Retiring in Portugal on $2,500 a Month: The 2026 American’s Guide to Moving, D7 Visas, Healthcare, and Affordable Coastal Living

Retiring in Portugal on $2,500 a Month: The 2026 American’s Guide to Moving, D7 Visas, Healthcare, and Affordable Coastal Living

Finally — an up-to-date, no-nonsense guide written by an ordinary American couple who moved to Portugal in 2023–2024 on Social Security and a small pension. No real-estate agenda, no affiliate links, no influencer fluff. Just the practical information we wish we’d had when we were packing our suitcases. In this 2026 edition you’ll discover: Realistic monthly budgets for singles and couples — with current rent, grocery, and healthcare numbers from late 2025 - The only three legal residency paths most U.S. retirees actually use today — including step-by-step requirements for the popular D7 Passive Income Visa - Seven lesser-known towns and regions where long-term rents are still reasonable and expat communities are welcoming (plus the overpriced spots to avoid) - How the Portuguese healthcare system really works for retirees, what private insurance costs, and why many of us feel we get better routine care than we did in the States - The current tax situation for Social Security, pensions, and retirement accounts after the latest NHR changes — explained in plain English - Day-to-day life once the honeymoon ends: weather, shopping, making local friends, internet speeds, and the small annoyances nobody mentions - A printable 90-day moving checklist that takes the overwhelm out of the process - Common (and expensive) mistakes to skip, plus the resources that actually helped us settle in quickly Whether you’re still researching or already have your plane ticket, this book gives you the straightforward, updated information you need to decide if Portugal is right for you — and how to make it happen without breaking the bank. If you’re ready for sunny days, €1 coffees, and a slower pace that doesn’t require a millionaire’s budget, this is the guide that will get you there. See you on the terrace.