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Relocate on budget

ludaj62

Hi everyone — I’m planning a big life change and would really appreciate real experiences and specific recommendations.


A little about me: I’m a 62-year-old single woman. I am currently going through a divorce, and with my limited means I can no longer afford to live in America. My total monthly budget is $1,200 USD (this is my absolute maximum and must cover rent and all other living costs). I’d prefer a small house in a quiet inland town / nature setting (not interested in beach communities). I don’t have local ties in Portugal.


My questions:

    1.    Is this realistic? Which regions or towns (name them please) would make the most sense for this budget? I’m open to the interior (Central / Alentejo / Trás-os-Montes / Guarda / Viseu areas), but I’d love to hear exact towns where small houses or affordable rents are common.

    2.    Typical monthly breakdowns: What do locals/expats pay for a small house (rent), utilities, food, health insurance or public healthcare costs, and internet?

    3.    Visa/administration: Would the D7 visa be the right route for someone on a modest fixed income? Any tips on proving income, timing, or local services (lawyer/agent) you recommend?

    4.    Practical tips: Are there recommended local estate agents, neighborhoods to avoid, seasonal cost changes (heating in winter), or community groups to join?

    5.    Pets: I have a small, friendly dog. Will this make finding a rental more difficult? Are there regions or types of housing where landlords tend to be more pet-friendly?

    6.    Safety & healthcare: How easy is it to register for healthcare as a retiree / non-EU citizen? Any surprises people didn’t expect?


Thank you so much — I’m nervous but hopeful, and I want to make a well-informed plan for this new chapter in life.

See also

Relocating to PortugalMoving with your dog or cat to PortugalMoving companies in PortugalRelocation agencies in PortugalAnybody purchase a Genuino Sesmarias condo from ESCALA GLOBAL, S.A.Relocating to Portugal – need moving company recommendationsNew members of the Portugal forum, introduce yourselves here - 2025
SimCityAT

1,200.00 US Dollar = 1,024.2798 Euro


1 USD = 0.853567 EUR


1 EUR = 1.17155 USD

JohnnyPT

Hi @ludaj62, Welcome.


Forget USD. You have to convert them to euros. Such a monthly budget is possible, as long as you don't opt for expensive places or those frequented by expats or most touristic. Rental prices in the main cities are very inflated, for various reasons, including demand exceeding supply.


1. Yes, it is possible to have such a budget. The further you move away from the main cities and the coast /ocean, beaches etc,  the cheaper accommodation becomes. Some of the regions you mention are in fact the cheapest, especially inland Alentejo, Trás-os-Montes, Guarda and Castelo Branco. English is easily understood, but in more isolated places and in the countryside, you may find it difficult to be understood. You can find English-speaking expats anywhere in the country. But more in some places than in others. They are more concentrated in the main cities, the center coastline / silver coast and the Algarve.


Check idealista website to have an idea about rental prices.


Real State Agencies/Websites/Portals in Portugal

/forum/viewtopic.php?id=904388


Real Estate Website Portals, post #4

/forum/viewtopic.p … 93#5069701


Some remarks on Rental/Lease Agreement/Contract

/forum/viewtopic.p … 93#5075332

(Posts #9 ... #12)



2. You have some support here. It all depends on your lifestyle.


You can choose a city and compare 2 cities.



3. The D7 visa is ideal for you, your budget is just above the minimum required. You don't need a lawyer, you can do everything by yourself. Here are some testimonials.


D7 Minimum Resources (2025)

/en/forum/europe/p … ml#5973389

(Post #74)


Experience sharing about Visas to Portugal (D7 & others)

/forum/viewtopic.php?id=971460


D7 visa - more details here:

/forum/viewtopic.p … 42#5077438

(Posts #7, #8, ... #14, ...)


4. In the main cities there are neighbourhoods to avoid, but in the rest of the country, the climate is calm and safe. You have to be careful with humidity and heating. If you opt for very cheap rents, you may have these problems. Before renting, keep these items in mind, such as sun exposure, etc.


