Our Dream Life in Tavira, Portugal for Under $2500/Month

Join Terry Coles as she shares her journey from Corpus Christi, Texas, to Tavira in Portugal's Algarve region, living her dream life on under $2500/month. In this video, Terry discusses her decision to move due to high living costs in the U.S., her experiences in various parts of Portugal, and why she chose Tavira as her new home.
Learn about Tavira's unique charm, including island beaches, a warm community, and a vibrant expat scene. Terry provides practical tips on the cost of living, healthcare, and the visa process, highlighting how she enjoys a Mediterranean lifestyle with healthy food, café culture, and excellent weather. Discover if Portugal could be your ideal retirement destination!
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Thanks for watching!
#tavira #taviraportugal #algarveportugal

[@internationalliving]

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[@flavOG]

How do you live on the US social security if Portugal taxes you at 45% rate? Thanks for the content!

[@YogaBlissDance]

They should hire here she's great at explaining and so positive!

[@iamkerenlouise]

Wow! This was so so informative ---well done Terry! Thank you!

[@larrym3280]

We just love Portugal and its food and people.

[@davidleong6606]

Thx Terry!!! Your perspective on your lifestyle is so well written and cheerfully presented, It is packed with so many practical tips. Excellent! One of the most broad and efficient informational videos on Portugal 🇵🇹 I’ve watched and I’ve seen over a hundred! Muito Abrigado!!!😊

[@nickaston2468]

Thank you very much for your video. I have lived for 25 years in the US but I am now seriously considering moving to Portugal. The political climate, gun violence, crime, cost of living, high health care costs, are all factoring into my decision.

[@annd282236]

Thank you Terry. What a great video and so accurate. I was just in Tavira for a week this spring and fell in love with it. I will have to find you on FB, so I can meet up with you on my next visit. I’m hoping to get back there this fall. I just started the visa process a couple weeks ago.. Michael from Boston

[@wmbecerra]

I stayed in Fuseta for 30 days last November. It was amazing

[@musicpeace]

Very nice to experience our wonderful home town from your perspective Terry. That was fun. You covered many areas so well. I'd agree with everything you shared. For those who are solo - Tavira is a fabulous place to live. I am SO happy to have moved here....this is from an independent, solo professional woman 60+ who has lived most of her adult life overseas (which a stint back in the US for elderly parents). Come visit.

[@TheRealDlo]

Just got back from Lagos! LOVED IT

[@HandMade7754]

Wow she is awesome at explaining, such a wealth of informatio. Good job

[@albertabs]

Best video I have watched, straight to the point , excellent information

[@francisphenry]

A very nice video. We love Tavira.

[@rolandpieters2932]

Fabulous video, very well done! we live not far from you. You describe it beautifully, Bo tarde!

[@maxflight777]

Unlike many Americans you are not verbose ! Your summary of the Algarve is succinct and accurate. best wishes

[@hopeinthesouth]

Ty Terry!!

[@roxanneloyst3733]

Hello. My husband and I are from Canada. Great video. So much great information. My husband and I had a vacation in Alberfera couple years ago. Although we found it very touristy. we did like the weather and being close to the beach. We thought of it as the place to go instead of going down south like to Mexico or Florida. We actually stayed a month just out side of Albeifaro. We didn't rent a car but we should have as we didn't get to see as much as some of our friends who happen to be here at the same time and we didn't know it. Small world. It would be lovely to find an apartment or home that we could rent and have family come to visit. Tavira looks like a beautiful area to stay in. We will have to check it out for sure. Thanks again for your awesome video. You are having your best life. Cheers

[@ruzannahovsepyan214]

Great video Terry thanks for sharing your thoughts.Very informative We’re planning to visit Tavira next summer and decide were we want to live after retirement. My husband is Portuguese born and raised in Canada.❤

[@peterferreira1025]

Great video! We all appreciated your well thought out advice. May you continue to inspire more of us who have made the move or are contemplating to do so. Regards from Lagos, at the other end of the Algarve 😂

[@bomvida6731]

Terry, you did an excellent job! Such an informative and interesting video. Thank you!

