‘I could not afford the American Dream:’ This retired US veteran relocated to Brazil after struggling with the cost of living

CNN - May 12th, 2025
Open on CNN

Christopher Boris, a retired US veteran, moved from Maryland to Brazil in 2024 with his wife Maria Jesus due to financial constraints in the US. Struggling with mortgage payments and living on VA disability benefits, Boris found Brazil to offer a higher quality of life. The couple settled in Rio de Janeiro, where they enjoy a vibrant community and affordable living expenses compared to the US. Despite language barriers, Boris feels welcomed and at home, citing the relaxed lifestyle and strong social interactions as key benefits.

Their decision was influenced by previous positive experiences in Brazil, particularly with the healthcare system, and a desire to escape the financial pressures of the US. While living in Leblon, an affluent neighborhood in Rio, Boris enjoys everyday conveniences within walking distance and has embraced local customs such as wearing Havaianas flip flops. Although aware of Brazil's social issues, Boris values the sense of community and safety in his area, admitting he doesn't foresee returning to the US permanently.

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RATING

7.4
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides an engaging and personal account of Christopher Boris's decision to relocate to Brazil, driven by financial pressures and a desire for a better quality of life. It excels in clarity and readability, offering a well-structured narrative that is easy to follow. The story is timely and relevant, addressing issues of public interest such as the cost of living and expatriation. However, it would benefit from greater balance and source quality, as it primarily presents one individual's perspective without additional context or expert analysis. The inclusion of more diverse sources and perspectives would enhance the article's authority and depth, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and benefits of expatriation. Overall, the article effectively captures the reader's interest and highlights important themes, but could improve in areas of balance and source credibility.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story provides a detailed account of Christopher Boris's decision to relocate from the United States to Brazil, citing financial struggles and a preference for the lifestyle in Brazil as primary reasons. The factual claims about Boris's military background, financial difficulties, and the timeline of events appear consistent and plausible. However, some specifics, such as the exact amount of savings on rent and the cost of living differences, would benefit from additional verification through supporting data or third-party sources. The narrative's reliance on Boris's personal testimony is largely accurate but would be strengthened by corroborating evidence, particularly regarding the comparison of living costs and quality of life between the two countries.

7
Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of Christopher Boris, offering a personal narrative that highlights his experiences and opinions on relocating to Brazil. While it provides a comprehensive view of his motivations and experiences, it lacks alternative perspectives that could provide a more balanced view of expatriation and living conditions in Brazil. Including insights from other expatriates or experts on cost of living and quality of life in Brazil would enhance the balance and depth of the article.

9
Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly written, with a logical flow that guides the reader through Boris's journey from the US to Brazil. The language is straightforward and accessible, making the content easy to understand. The use of direct quotes from Boris adds authenticity and helps convey his personal perspective effectively. Overall, the clarity of the article is strong, with minor improvements possible through the inclusion of more contextual information.

6
Source quality

The story relies heavily on the firsthand account of Christopher Boris, whose credibility as a source is supported by his detailed recounting of personal experiences. However, the article would benefit from incorporating additional sources, such as economic data or expert commentary, to substantiate claims about the cost of living and quality of life in Brazil. The lack of diverse sources limits the article's authority and depth, as it primarily reflects one individual's experience without broader context or verification.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent in presenting Boris's narrative and clearly attributes all claims to his personal experiences and opinions. However, it lacks transparency regarding the methodology used to compare living costs or assess quality of life, which could provide readers with a clearer understanding of the basis for these claims. Disclosing any potential biases or limitations in Boris's perspective would also enhance transparency.

Sources

  1. https://kvia.com/category/entertainment/cnn-style/
  2. https://www.lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city
  3. https://wjpcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Annual-Report-2011.pdf
  4. https://www.auanet.org/leadership-and-business/institute-for-leadership-and-business/aua-leadership-program/leadership-classes/2023-2024-class
  5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97ym6phQtxI