en 
Portugal finished with an average score of 87.43 on the
index which took into account housing, cost of living, visas/benefits, affinity
rating, development/governance, climate, and healthcare, finishing above Mexico
in second place and Panama in third.
Spain was ranked in sixth position followed by Greece, France, and Italy.
Some of the areas that saw Portugal score most highly were
healthcare (92), development/governance (94) and visas/benefits (90), the area
where Portugal scored lowest was in housing (74).
Terry Coles, writing for International Living says: “Despite
its compact size, the country offers something for everyone” and outlines the
varied landscapes and options from country to coast, rural to city and
traditional to contemporary.
The people of Portugal and high English literacy was also
key in the rankings: “The people of Portugal are some of the kindest and most
genuine in the world, and they welcome foreigners with open arms and
double-cheeked kisses. Since English is taught in the schools many of the
locals, especially the younger generation, have a good grasp of the language”.
The safety of Portugal, which is ranked 6th in
the Global Peace Index is highlighted in the report which also details the high-quality healthcare, both public and private, fresh drinkable water, reliable
electricity and high-speed internet, easy to-navigate roads, and large expat
community of over 500,000.
After going into a little more detail about the various
different areas that many expats chose to relocate to, the report concludes
with a round-up of how affordable Portugal is – especially for US expats.
“How much do you need to retire to Portugal? As a general rule, a couple can live
comfortably on about $2,500 to $3,000 per month, depending on lifestyle and
whether you own or rent. To settle in Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve expect to
pay a bit more while inland areas cost less.”
The 2023 Annual Global Retirement Index compiles information
from a network of editors, correspondents, and contributors from across the
globe to put together the ranking.
English
Nederlands
Deutsch
Français
Español
Italiano
Svenska
Pусский
Română
中文
Türkçe
हिन्दी
Português
Українська
اردو
Polski
عربي
Suomi
עִברִית
Afrikaans
Português (Brasil)
Abserlut noncence.!!!!!!!
By J from Lisbon on 05 Jan 2023, 09:21
As an American visiting Portugal this summer to see if it would be a good place to retire, this is good news.
By Rick from USA on 06 Jan 2023, 02:07
They obviously don't live here. I have found the country to be totally oversold and reality does meet expectations! The big plus is cost of living, except for housing, but you only get what you pay for. Go outside of local Portuguese living and you pay through the nose big time. Try booking a golf tee time, as a resident, during high season as a quick litmus test. Definitely not a local community feeling!
By Stuart from Algarve on 06 Jan 2023, 04:42
@ J.....
Portugal is without doubt thee best place in Europe to live, eat, drink, feel safe and enjoy life, nature, people's company, with out being filthy rich.
Portugal is not perfect, but relatively, it almost is!
By Joe from Alentejo on 06 Jan 2023, 09:56
Hey, Rick from USA! We moved here from the USA as 25 yr ex pat Brits. Appreciate not everyone’s situation is the same and really depends on what you are looking for, life style, budget etc. But even for us, it was a BIG culture shock unless you are willing to pay big bucks (23% sales tax!) to live in one of the swanky areas of Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve. The country is really geared for tourism and many basic things you may be used to at home (like customer service or feeling part of a local community) are not common here. But, as mentioned, if you are ready to give up major aspects of a US consumer lifestyle and live locally it is a great location!
By Stuart from Algarve on 06 Jan 2023, 11:56
I was amused to read this:
"The people of Portugal are some of the kindest and most genuine in the world, "and they welcome foreigners with open arms and double-cheeked kisses. "Since English is taught in the schools many of the locals, especially the younger "generation, have a good grasp of the language.
I suggest that the author visits almost any small village in central PT. I´ve only experienced thinly disguised contempt, loathing and hatred. OK the people on my pay-roll are kind (cupboard love), but as for the rest . . . Only a handful here speak passable English and I´ve zero enthusiasm for learning a language that I would never use, beyond ordering a beer or a coffee. Who could I speak to and who would want to speak to me? I´m an academic and not a farmer.
I own several properties and have an income way beyond the imagination of most of the locals. Some pensioners in my village survive on 340 Euros a month! I take home at least 5 000 (normally more). I can understand their jealousy, but why can´t they understand that I´ve studied hard, worked hard and invested well, but still don´t own an orchard of money trees.
By Martini from Other on 06 Jan 2023, 17:44
I realise that there are people out there that will think "if he doesn´t like it, why doesn´t he f**k off back to where he came from".
Well folks, that´s EXACTLY what I´m going to do.
Bye bye PT. Enough is enough.
By Martini again from Other on 07 Jan 2023, 12:07
@ Martini
An academic?
I hope your new choice of residence enjoys Condescending Conceited Egotistical Big Heads as part of their community.
I can't imagine anyone enjoying a conversation with you.
If that is what hard work and education turns you into, I think I'll be a lazy farmer.
By Joe from Alentejo on 09 Jan 2023, 18:14
Dichter und Bauer.
Well I´m happy that YOU are happy, but I rather think that you are missing the point. As a friend of mine (Portuguese) pointed out: "It is great to know Portugal is the best in something so relevant". I couldn´t agree more.
By Martini from Other on 10 Jan 2023, 22:04