An American expatriate, who traded Los Angeles for Lisbon, feels she’s never been happier since making the move four years ago. Kaitlin Wichmann explains that she wasn’t satisfied with her marketing jobs in California, prompting her to quit her full-time position and pursue freelance work.
“Every day, I head to my workplace, park in the same spot, and sit at the same desk, staring at the same wall,” she remarked.
Wichmann moved to Lisbon in 2021, drawn by the city’s pleasant climate and emphasis on health-focused activities. Now, she works as a freelance digital marketer for about 20 hours a week, assisting clients in both America and Portugal with their online advertising needs.
With an income that averages around $7,000, she finds it sufficient to maintain her affordable lifestyle in Lisbon. “I really feel a sense of peace here,” she noted, expressing how she now has more time to dedicate to her hobbies. “Back in Los Angeles, my life was largely consumed by work,” she added. “Here, my life is centered around living, with work kind of sprinkled in.”
In a recent breakdown of her expenses from June, Wichmann disclosed spending $3,457. Her rent and utilities totaled $1,296, while groceries amounted to $500, allowing her ample funds for travel, tennis lessons, and shopping.
Since the Covid pandemic, many foreigners have been attracted to Portugal for its low cost of living and accessible visas. In 2022, the country introduced the D8 digital nomadic visa for non-EU citizens working remotely for foreign firms, which led to increased living costs and some dissatisfaction among local citizens.
Despite this trend, Wichmann is committed to staying in Portugal long-term. “When I moved to Lisbon, my initial plan was to stay for at least five years before deciding my next steps. At this point, I honestly can’t see myself wanting to leave,” she said. “I really love it here.”
