The American dream promises safety and opportunity — yet for many, reality means battling a healthcare system that can emotionally exhaust and financially devastate.
That was the story for Christina Kantzavelos, a mental health therapist from California living with chronic illness. Sky-high insurance premiums. Constant denials. Medical bills piling up.
*“We shouldn’t have to leave our country to afford to be healthy,”* Christina told Business Insider.
“I know people who had to launch GoFundMe pages just to survive.”
A Short Trip Turned Into Belonging
What began as a vacation to Portugal in 2022 became a moment of awakening. Two years later, she calls the charming medieval town of Óbidos home.
In Portugal, she discovered something her doctors could never prescribe: a calmer nervous system.
What Changed for Christina
- Lower stress and inflammation
- More energy and improved mental health
- Cleaner air and access to nature
- A culture that values balance, not burnout
“People here work to live — not live to work.”
Cost of Living — California vs Portugal
| Category | California | Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| Organic groceries (weekly) | ~$300 | ~$145 (€125) |
| 3-bedroom home | ~$5,000/mo | ~$1,450/mo (€1,300) |
| Healthcare | Expensive & stressful | Affordable & accessible |
Portugal offers thriving expat communities, world-class healthcare, and EU mobility — including residency options tailored to U.S. citizens.
Share this Article
Explorer Investments
Get personalized guidance on the fund process. Our Investor Relations team can clarify the steps, discuss Explorer's fund options, and connect you with trusted legal experts. Schedule your confidential, no-obligation consultation today.
André Bandeira
ab@explorerinvestments.com
Maria Campos Silva
mcs@explorerinvestments.comPortugal Feels Like California — Without the Stress
Sunshine, ocean, safety, fresh food — Christina says it gives her everything she loved back home,but with peace.
“My body finally feels like it can heal here.”
Source: Business Insider • Reference link: Financial Express
