Group: Business Portugal

Here is an interesting article from David Hamshire I wanted to bring to your attention.

I think that if you consider visiting or relocating to Portugal the cost of living is an important point

Zulmira

______

Many things in Portugal remain cheaper than in northern European countries, including property and rents outside the major cities and top resort areas (where they can be astronomical), fresh food, alcohol, dining out and general entertainment.

Cost of living in Portugal, as it depends very much on each individual’s particular circumstances and lifestyle. The actual difference in your food bill will depend on what you eat and where you lived before moving to Portugal.

Food in Portugal costs is cheaper than in most northern European countries. €200 to €300 should feed two adults for a month, including (inexpensive [but delicious]) wine but excluding fillet steak, caviar and expensive imported foods.

A couple owning their home can ‘survive’ on a net income of as little as €1,000 per month (many pensioners actually live on less) and most can live quite comfortably on an income of around €2,000 per month (excluding rent or mortgage payments). In fact most northern Europeans who live modestly in Portugal without over-doing the luxuries will find that their cost of living is up to 50 per cent lower than in their home country.

This article is an extract from Buying a Home in Portugal.
by David Hamshire

Cost of Life in Portugal : here are some examples...

- A small restaurant near my home where you can eat a copious traditional meal for 6-8 euros, wine and coffee included !

- Enjoy on a sunny cafe terrasse an espresso for 0.50 euros or a fresh beer for 0.80 euros.

- Instead of cooking a chicken (2.50 euros / kg) prefer a take-away "Frango Churrasco" (grilled chicken seasoned Portuguese style) for 3.00 euros per kg.

- Free entertainment : visit the beautyful castle of Sesimbra for example, or attend one of the many festivals organized in Portuguese villages or small towns where you can enjoy music and dance ( professional orchestras or national singers ).

Portugal is full of things to discover and is pleasant to live ... We hope to see you

there soon!

Zulmira

That sounds too good..... :-)

the thing is Zulmira....I think it´s quite difficult to find a job where I´d earn as much money as I do here in Austria...
..or let´s take my hubby for example....he is a visual merchandiser and has a average income. we are not rich,are living in a small flat (70m² for 4 persons) but life is quite good for us...social benefits, how is this in Portugal?

And believe me I´d love to live and work in Portugal.....but somehow there are some points......hm..

I have to agree with Zulmira about the cost of living. I spent a couple of days recently just visiting local shops, markets & restaurants etc and I was so suprised at how low the prices were and also the quality of the wonderful food.

I would be very tempted to buy a second home on the Algarve because the gorgeous climate, beautilful coast, historic towns and villages and the low cost of living make it a very interesting location to consider as a permanent base.

Michael Sloyan
The British Business Club
www.britishbusinessclub.com