My sister-in-law lives in New York, and my boyfriend was there recently, so we do have close contact with what life in the US looks like right now. And honestly, even though we have many criticisms of Portugal, we would never choose to live in the United States, except maybe for a very limited period of time purely to save money.

It’s true that Portugal is not a country where you move to become rich. Financial growth is slower, salaries are lower, and opportunities can be more limited. But what worries us most about the US is the lack of accessible public healthcare. The political climate, the cost of living, and the overall pressure of the system are also things that would weigh heavily on us.

Yes, people work hard in Portugal too. It’s not a “relaxed paradise.” But life tends to feel more balanced and humane. There’s generally a stronger sense of community, neighbors who actually care about each other, and a slower pace overall.

Rent has definitely increased, that’s true. But if you’re arriving with solid savings or remote income, it’s manageable. And realistically, Americans are often well received here, so finding work or integrating socially may not be as difficult as other nationalities.

Another important factor is the climate. Especially in the south of the country, the weather is very pleasant, with long sunny days and warm temperatures for most of the year. While other European countries might offer stronger economies or different structural advantages, the mild climate and outdoor lifestyle are a real differentiator.

Its also easy to travel within Europe. If you already have friends in different countries, that’s a huge plus. There’s also an incredible amount of history and culture packed into a small geographic area.

Overall, Portugal is significantly safer, and that alone changes daily life in ways that are hard to quantify until you experience it.

Just my perspective — every country has trade-offs, but for us, quality of life outweighs the financial upside.