This list, which is headed by Portugal, is based on data
from International Living, and is not just for those looking to retire: "It’s
for anyone who is looking for a better life, a more affordable life or just a
way to escape from it all—the frenetic pace of life, the violence, the
politics, the divisiveness.
“This list is also for people who are tired of the 9-to-5
grind and want to find the cheapest places to live in the world, countries
where the cost of living is considerably cheaper than the U.S.—so cheap that
you might not have to work”.
Regarding Portugal, the publication explains that the cost
of living here is lower than in the USA. "It's a good time" to come
to Portugal, says Jennifer Stevens, from International Living, cited by Forbes,
justifying it with the "strength of the dollar".
“It wins in part because of the strength of the U.S. dollar
today. It’s a timely pick—because Europe is effectively on sale if you’re
shopping with greenbacks. It’s a good time to go,” says Stevens. “Beyond that,
Portugal’s visa options make staying there long-term relatively easy.
“The day-to-day cost of living is low compared to the
States—a couple can comfortably cover expenses (including rent and everything
else) for about $2,800 a month,” says Stevens. “A single could live well on
about $2,000 a month, all in (less in more rural areas).”
In addition, she adds that it is foreseeable that cities
like Porto and Lisbon will become more expensive, but she leaves three
suggestions for those who want to move here while still keeping to a modest
budget: “Big cities like Lisbon and Porto are going to cost more, smaller towns
less,” says Stevens. “A few spots to consider in Portugal: Lagos, Vilamoura, and
Tavira”.
The Forbes list continues with Mexico and Panama occupying the second and third place, respectively. Neighbouring Spain is also on the list,
in sixth place, followed by Greece and France.