[@thepeacefulpack]

oh what a funny coincidence...we tried Panama, Mexico and ultimately ended up moving to Portugal. and lol...because we had to purchase asap for our pets...we ended up in Obidos...near Caldas da Rainha! We've been here for 3 years and presently looking to purchase in Albufeira. Thank You for sharing!

[@josedealmeida4256]

hello my dear welcome to Portugal I wish you and your family can stay forever you are welcome God bless

[@ppmproperties]

Very good video. Very detail and helpful information. Love it!

[@JackRT3]

Very informative- thanks Terry. I'll be in Tavira for the month of November and perhaps we will meet.

[@PatriciaBerlinerMA]

Great, informing video - you do it well, enough of everything!

[@isabelromanolemontreehomes]

Fabulous video. Wonderful description of Tavira ❤

[@ליתיפרי]

Hello there Terry thank you for sharing so much information and experience. I love watching things from your eyes...

[@j.c8086]

Great video! Welcome to Portugal, have fun and enjoy your retirement.

[@danielsemyck7683]

Great, informational video!!! My wife and I are planning to retire to Portugal next year and are still deciding where to live, Tavira being one of our options, along with Portimau and Albufeira.

[@timothymurphy6910]

we visited the algarve this past may. we both enjoyed Tavira and Faro. I'd be very happy to live in Tavira or Faro!

[@DagmarMetzler]

Terry, thanks, we are planning our move in January. We fell in love with Tavira and hope to relocate there. It would be lovely to connect/network with you when we get there. We too believe in integrating/immersing and are learning the language presently. Thanks again! - Dagmar Metzler

[@MariaNunes-po5rc]

Algarve has no sufficient water to help our farmers to grow our food... That's why the food prices are going up like never before. The UN general secretary mister Antonio Guterres is warning the world for the soon coming food shortages all over the world... We need our water , and land..which is put to use the unnecessary golf courses.... What a waist of resources... Please people open your eyes to the big picture.... Don't take way our farmers rights Which is Water and land.. Algarve can't accept more people it's to crowded already.

[@alindahill01]

Great video and very informative. Thank you for sharing your lovely life in Portugal. -Mary & Kevin

[@pauloraposo871]

I live in Vilamoura and I loved your vídeo

[@lovemyhd1960too]

Great information! Thank you!!

[@mohammedsharif2651]

Loved your video. Great content and useful information. Thank you ❤

[@idstandard]

Well done young lady well done

[@timothymurphy6910]

we've been living in cuenca, ecuador since 2012. once our cats pass, portugal here we come!

[@duffinmedia]

Fabulous video! Thank you so much!

[@tral403Hrytw]

Great channel.

[@vitormxavier]

Nice and to the point! Thanks

[@charleslyall4911]

I’m going back in may next yr ,love Tavira ❤️👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@dianacpowers]

Thank you Terry! We've been to Portugal, but love Tavira from what we've seen and it's more affordable... Your video is super helpful:). We'll let you know after US presidential elections when we're plannin on visiting Tavira:)

[@michelehernandez5992]

What a great video and I thank you for sharing. I am going to be in Lisbon w/car in the end of Nov. I have my sights set on cking out the Algarve.

[@charleslyall4911]

I’m staying at Vila Gale in Tavira ,Tonys wee bar across the road cheap as chips ,love the Portuguese,thanks ❤️🤭🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@hvanderp578]

Yes, in Northern Europe central heating is the norm, only in the southern countries they don’t think you need it, but living in southern Spain, we know that the winters get cold and floor heating is a must….

[@tenese8]

Thanks for sharing a bit of your life and experience in Portugal. My husband and I live in Corpus Christi, TX so what fun to hear from a fellow/former South Texan. We'd like to spend a month scouting out the Algarve. As far a weather, what month would you recommend in either the early Fall or in the Spring?

[@sergeidubrov2080]

Great presentation! The only problem this days it's close to impossible to open a bank account in Portugal for US citizens, which is required for D7 visa.

[@patric5076]

Thank you for your video. In March I was in the Algarve from Vila Real Santo Antonio to Sagres. We were driving so we able to stop in many (if not all) small towns. We didn't find the $3 bottles of wine. In fact Porto wine was more expensive there than here in the USA. About the weather, we had many unexpected downpours. In any case, I'm sad to say that I didn't fall in luv with Portugal. So I'm still on the search for my retirement home.

