A British Expat’s Paradise: Why Portugal Beats the UK for Sun, Cost of Living, and Friendliness

Image: A picturesque Portuguese landscape

For many Brits, the idea of leaving the UK behind and starting a new life abroad is a tempting one. But where to go? For Sarah Wellband, the answer was Portugal – a country that has stolen her heart with its sunny weather, lower cost of living, and friendly locals.

Sarah, 60, made the move from Dublin to rural Portugal in search of a better climate, easier access to mainland Europe, and a more affordable lifestyle. She found all that and more in the small village of Chãos, where she now runs a horse riding and trekking centre.

“The weather in Portugal is a major draw for me,” Sarah says. “In the UK, the weather is so unpredictable and inconsistent, with mostly rain and grey clouds. Here, May through to October is guaranteed to be hot, dry weather. Even though there are some days that feel too hot, it’s generally between 20 and 30 degrees.”

Image: Sarah’s horse riding centre in Chãos, Portugal

But it’s not just the weather that’s won Sarah over. The cost of living in Portugal is significantly lower than in the UK, making it an attractive option for expats looking to stretch their pounds further. “Food prices in Portuguese shops are pretty similar to those in Britain, but eating out is much cheaper,” Sarah explains. “If we go out for dinner in Tomar, we can easily get a three-course meal with coffee and wine for €13. Since it is so cheap to eat out, everyone does it, and in the summer the town is full of people eating outside at restaurants until late in the evening.”

Wine is another area where Portugal excels, with a bottle of good wine available for just €2-3. And it’s not just the food and drink that’s affordable – owning a car in Portugal is also cheaper than in the UK, with road tax costing just €20 a year and car insurance from €150 a year.

Image: A bottle of Portuguese wine

But what really sets Portugal apart is its people. “They are incredibly kind, helpful, and gentle with each other,” Sarah says. “One small example is if you were to go into a hardware store and request a paint, the owner would be quick to suggest a cheaper option that does the same job. People trust each other. They would do anything for each other.”

Despite not speaking fluent Portuguese, Sarah has found it easy to make friends in her village. “I consider those in my village to be good friends,” she says. “They are always willing to help me out, even when I struggle with the language.”

For Sarah, the pace of life in Portugal is also a major draw. “It’s much slower than in the UK,” she says. “It can be frustrating when you want to get something done quickly, but generally, I think that is how life should be done. Most things can wait to get done.”

As she looks to the future, Sarah can’t imagine living anywhere else. “As long as my health allows, I plan to stay in Portugal for the rest of my life,” she says. “The only reason I can imagine moving back to Ireland is if my health takes a turn and I needed to be able to communicate fluently about my care. Although I do miss a good fish and chips, I prefer life here to life in the UK.”

Image: Sarah’s village in Portugal

For anyone considering making the move to Portugal, Sarah’s advice is simple: “Just do it. You won’t regret it. The people, the weather, the cost of living – everything is just so much better here.”