‘I could not afford the American dream’: Retired veteran moves to Brazil after struggling to get by in the US — why more retirees are now choosing to leave their ‘financial burdens’ behind

A move to Brazil alleviates money worries

The Boris family opted to move to Brazil when the financial pressure of living in the U.S. got to be too much.

“I really couldn’t afford my mortgage payments and my utilities anymore,” Christopher told CNN. “I struggled. I was living off of VA disability."

Disability benefits are paid to veterans harmed in the line of duty. While they're tax-free, they often aren't very generous. For example, effective December 2024, a veteran with a 10% disability rating would receive just $175.51 monthly, although rates go up for those with more disability. With Rent.com reporting you need around $63,200 to live comfortably in Maryland, it wasn't enough.

The family had been struggling for at least five years, but things got worse in 2022 when Christopher left his government job.

"I could not afford the American dream,” he said, explaining that he and his wife mulled over the move for around a year before deciding to pull the trigger in pursuit of more financial security.

"I think my money could go a lot longer living overseas."

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Brazil is a popular destination for retirees

The Boris family aren't the only retirees who struggled in the U.S. — or who abandoned the country for cheaper foreign destinations.

Around half of all families in the U.S. don't have any retirement savings, according to the Economic Policy Institute. And, the National Council on Aging reports that around 17 million older Americans aged 65 and up are classified as being economically insecure, with annual incomes equal to or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

With that in mind, it's not surprising that the number of retirees receiving Social Security abroad grew from 431,000 in 2019 to 760,000 in 2024.

For around 85,000 Americans, Brazil is their destination of choice — and the Boris family was drawn to it because they felt it had a lot to offer.

“We chose Brazil, and Rio specifically, because of the higher quality of life,” Christopher said.

“We had first-rate doctors. First-rate everything. You have access to a lot of good-quality services. So that was one of the pluses that we had.”

The couple had initially considered Bolivia, where Maria Jesus was born, but had lived in Brazil in 2007 and 2008 when Christoper was stationed there while serving in the military. They have been very happy with their choice too, thanks to the walkable neighborhood and sense of community.

"We didn’t need a car, because we could get anywhere by taxi. Things like going grocery shopping, buying bread, going to a restaurant, getting a haircut. … Everything was at my disposal.” he said.

"People are a little bit more laidback. And it’s not as stressful as the United States, or the way people perceive us to be.”

While the family still lives on a budget, their money goes much further — especially as the average cost of a one-bedroom monthly rental in the city comes in at around $334 to $604, while you can get a multi-course meal in a mid-range restaurant for around $31 to $41. For his part, Christopher said he saves around $1,000 on monthly rent and spend little on food.

“The dollar goes a long way here,” he told CNN. “I live very comfortably. I just have to live on a budget. … I have to be careful.”

The couple are very happy with their choice and are hoping to become Brazilian residents soon, although they've been living on a retirement visa available to those who have at least $2,000 per month in pension income.

How to decide if moving abroad is right for you

The Boris family enjoys the culture of Brazil, although Christopher did admit he's not a fan of revealing clothing, which seems to be the norm there. He's also said some areas are not the safest, but he knows how to be careful. In general, though, he enjoys the beach, architecture, sense of community and laid-back lifestyle.

Others considering moving abroad will want to consider the culture they'll find — as well as amenities, safety risks and living expenses in their chosen destination. There are many cost-of-living calculators and guides to retirement abroad online, and joining expat groups can offer insider info into the best destinations.

The Boris family had the benefit of having lived in Brazil before, others who are thinking about relocating may want to go visit for a few months before making a permanent commitment — to make sure they feel at home like Christopher and Maria Jesus do.

"It feels comfortable," Christopher said, "no longer feeling and dealing with the financial burdens I had in the U.S."