[@marksadventures1606]

Every large market has 2-3 dollar bottles of wine, or if your not a snob 1.3 gallons for under 8 bucks and it is good. How about a GREAT bottle of Syrah from a local winery for 9 bucks? Most cafes sell a carafe of wine equivalent to a bottle for 3 Euros about $3.21. The local cafe has carafe of wine/olives/carrots/bread basket/Chicken/fries/rice/salad/chocolate moose/ expresso for 10 Euros. Plan on taking a nap after! If you are sitting on the waterfront it will be harder to find but not impossible. I also love Spain and the houses are less expensive and the cuisine more varied, enjoy!

[@NordicAdvRider]

@@marksadventures1606Rental prices in Spain are not cheap and the salaries are low. But the climate is good

[@kevinvincent4323]

Just left two weeks ago. Those streamers over the street were hanging there when we left. We stayed literally in a straight line in front of the ferry ticket booth, right next to the Indian restaurant. I absolutely loved the laid back atmosphere. However the bakery folks weren’t super “smiley”but still no negative vibes. Already planning a return trip next summer and might look around at a little real estate. However, seems there is a little stress in general about tourist lately, so will have to see how that plays out. The market was amazing and I was really depressed the first trip to Kroger when we got back. Hopefully things will chill out a bit as well as the government of Portugal will settle on a plan for people moving there.

[@Larry-jh8gf]

Nice video, my plan is to retire in 3 years to the Algarve. Spent some time in Tivera and its a lovely town.

[@lmatos4634]

I agree with everything you said! You just forgot to mention that the highways (Brisa) are not free or cheap if used daily 😊

[@MrRobin61]

I like Tavira , the restaurants , shops and people but in the end I like my stay in Santa Luzia ( perfect quiet )

[@richieyyz]

So I retire next April and our original plan was to go back to my birth country of Ecuador to retire. However the energy crisis in Ecuador is not improving so we are now going to go to Portugal instead. Going there in December For a month to check it out.

[@maxflight777]

Oh I do disagree about Costco Seville !! Super friendly staff who all speak English, great products. Well worth the journey from central Algarve ! (If you have a Tesla you can make journeys like this for just €16 (exc Portugal tolls ) 😢

[@aelsoncacique2326]

I"m so in love with everything you said very nice explain

[@nickensmaui]

Love Tavira

[@JustJane1]

On my way. Did my first scouting trip in May. I'll be back again May 2025 to find housing 😊

[@JLTravels]

Excellent review, thank you. I hope Portugal doesn’t become anti-tourist like Spain is currently!

[@tral403Hrytw]

How is humidity and mold there? When i was there in Portugal, even in Lisbon, mold is a problem.

[@xmaniac99]

Good luck get decent health care anywhere in eastern algarve. You will be going to Sevilla or Faro for a specialist. With Faro being hit and miss.

[@TheBlueskyson]

Hi Terry. How are the tax rules there? i heard 40-50% of income is now taxed? What are you seeing? ty 4 another gr8 vid. Imma on my way! :)

[@susanhighfield3370]

Please tell me where in Tavira you can rent a place for 300 - 500 Euros that is crazy. , we've lived in Tavira 3 years and those prices are not available anywhere here.

[@YogaBlissDance]

I'm not in Portugal but honestly I've ALWAYS found cheaper apartments, below market rate. Often you have to look via out of the way sources- IF YOU USE THE COMMON WAYS or a REALTOR you will pay more. For example find a small landlord, ask locals (once you are there) etc.

[@susanhighfield3370]

Well we live in Tavira and thats how we found our apartment, we looked at real estates companies and private people, it isn't possible, prices have increased enormously over the last 12 months, probably due to all us immigrants coming to live here.

[@ChrisRyanVideoProductions]

Is there any backlash for Americans moving over (and raising prices) like we've seen recently in Barcelona?

[@ScoreGB]

you tell me, the minimal wage is 800 euros, wen ppl from other country's are willing to pay double or triple, the locals wont have means to afford that, so guess what, the housing prices went up so much that its becoming very difficult to afford housing , food and bills, i know its that ppl that visit and like it are not responsible, but at the same time the locals are suffering with this recent tourist rise...

