american-girl-explains-why-she-left-us-for-portugal:-my-nervous-system-feels-safer-right-here american-girl-explains-why-she-left-us-for-portugal:-my-nervous-system-feels-safer-right-here

American girl explains why she left US for Portugal: My nervous system feels safer right here

Published on: Nov 04, 2025 10:52 pm IST

Christina Kantzavelos, a 37-year-old therapist now based mostly in Portugal, stated dwelling with continual sickness within the US left her exhausted. 

While the “American dream” guarantees alternative and prosperity, for a lot of, it comes at a worth, particularly in relation to healthcare. For Christina Kantzavelos, a 37-year-old therapist from California dwelling with continual sickness, that value turned too heavy to bear, each financially and emotionally. So in 2024, she packed her life and moved to Portugal looking for higher well being, affordability and peace of thoughts.

Christina Kantzavelos moved to Portugal in 2024.(Instagram/@beginwithintoday)

Speaking to Business Insider, Christina stated dwelling with continual sickness within the US left her exhausted. “My nervous system simply feels safer right here. I really feel much less infected, extra energised, extra vibrant general,” she shared about her life in Portugal.

The 37-year-old advised the outlet that she continues to work remotely, counselling purchasers throughout the US and internationally. Her days now start slowly, in contrast to the rush-driven routine she skilled in America. “People right here work to reside versus reside to work within the US,” she stated, including that the life-style in Portugal feels extra humane and health-focused.

(Also Read: Indian supervisor on H-1B opens up about bias and rising resentment at work: ‘I really feel hated for issues I didn’t do’)

What is the principle cause to maneuver overseas?

She shared that one of many greatest causes for her transfer was healthcare. Despite being a European citizen and now a resident of Portugal, she has to pay out of pocket for therapy, however she says it’s nonetheless considerably cheaper than within the US.

Christina shared {that a} one-hour osteopath session prices her 40 euros in Portugal in comparison with $275 for half-hour in California. Weekly lymphatic massages, important for her situation, value the identical, 40 euros for 90 minutes, whereas within the US she paid round $175.

“I do know of us who’ve needed to open a GoFundMe for his or her healthcare… It’s miserable. It breaks my coronary heart. I’m so grateful that I’ve this privilege, but it surely would not make sense that we should always have to depart our personal nation to have the ability to afford to be wholesome,” she stated.

Further, the 37-year-old shared that housing and meals are additionally way more inexpensive in Portugal. She revealed that she pays 1,300 euros a month for a three-bedroom, 2,000-square-foot condo in Portugal – one thing she claims would value a minimum of $5,000 in San Diego.

Every week of principally natural groceries for 2 folks prices her 125 euros, which can also be far cheaper than the $300 she would spend within the US.

Christina stated that after transferring to Portugal, she feels safer, supported and more healthy than she has in years. “I really feel so significantly better. I do really feel like I’m absolutely capable of care for my well being and really feel assured, secure, and safe in the place I’m,” she stated.

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