Today's episode rounds out our series on utilizing your location as a tool to financial independence and is led by just thew of us hosts.
You may hear this idea called geo-arbitrage. We wanted to pick two locations where we would actually like to take a test run of financial independence in a foreign country.
Cody picked Santiago, Chile and Justin picked Porto, Portugal.
This episode covers an honest and holistic look at what it would cost for a couple to live in these countries while still really exploring and enjoying them.
Take a listen and consider where you'd move if you had the freedom.
Santiago, Chile
Housing
- $500 for a one BR apartment
- Comes with parking, laundry, gym, BBQ and pool
Utilities (Electricity, Heat, Cooling, Water, Garbage)
$135 per month
Cost of Flights to Other Locations
- Flights around South America starting as low as $35.
- $385 to get back to Cody's home in New England
Restaurant Samplings
- Simple meal at inexpensive restaurant costs $5
Grocery Samplings
- $30-35 per week. With mostly fish, vegetables, beans, eggs, “healthy” pasta, fruits, and smoothies
Phone/Internet
- $45 per month
Public Transportation
- Taxis will take you anywhere for less than $10
- Average of $150 per month (per expat survey)
Healthcare
- Ranked 33 out of 190 countries (similar to Australia and Denmark and many of the doctors speak english)
- $100-120 for healthy adult expat insurance
Visa Requirements (how long can I stay?)
- 90 days (plus can pay $100 for another 90 day extension)
Weather
- Coldest months are June and July with average highs of 61 degrees Fahrenheit
- Only downside is that it rains 4-5 days per week
Total cost = $1650/month
500 housing
135 utilities
120 groceries
250 restaurants
45 phone/internet
100 transport
120 healthcare
400 entertainment
$19,800 per year
Porto, Portugal
Housing
- $833 for a one BR apartment in heart of the city
- Comes with parking, laundry, wifi, all utilities
Utilities (Electricity, Heat, Cooling, Water, Garbage)
Included
Cost of Flights to Other Locations
- Flights around Europe starting as low as $25.
Paris: $25
Barcelona $49
Milan $53
- $670 to get back to Justin's home in Austin
Restaurant Samplings
- Simple meal at inexpensive restaurant costs $6
- Anthony Bordain visited restaurant also serves $1.80 martinis
Grocery Samplings
- $40 per week.
$2.60/lb chicken, $1.30/lb pork, $0.75 fresh bread, $0.90 apples, $2.50 bottle of wine as examples
Phone/Internet
- Wifi is free, 22gb data and unlimited call cell phone for $18
Public Transportation
-Amazing train system for very cheap which I factor into "Travel"
Healthcare
- Emergency room visits are free
- Research shows ~$40 per month for plans
Visa Requirements (how long can I stay?)
- 90 days with just the passport
- Full citizenship appears attainable if you can prove you have healthcare as well as stable income source to fund your retirement
Weather
- Lowest highs are 57 degrees December/January
- Highest highs are 77 degrees in July/August
Total cost = $1770/month (for a couple)
833 housing
140 groceries
300 restaurants
18 phone/internet
80 healthcare
400 entertainment (includes transportation)
$21,240 per year
Join the Community
We’d love to hear your comments and questions about this week’s episode. Here are some of the best ways to stay in touch and get involved in The FI Show community!
Grab our FREE Budget Planner
Join our Facebook Group
Leave us a voicemail
Send an email to contact [at] TheFIshow [dot] com
If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating/review!
>> You can do that by clicking here
view more