In early 2020, a family from Florida embarked on a journey to Europe, leading them to unexpected life changes when they decided to settle in Portugal.
The decision to relocate was largely driven by the significant decrease in living expenses. The family discovered that the cost of living in Portugal was notably lower than in Florida. A comparison of real estate prices highlighted this difference, with homes in Portugal being considerably more affordable. For instance, while the median sale price of a home in Palm Beach County, Florida, was $363,000 in January 2020, houses in their Portuguese neighborhood were listed for under $250,000. Additionally, essential goods such as medicine and groceries were cheaper, reducing their weekly expenditure on essentials from $150 in Florida to approximately $80 in Portugal. Dining out also presented savings, with meals in Portugal costing about $31, compared to no less than $50 for similar dining experiences in the United States.
One of the most striking observations upon their arrival was the warmth and hospitality of the Portuguese people. The family was regularly greeted with gestures of kindness, ranging from neighbors offering fresh produce to store workers giving priority to families with children in line. Such genuine niceness seemed more prevalent in Portugal than what they had experienced in the United States.
The natural beauty of Portugal left a lasting impression. The family described the country’s landscape as reminiscent of a national park, filled with majestic mountains and unspoiled scenery. They enjoyed countless opportunities to engage with nature through trails, bike paths, and natural pools, which differed significantly from their previous environment in Florida, where natural beauty felt less accessible.
Social customs also differed; they noted that their Portuguese friends had much later daily schedules. Dinners typically started around 8 p.m., and social gatherings often extended late into the evening. This was a contrast to their American routine, where they usually had dinner by 6 p.m. and aimed to have their child in bed by 7:30 p.m.
The move from Florida to Portugal offered this family a blend of economic savings, social warmth, and natural beauty, making the transition a rewarding experience.
Source: Businessinsider
