immigrate full time.

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We came from California and have our temporary residency cards already. Just start the process at one of the four consulates in the US before you come. Was less expensive than Panama!

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ProfBren, what is less expensive? The visa or the cost of living in Portugal? Where in Portugal do you live? Can you speak to the cost of living there? Thank you!

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The visa was less. We did not have to put a certain amount in the bank, like the $5000 plus $2000 for each dependent. We not have to have a lawyer. It was a lot of work on our own but saved a lot also. We had to show proof of income and an FBI finger print process which is much more difficult than the department of justice, lots of patience. Also the rents are a lot less here. The utilities are less because you don't need as much air conditioning.

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