Why are Californians Moving to Portugal?

Many Americans are seeking to relocate overseas in search of a better quality of life, safety, and affordability. Among their number, many Californians are seeking out Portugal, perhaps due to the similarities with the Golden State, such as its gorgeous climate, beautiful beaches, and relaxed lifestyle that may resonate with Californians.

What are the key drivers for American interest in Portugal? 

American interest in Portugal has not come out of nowhere. Interest has been picking up gradually in recent years, and more steeply in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key drivers include:

	Americans are searching for a better lifestyle and long-term security for themselves and their families.
	A thriving real estate market awaits that has proved resilient in the face of the pandemic and global uncertainties, for example, outpacing US, EU, and UK markets.
	Portugal offers residency to Americans through its variety of residency visa options, such as the Digital Nomad Visa, D7 Visa, and the Portugal Golden Visa.
	Portugal has progressive legislation and a stable socio-political environment.
	Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, ranking 7th in the 2025 Global Peace Index.
	The country has excellent and accessible public and private healthcare at a fraction of US healthcare costs.
	There are more than 51 international schools in Portugal that offer a range of curricula, languages, and teaching styles.
	Portugal has an affordable cost of living, being approximately 30 percent cheaper than the US, with the cost of living in Los Angeles, California, being around 47 percent higher than Lisbon, according to Numbeo.
	English is widely spoken, with Portugal ranking sixth in the English Proficiency Index, making interaction and networking easy.
	Although it will depend on the company you work for, the work life balance in Portugal is appealing, with Europeans tending to prioritize a work life balance more than in the USA to spend time with family and friends.

Californians Moving to Portugal

When it comes to Californians moving to Portugal, many young professionals and families have moved to Portugal, often those who work in tech or own their own business. Their preferences lean towards modern houses with open layouts, outdoor spaces, and ocean views. Due to this, the Silver Coast has become highly sought after, alongside the Algarve.

Americans are, however, also seeking out the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, particularly Cascais, which attracts the highest concentration of American investment. Cascais offers proximity to the Portuguese capital, excellent infrastructure, countless activities (from golfing to hiking), and gorgeous landscapes and beaches.

Porto has also experienced a surge of interest and growth amongst younger American families and tech professionals, while Comporta and Melides are on the radar for those seeking effortless luxury on the beautiful Western Portuguese coastline, with Nicole Kidman having reportedly been seeking real estate in Melides.

While some Californians are testing the waters with a second residence that can also serve to generate rental income, others are relocating on a more permanent basis. Both buyer profiles are investing primarily in the middle to higher tiers of the Portuguese real estate market.

Portugal, a Flourishing Tech Hub

The tech sector has been blossoming in Portugal in recent years, with Lisbon being heralded as the New Tech Capital and becoming Europe’s own Silicon Valley – and Californians and other US nationals seem to be taking note.

Web Summit relocated to the Lisbon city center in 2016 and, since then, the Portuguese capital has become a melting point for start ups, tech companies, and international businesses. This buzz has also led to Porto and Braga become highly sought after tech hubs, while the Algarve is also opening up as a tech region for the future.

Tech owners, digital noamds, and entrepreneurs will find a dynamic and exciting environment with tech-related events happening throughout the year, a wide range of co-working options, and residency options targeted on attracting top talent from overseas, such as the D2 Visa Portugal (for entrepreneurs), the HQA Visa (for highly qualified workers), the Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers), and the Portugal Golden Visa (for investors).

Portugal Looks Set to Remain a Prime Destination for Americans

There is no one reason why Americans are increasingly looking to Portugal, but the warm hospitality of the Portuguese, complemented by the high quality of life, beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and warm climate, are among the most popular pull factors. The affordable healthcare, easy visa process, expat support network, and strong American community are other key drivers.

Californians moving to Portugal are leaving the Golden State for a lower cost country, with a similarly relaxed culture and mild climate awaiting them. Even the Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge in Lisbon is reminiscent of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in California, both of which were built by the American Bridge Company.

Portugal has become an ideal destination for digital nomads, tech owners, retirees, and families. While some are testing the waters and may be exploring their options, many Californians and American expats are seeking out a new life to relocate with families or to establish a European base for their businesses.

Portugal is no longer just a place to visit for Americans; it’s become a place that they can call home.