Great video, really interesting to hear your costs. We are hoping to move to the Silver Coast area later this year, so I understand the costs may differ for some things. Loved your concise content, really interested in hearing more about the health insurance you have. Many thanks. 😎

I retired early (mid fifties) and it is interesting to compare other early retiree budgets. My current fixed/average monthly bills: $75 Internet, $50 Electric, $45 Water/Garbage, $15 Mobile Phone (Was $55 before going to Mint), $155 Auto/Home Insurance (was $220 until I edited coverages), $22.5 Gasoline (I don't drive alot), $37.5 Subscriptions, $110 Gym (just joined OrangeTheory), $45 Monthly Pet Medication. This adds up to $555. I have a small monthly mortgage of $565 (<30 months remaining). I am covered under Affordable Health Care Act with no monthly premium for my high deductible plan (I do save max in my HSA account). Throughout my career I used to eat out alot – now I cook most of my meals. On average I spend about $350 for all categories of food including pet food (for cat). I also reserve $350 monthly for income/property tax payments. This adds up to $1820 per month (or $1850 budget for regular expenses) I retired just before COVID (moving from high priced San Francisco to North Carolina). Most of of my discretionary budget in the last 2 years and going into a 3rd has been for home and yard improvements. Overall I budget $30K low target, $36K flex target, and $42K absolute max per year. These different thresholds reflect remaining home projects (like fence and landscape – pending estimates), reserve for unforeseen expenses (like broken appliance and veterinary bills), and any desired travel.

Excellent presentation of living costs. I love the way you present the content and its crisp and to the point. Whenever you do that anticipated coverage on healthcare would you be kind enough to present some insight on health insurance options for the 65+ category. I am sure thay would be way expensive than the premiums you pay in your age group. Would like to get an idea on what that cost may be. Finally thanks for the great informational and inspirational content you both bring in.

I love watching your COL videos and really excited what your next rent free video will look like.
Would absolutely appreciate whatever you can share about healthcare. BTW, you two are just a cute couple!

Yes on the healthcare details! I have seen a few videos from ex-pat couples/families in the Porto and Lisbon areas who have noted monthly costs of over €200/month for private insurance. The couples are in their 60s, but I have no idea how much that impacts the cost of private insurance, or how much the different coverages vary when it comes to deductibles, co-pays, etc.

Also–and forgive me if you explained how this all transpired and I missed it–info I've seen from consultants who advise folks on immigration to Portugal via the D7 visa stated that folks had to have their lease all finalized in writing before departing their former home for Portugal. Didn't you originally plan to just stop in Madeira but then live on the mainland? How did you manage to shift things around if that was the case? Thanks!

Nice job guys, hope to see you both again soon.

Hi guys you should also be able to make data calls to the US for free (almost)…Skype or one of those products? I would also be very interested in medical details, where and how you got your medical cover, is it really needed, which plan, have you been to a doctor and the experience etc?

Just got back from 3 weeks in Portugal and loved it. I would like to hear more about healthcare plans and how you got your drivers license. Thanks for sharing your costs.

I should be moving there in January 2023!

hi, I am eager to know the details of Portugal D7 application, especially passive income, one year rent, nif, Portugese bank.

Love your video! Thank you for sharing.

How did you get your money to Madeira? Did you use a service, bank check, wire from account to account? Fee? Thanks

Love your videos. Hope you continue with whats important when you buy a property. Lawyer, notary….

Great video Doug and Monique, thank you for posting. And yes, would love more information on healthcare. Will be arriving in September. By chance do you have an email so I can communicate directly?? Have a few more questions on living in Madeira. Have an amazing day and week. God bless you both.

Great vídeos always, very informatives! I am also interested in health care deep dive vídeo. How did you purchase it from USA?

Congrats to you! So exciting that you've taken that step.

G’day
I really enjoy the budget review and always look forward to seeing your videos
I recently shared your videos with friends in Canada and My cousins in Australia.
Congratulations on your new home. I noticed you use landline for calls. Have you tried What’s App. for calling
We have friends on Madeira and use What’s App to call on our I-phones at no cost.

Cheers Andrew and Monica

Great video again! So happy for you finding a permanent home, you must be so excited!! One year more for us in America before moving to Madeira!!

Congratulations on your Madeira home purchase! Looking forward to the details.

I love these cost of living videos!

Best of luck on the move. Excited to see where you have bought

Love your videos, thank you. Yes, a health care deep dive would be great.

Thanks for the update. We are 6 months behind you. Arrived last week and hopefully signing lease on Funchal apartment next week. useful to have you guys pioneering the next steps for us 😁

Oh my gosh I am so excited you bought a house!! Eve more excited as I know you will share costs with us. Thank you so much for leading the way to Madeira.