The rise in the cost of living and healthcare, social and political unrest, and a heavy taxation load have pushed many Americans to reevaluate their priorities and lifestyles. Some prioritize a better quality of life, others look for the pursuit of stability, affordability, and most importantly, peace of mind. This leads them to Portugal, a place of calm, comfort, and new beginnings.

Parallel to this, the AIMA interim report reveals that out of the 40 million digital nomads in Portugal, nearly half are Americans. In 2023, Americans received 22.4% of Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa. Plus, the number of US investors grew a lot in 2023, rising from 216 to 567, showing a significant increase of 162.5%.

Why Americans Relocate to Portugal?

InterNations’ Expat Insider 2024 survey ranks Portugal 15th overall among global expat destinations. The country stands out particularly in the quality of life category, ranking 7th, scoring 13th in personal finance, and is placed 15th for ease of settling in. These rankings highlight why Portugal continues to attract Americans seeking a better lifestyle abroad.

Supporting this trend, in 2024, Get Golden Visa researched the Great American Exodus and revealed several key aspects of this relocation trend. Taking this research as a basis, here we have explored several factors why Americans are moving to Portugal.

1 in 4 Americans Are Falling Behind as Living Costs Rise

According to The Century Foundation’s latest data in 2025, over 1 in 4 Americans (26%) fell behind on their monthly bills in the past year, and 23% had trouble paying their rent or mortgage. To cope with the rising expenses, 41% of Americans drain their savings, while 37% rely on their credit cards. These numbers state how overwhelmed Americans are with constant financial stress and growing debt.

The sense that the system is unfairly stacked against them is driving many Americans to seek a fresh start elsewhere. For some, Portugal has emerged as a popular “safe haven.” While they need to spend $6440 per month in the US, this number drops to $2,500 to $3,000 a month in Portugal.

The 160-Hour Gap Driving Americans Toward Portugal’s Lifestyle

Based on a survey of over 18,000 US employees, the latest data reveals that Americans face unpredictable and inconsistent working schedules. This creates a significant challenge for them to balance their professional and personal lives. Plus, it also causes financial instability, a high level of stress, and lower job satisfaction.

Given these challenges, the demand for a better work-life balance leads them to find peace overseas. Portugal, in particular, stands out for its relaxed working culture. Many Americans enjoy the possibility of turning off their computers after work and taking a walk by the seaside or even going for a swim just minutes away.

According to OECD data, the average annual working time in the United States was around 1,799 hours in 2023, which refers to roughly 34.6 hours per week. On the contrary, the average for Portugal stood at approximately 1,635 hours as of 2022, equal to about 31.4 hours per week. In other words, people in Portugal work around 160 fewer hours per year than those in the US.

77% of Americans Feel Mentally Exhausted by US Unrest

The American Psychological Association states that around 77% of Americans express that they are stressed about their country’s future. Their anxiety mostly stems from ongoing social and political unrest in the US. Plus, it is also seen that many of them feel overwhelmed by the spread of misinformation, highlighting that it increases confusion and distrust.

With this upheaval, Americans are now in search of a place that offers peace and tranquility. At this point, Portugal stands out as an ideal destination for those looking to escape the stress and find a more balanced, serene way of living.

81% of Americans Say They Can’t Afford Higher Taxes

Paying heavy taxes is a big worry for a lot of people in the US. A recent survey by the Cato Institute in 2025 found that 81% of Americans say they cannot afford to pay higher taxes. This widespread concern about rising taxes reflects how heavy Americans feel the financial pressure on them.

Seeing that the system is rotting itself, they look for countries that they can benefit from favorable tax regimes. Portugal is one such country that allows its residents to enjoy lower tax rates and offers attractive programs for foreigners. For instance, IFICI (New NHR) provides low or zero taxes on certain foreign income for up to 10 years.

The US Citizens Looking for Secure Investment Opportunities

Many Americans are now looking to invest outside the US. They want to protect their money, lower their tax burden, and explore new opportunities. Among many European countries, Portugal is a popular choice. It has a stable economy and is friendly to foreign investors.

One of the main options is the Portugal Golden Visa, for which American interest rises from 216 to 567, showing a 162.5% increase in recent years. This program allows investors to get a 5-year residency by making a fund investment of at least €500,000. Within the framework of it, investors can diversify their portfolio and mitigate their risks. This way, they can grow their capital and also gain access to Europe. For many Americans, this is a smart move for both financial and lifestyle reasons.

Only 19% of Americans Are Satisfied with the Healthcare system in the US

Only 19% of Americans say they are satisfied with the healthcare system in the US, according to GALLUP. High costs, insurance complications, and limited access leave many frustrated. Adding to these concerns, Social Security’s Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) fund is expected to run out by early 2033. After that, benefits may drop to about 77% of what people receive now. New laws might move this date up to 2032 and cut payments by 20–23%. However, for many, this still feels like a distant concern.

In contrast, Portugal offers both a public and private healthcare system that is affordable, efficient, and accessible. In 2022, the US spent about $12,555 per person on healthcare, which is more than two and a half times the average in OECD countries (around $5,000). On the other hand, Portugal spent about $2,580 per person, showing how much cheaper healthcare is there.

Despite spending less, Portugal achieves impressive health outcomes. According to WHO data, the average life expectancy at birth in Portugal was 81.2 years in 2021, compared to 77.2 years in the US. Additionally, StatNews highlights that Portugal attains this longer life expectancy while spending only about 20% of the US healthcare budget. This showcases how efficient the Portuguese healthcare system is.

Americans Looking for Beautiful Scenery and Climate

Many Americans prefer Portugal for its beautiful landscapes and mild climate. If you enjoy beaches, the Algarve’s golden shores are perfect for relaxing or swimming. For sublime scenery, the Douro Valley is amazing to explore. Additionally, if you like lively urban cities with history and culture, Lisbon and Porto offer plenty of places to visit and seafood for you to taste, along with affordable costs. This peaceful, beautiful setting is a big reason why so many choose to call Portugal home.

From Lifestyle Choice to Strategic Shift

The 14,000 Americans who have moved to Portugal today are not just a number; they are a sign of the structural fractures within the United States. The looming unsustainability of Social Security funds (SSA’s 2033 scenario), rising debt levels, and heavier tax burdens all point to this trend accelerating over the next decade.

Portugal today is no longer just about “a pleasant climate and affordability”; with its low-cost healthcare system, access to the European market, favorable tax regimes, and residency-by-investment programs, it is increasingly shaping into a true retirement and investment hub.

This migration trend is creating multi-layered economic impacts, from the housing market to fund investments and health tourism. The growing share of US investors in CMVM-regulated funds is a strong indicator of what’s to come in retirement villages and long-term healthcare investments.