Community groups


How to build a social circle from scratch in Portugal

/forum/viewtopic.php?id=909130


Some meetup groups

/forum/viewtopic.p … 30#4966994

(Post #2)


Facebook groups

/forum/viewtopic.p … 30#5505120

(Post #17)



5. In general, most families have pets. If your dog doesn't cause any problems, landlords generally don't raise any issues.


Having pets in Portugal

/forum/viewtopic.php?id=917045


6. Yes, it's possible. But having private health insurance is highly recommended, as the NHS has seen better days... You have some support here too.


Access to the National Health System:

/forum/viewtopic.php?id=902977


Private Healthcare System in Portugal

/forum/viewtopic.php?id=914196



Regards

Annaprg

@ludaj62

Hi. I am thinking the same. If i retire now i will have $1200, but if i wait i will have more.

But later, prices will change too. Portugal almost sold out and you can probably find places to live in the middle of the country.

I just made a trip to Bulgaria, thinking that i can retire on my $1200 and buy apartment to secure rent. But prices went so much up, so i could not afford anything in the nice places. Just came back and still do not know what to do.

Are you Russian? I see it by your name? I am. If you want to talk more, send me email.

TGCampo

Portugal has become much more expensive over the past 10 years and in my personal opinion it is not possible for an immigrant to have a decent life in Portugal on the amount of money you mentioned.


I believe (!) that the Portuguese government is not interested in immigrants that are on the bottom of the income ladder.

SimCityAT

Portugal has become much more expensive over the past 10 years and in my personal opinion it is not possible for an - @TGCampo

Everywhere has, even Bulgaria.

MateoT7

@TGCampo

Where does $3200/mth fall? Still doable?

TGCampo

@MateoT7

That sound generous to me, but everything depends upon the lifestyle and where you want to live. A nice apartment in a trendy part of Lisbon or Cascais might not be achievable with that amount. However, with a little luck and flexibility regarding accommodation you should be fine.

MateoT7

@TGCampo

Excellent! Thank you. With my small investments as a supplement, I could be okay.


Thanks, again.

SimCityAT

@MateoT7

It's very doable, you just live within your means.


As of Sunday 21st September (09/21/25)


US$3,200 = €2,724.43


A very good site is , and it will compare prices from where you are living now to where you want to live.


With the amount you have given, you can afford a couple of coffees at a local cafe each morning, watching the world go by.


The average pension in Portugal is difficult to state precisely, but a 2023 report found the average expenditure per beneficiary was €10,653 annually (about €888 per month), significantly below the EU average of over €15,000. However, this figure can vary greatly depending on factors like the duration and amount of contributions made.



Portugal's property rental prices vary significantly by region, with the Lisbon district having the highest average price per square meter, around €19.6/³¾Â² as of July 2025. Other expensive regions include the Algarve (€1,070/month average) and Madeira (€1,130/month). The Alentejo (€790/month) and North (€1,070/month) offer more affordable options, while the Center and Azores are among the cheapest regions to rent an apartment.

Regional Rental Price Examples (as of July 2025)


Lisbon District:

€19.6/³¾Â²


Algarve:

€1,070/month (average apartment rent)


Madeira:

€1,130/month (average apartment rent)


North Region:

€1,070/month (average apartment rent)


Alentejo:

€790/month (average apartment rent)


Center Region:

€710/month (average apartment rent)


Azores:

€690/month (average apartment rent)


Factors Influencing Price


Location:

Coastal and major city areas, especially Lisbon and Porto, are significantly more expensive than inland or less populated regions.


Size of Property:

Rent prices are often quoted per square meter (€/m²), with larger properties costing more.


Type of Property:

The type of property, such as a T1 (one bedroom) or T2 (two bedroom) apartment, will also affect the overall monthly costs.

MateoT7

@SimCityAT

Wow! Excellent information!


The best part of this is that you all (and you specifically) are making my preferred weather and living locations even more attractive (southern part of the country, islands). Nice!


Now the icing on the cake would be if my invention sells. 🤞ðŸ˜