[@davepersich3035]

@@ScoreGB New tourist licences for tourist accommodation have been suspended in most coastal areas due to the impact on local housing needs.

[@donnacosta5633]

Tourists and expat residents are no loger welcomed. They are also the target of scammers & fraudsters. Burglaries are rife. It's not a crime free country, far from it.

[@CatherineWilliamson-w5n]

With so many folks from the US, UK and other areas, is there a used bookstore or library that features books in English and other languages in Tavira?

[@smiz4990]

How are the animals treated in Tavira? I have heard horrible stories, and decided not to retire there for that reason.

[@theodorajuskiw5283]

OK one dogowner less. Can't sleep for barking sometimes. And like anywhere in the world some dogs are probably mistreated somewhere as are humans

[@donnacosta5633]

Dogs are treated better than tourists. Dogs are not scammed.

[@ji3946]

Florida has super high dew point/humidity and is very uncomfortable. The air is much drier in Tavira in summer compared to Florida. The winter is a different story, you need a dehumidifier to keep your place dry in Tavira. The good highways are toll roads, they owe the EU billions for those nice roads

[@mariacanto1871]

Don’t you worry about that, Portugal pays it’s fare share!

[@charleslyall4911]

Better in Portugal ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

[@SeanOHanlon]

The climate in the Algarve is nothing like Florida. It's much more like Southern California. Florida has high humidity and it rains almost daily in the summer. The Algarve is cooler and drier. The cost of food in Portugal and many other countries across Europe is 1/3rd that of most places in the U.S.

[@g.williams7740]

Lady hearing from you is what the doctor ordered i like your explanation very informative appreciate your honesty about your money reality i like your husband have a pension that's not bad but i don't have an x wife so i guess that's good for money reason your detailed explanation of daily living is just very informative many thanks

[@anita-.]

Thank you so much We are applying for D7, we were thinking g in or near Tavira Looking for rental property, around $1200 fir T2, with garden in ground floor, we have pets, Can you share your rental office or website that gives long term rental Thanks a lot

[@mikesmith1702]

Is Tavira a quiet area to live?

[@module79l28]

Saying that the Sun never comes out in Caldas da Rainha is a bit of an exaggeration and to be honest, a bit of misinformation. The "split" in A/C units' name doesn't means they provide both cool and heat, it means they're two separate units: the condenser (or outside unit) and the evaporator (or the inside unit).

[@mikesmith1702]

Love you are plant based!

[@ceciliagarcia4097]

Great. When in Rome do as the Romans do. Just consider that the average salary in POrtugal is under 1.000 so the title of this video is a bit disrespectful considering that people from portugal have the right to live in the Algarve as well, but prices are getting soo high that only foreigners can afford it nowadays

[@josemaia9051]

The average salary in Portigal is 1443 euros, data from INE, please don't mislead people.

[@mehranyousefi4396]

Looks like after 200 years European are coming back to their origin ,I hope don't make a mess with their culture, and keep saying we are Americans

[@orleytravels]

Can you work there? What do you do for income? Investments? You Tube Channel?

[@GURUETIK]

BRAVA🎉

[@MilanGolubovic-c7s]

Nice video, but you should get a better camera. It has too many glitches when you move it left /right.

[@donnacosta5633]

Income Tax in Portugal can be as high as 48%. Pension income of Americans is taxed at 10% flat rate, on top of US tax.

[@chicagomike]

It’s a great video though. As for me, tavira is boring especially out of season. I like a bigger city which means for me only Lisbon. Oporto has a different vibe for me personally. Setubal which is close to Lisbon is a alternative because sadly Lisbon is expensive and touristed. When I discovered Portugal probably 40 years ago, most Americans have never been there. You are great as a video person. Good luck and good health to you and your husband. May god bless you.

[@hokiedevil]

Still living the American life in a foreign country... I prefer to live the local life

[@meaco247]

How about taxes for IRA, Savings, SSA , Pensions !? Nobody is talking about it !?!?!? I'm trying to go to Spain but taxes are the killers !!!

[@kappa2ou3]

What about taxes in your country? You have Federal taxes, estate taxes , city taxes, health taxes, you have taxes for everything 😂. I’m sure that you are paying more than us if you add everything.

