Cost
of Living
The cost of living in Spain has risen by approximately
20% since the introduction of the Euro. Having said
that, in most instances, it is far easier to maintain
a good standard of living in Spain compared to the UK.
This does, however, depend on how and where you shop.
In the supermarkets you will find that locally-produced
products are very cheap, whereas buying familiar UK
brand names can prove costly. Local products are usually
of similar taste and standard to UK favourites, so they
are well worth trying. Most towns and villages also
have weekly markets, including seasonal fruit and vegetable
stalls where items can be bought in large quantities
and very cheaply. Material, clothes, shoes and household
items can also be found in these markets at very reasonable
prices (and don’t forget to haggle – this
is accepted practice at market stalls). Most towns also
have Euro shops. Unlike the UK equivalent, these shops
are usually packed with bargains from shampoos and household
cleaning materials to crockery and glasses. Well worth
a look. (Of course, Spain also abounds with designer
labels and brand items, so there is plenty of purchasing
scope at the top end of the range as well.)
Beer, wine and spirits are available in supermarkets
and bodegas “wine merchants” at a fraction
of the cost of many European countries. Cigarettes are
also available at less than half the cost one would
pay in the UK.
Depending upon your choice of restaurant, you can eat
out expensively or cheaply. One thing to look for is
the “Menu Del Dia”. This is a three course
meal plus wine at a set price (usually between 8-18
Euros) but to “a la carte” standard, so
it is well worth enquiring into. Due to the diverse
cultural mix to be found throughout the coast, the best
of European, Middle Eastern and African cuisine is readily
available at affordable prices, indeed many restaurants
appear in The Michelin Guide (for more information,
browse the official website at www.viamichelin.com).
Historically, when you ordered an alcoholic drink in
a bar in Spain you were, as a courtesy, offered free
Tapas. This lovely custom has now largely died out;
Tapas bars are big business these days (but are still
reasonable value for money). Costa Almeria is an exception
in that many bars there still offer free Tapas to customers.
Rents in Spain can vary, dependent upon location, amenities
offered, time of year etc. On the whole, rents are cheaper
than one would pay in European Capital cities but it
is sometimes difficult to secure year round rental contracts
(see Renting in Spain section).
Mortgage rates in Spain are currently very low and
therefore repayments might be considerably less than
those on an equivalent mortgage in the UK but please
bear in mind that salaries are also substantially lower
than the UK average as well.
Public transport is cheap as is fuel, keeping transport
costs low. The inter-city bus network is excellent and
inexpensive (see www.alsa.es).
Second hand cars retain their value well and many people
take advantage of a long term rental on a new car which,
due to intense competition, can be a financially competitive
option.
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