Portugal vs Italy - Where's The Best Place for Expats to Live?

Deciding on an expat destination between Portugal and Italy involves considering several distinct factors. Each country has its own legal and bureaucratic processes, which can affect the ease of settling in. Portugal, with its unique cultural landscape, offers a distinctive lifestyle influenced by various historical and contemporary factors, whereas Italy is known for its deeply rooted traditions and rich culinary heritage. The ease of communication for English speakers also varies significantly between the two. Factors like the cost of living, availability of modern conveniences like ride-sharing, and access to services in multiple languages are important considerations for daily life. Ultimately, choosing between these two captivating countries boils down to personal preferences and the readiness to embrace new cultural experiences. In this living abroad expat podcast episode of Not Your Average Globetrotter hosted by Rafael Di Furia, we'll talk about the nuances and considerations of moving to Italy versus moving to Portugal, offering considerations to help you navigate this important decision.

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[ff-ezwn]

Thank you for good information on Italy and Portugal. I subscribed, dear friend Rafael.
When you come to S Korea, don't forget to notify me for your interpreter and guardian.😂😅

[Bessintheworld]

I'm thinking of both as well. Thanks for your insight!

[pauvermelho]

Pasta for us is "pasta de dentes"

We just call it esparguete and for us everthing is esparguete... esparguete grosso... esparguete às cores... it doesn't matter it's just esparguete 🙂

[lucchese]

Excellent summary!
I love and appreciate any/all your IT vs PT comparisons. Based on our limited number of trips to PT (three thus far), I concur with all the analogies you’ve made which I can compare (cost of groceries, protein vs seafood). Think IT has become a better value recently on the renting front. Delighted to learn bureaucracy is less in PT vs IT. 🎉🎉🎉
However, I would like to know more about FOOD—specifically (1) can you find Italian foods in PT (other than pasta and sauces) or (2) are there authentic Italian restaurants in PT (not pizzerie)? I didn’t see much but could have missed it. 🤷
Grazie. 😊🙏🏻🇵🇹🇮🇹

[TeresaCook-dejo]

I don’t do well on so much meat and it ages everyone around me so much so I’m concerned finding good meals in Portugal and Spain for me. While traveling at least. In the US the food is awful and I eat my high raw diet prepared at home so I suppose I would need to do that there as well. Italy might be an easier place for me to eat.

[indigoinarritu]

Hey Rafael! It’s been a while. I hope you’re enjoying your new life!

[gmdanna]

Very interesting. I do have my Italian citizenship, so of course, that's where I'd probably go. However, the information is very good. Grazie mille!

[playleave]

Yes, Italy has much more to offer in terms of dialects, cities, nature than Portugal, but in Portugal we can enjoy Spain too, unfortunately public transport between Portugal and Spain is not the best but there are plans to connect Braga to Vigo in 30 minutes by high-speed trains in 2030. I really enjoy watching your videos, I'm Portuguese from Vila Verde, Braga :)

[alessandrosilva]

Since you are a foreigner living in the most Brazilian city in Portugal, a video about your vision of how much a foreign culture influences local life would be interesting. After all, you are a citizen of a third country, and you could bring a more impartial opinion.
I always watch your videos, but they always focus on the Historic Center. I think it would be interesting to talk about everyday life outside the most touristic area of Braga.

[Dpartsch]

I've heard that the electricity bills can be very high. How much would a 100 m2 apartment be for the electricity bill? The USA is going up too. Thank you.

[branc]

Well, in terms of food, Italy has influenced and yet influences the world world
Portigal gets influences from the world. Italian cuisine is one of the most, if not the most, loved cuisine in the world. People come tò Italy tò eat real Italian food, but in the greater towns you can find food from India, China, Mexico, Japan, Usa, etc.
In smaller towns it's more difficultà but I think it's the same in Portugal.

[max]

It's not true that in Italy there aren't multilingual telephone switchboards, we have it too and especially in business companies moreover there are also events organized for socialising in english in some cities but maybe you have never known..

[Netta]

You can do your own pesto in 5 minutes :) if you are so inclined . It worth it ;)