Donnymatt

How those the cost of living in Spain compare to the UK is it more expensive cheaper or about equal?

Thanks

tebo53

Hi,

My other half and I tend to live a very similar life style to the one we had in the UK and find it to be somewhat cheaper.

Steve

EMR

I read an article yesterday that suggested that the cost of living was 8% lower than the UK, Portugal was even better Denmark was by far the most expensive over 30% higher

lyric030250

What a grand argument that will start.

Personally I think it is lower, but it's a balance thing, what do you include ?
Fuel, rates (IBI) food, eating out are generally cheaper.
Electricity is a little more costly, taxes are a little higher.
Gas is bottled over much of the country and subsidised, but the bottles are heavy ! Some cities have mains gas of which I have no idea.
Internet is generally, there are isolated exemptions, more for less.
And so on.

qcboy1963

hi
hope im in the right forum thingy. Im thinking of relocating to around the guardamar area, from next year, as my state pension ,added to others, like my teachers pension, gives me no discounts, on rent or poll tax. I figure I might as well pay rent there as here. I dont really want to buy any thing , as long term rental is ok by me .
ill have app 1200gbp available.
im worried about medical as I have hbpress, for which I take tabs.
is it true that :
over 60 means im automaticallyaccepted into health system
I get a better deal taxwise in spain
I can find a flat for app 400mthly
what would be the average amenity cost around there?
I know I lose my freedom pass and free prescription, includjng eye tests,etc, but im still interested, as I keep thinking , id just love a better way of life!! I really am fed up of Woolwich!

Neptuno

No you are not automaicalły accepted into the system if over 60
If you are a state pensioner, and these days it's not necessarily 65, quite often over,then yes you can apply for Spanish NHS which is free.
Under 60 and you will need private health cover for 1 year, then you can pay into the Spanish system at 60 euros per month.
Over 65 and it's 175. Per month
If you're working here legally, health care is fre.
Prescriptions are't free for anyone, except children.
Tax wise depends on a lot of things
Renting is cheaper here, but depends what you are looking for
Can't give amenity costs, depends on region, lifestyle etc

qcboy1963

just one bedroom about 40kms from the costa blanca. swimming pool optional, ditto car. almoradi looks good. fair transport links to the coast and train or coach station . simple life but not a town that shuts down in winter. I will be on a state pension when I relocate. Im not worried about communication links, and I will be very xautious, (and take advice on renting, or(not) buying). id like a garden, but aso optional. im under no illusions what 1290 pounss will buy.! The idea is to have a peacesful lifestyle, interspersed by the odd injection of a good glass of beer or wine, the odd meal out, within budget, and enjoy the Uv rays.
Be happy if you could tenatively put a couple of prices on that...accommodation, amenities, food...

snikpoh

Their not even free for children.

qcboy1963

thanks mate , not bringing any with me, just my tired 65 old self!

Rosemary

Hi and a warm welcome to the Spanish forum on BE. Myself and Fred James are the moderators for the Spanish forums whilst BEVS moderates Europe. Moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. This is so that members gain the information that they are looking for and find their experiences on the forums to be friendly and worthwhile.

Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderator who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are usually friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge about the issues of living in Spain. I hope that you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

qcboy1963

thank you

Donnymatt

Can someone clarify for me can you get free Spanish nhs or has it stopped? Even if you are a pensioner
If I can get nhs what is the procedure

Thanks

not2old

https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-in-spain

lower in the page in the following link under the tab 'UK Pensioners'

Moving abroad - Healthcare abroad - NHS Choices


cost of living ball park - select city at the top of the page in the following link

Cost of Living in Spain. Prices in Spain. Updated Jun 2015

Neptuno

See my post no #6

Healthcare is free if you are a STATE pensioner

not2old

oops, I missed that Neptuno, covered .... thanks