[@donnacosta5633]

When you become a resident of Portugal, you'll also become a taxpayer of Portugal. You are required to declare all your worldwide income in the country where you are resident = Portugal. Tax breaks and NHR breaks have ended. Pensions are currently taxed at 10% on top of US tax. Other sources of income can be taxed up to 48%. Good living has a price. Welcome to Portugal!

[@MariaNunes-po5rc]

Algarve is under a severe problem no sufficient water 🌊 to supply the farmers...is not nice or fair knowing that Algarve has a problem with water to supply the citizens needs...and you and othes continue, and continue, and continue to advertise Algarve. Our farmers need water to grow our food... Please stop.

[@diogopedro1991]

Algarve has been invaded for good.

[@giddyup3451]

I'm not sure someone who had never been to Europe until they retired is really qualified to tell people where they should be retiring

[@timothymurphy6910]

just didn't discuss the income tax situation in portugal for us expats...

[@donnapullman2071]

Where do you live in Tavira for $1,200? We can't find anything long- term like yours for under $2,000.

[@OKuusava]

2500!! Twice as much i spend in month in much more expensive country!

[@toddpanas9836]

Great video on Tavira Terry, do you have an email, so my wife & I can connect on more info on Tavira, thank Todd & Elizabeth

[@carolmartin4413]

Lovely area but I think the health plans do not allow preexisting conditions. Most of us in our 70's have health issues and travel coverage is 1800/mo. People need to know...no country wants old people. They want young, rich transplants. Not blaming them..is what it is

[@JLTravels]

Great info!

[@valeriesokola2981]

Love it there. Went to every city in the Algarve . Friends live in Burgua . Loved it. Thank you your video was very informative

[@davidleong6606]

Yes, I believe if you’ve been paying private healthcare BEFORE 65, with no pre-existing conditions, you’re accepted. There is only one private plan that insures for over 65.

[@jillgoring8346]

It sounds like a lovely place to visit--but there's a reason the world is pushing their way into America--there's no place like it. Last I heard we still pay a smaller percentage of our total income for food than people anywhere else in the world...Our road system is the best, our national parks are incredible, our supermarkets are unbelievable, and every state has its own special beauty...I lived much of my life overseas [due to my parents' work and then my husband's and mine], so maybe I have a special appreciation for this [and I know I'm especially blessed with the benefit of awesome, almost-free health care as a senior]. But it was great to hear about Tavira, and there are still many similar places I'd love to visit.

[@MarianoMelo-d8q]

Why on earth would want a heating system in the Algarve

[@petermitchell421]

What I don’t understand from your little film is if you don’t like it busy and want to get away from “tourists” why are you promoting the Algarve? Don’t! It’s people like you who will spoil it for others! Leave it be and say nothing otherwise people will move over, prices will skyrocket and the very thing you wanted in the first place will become a tourist trap spoilt forever?

[@nathaliedossantos5960]

See you soon for a glass of vinho verde 😂

[@chicagomike]

Medicare with a supplement is cheaper here. Wrong. Sorry.

[@mistouko]

Good for tou. I have live in the same place with 1000€ a mounth. I'm sick about this sh!t!

[@CandycaneBeyond]

Why is your healthcare $1400 a month??

[@mikehornick4971]

$1400 was in US 12 years ago, she said, now 550 euros monthly. 51 then, 63 now.

[@meaco247]

@@mikehornick4971 That's a lot !!!!

[@Pixellava]

My wife and I are self-employed in our mid-50s. Our Blue Shield HDHP is the cheapest/best coverage we’ve found after LOTS of searching. The premium is $1400/month. I get 2 infusions a year for a brain inflammation disease, that maxes out my 7k deductible so our healthcare is $1900/mo. AND it’s only thanks to the Affordable Care Act that we were able to get healthcare at all. It’s completely ridiculous, Portugal looks great.

[@CharlesMccary-v3t]

Your video is great my partner and I would like to come and visit. Can you help me out with some information or staying there for two weeks? We’re thinking about retiring there, but want to visit first would be nice to know a place to stay and maybe other information. Do you have an email address or on Facebook for another way of contacting you?