John D

Hey,

I was looking for basic info on the cost of living, electric, phone, internet, food etc.

I tried searching the net but didn't find anything useful really
Thanks

John D

Anyone able to help

Thanks

afega

Hello, I don't live in the Canary Islands but as far as I know is similar to other parts of Spain. Only the fuel is cheaper that in the "peninsula".

Electric: for a 3 rooms apartment, +- 30 € /month
Phone: 18 € / Month (calls not included)
Internet: 25 € /month, ADSL 24 h.
Food: depends if you eat at home or always out.

avocados

I have lived in GC for 5 years. In general, It is more expensive to live here than on the mainland.

There is very little market competition in certain industries, which means that they charge what they want. For instance, we wanted to buy a particular 4x4 last year, but only one dealer sold this model, so we had no negotiating power.

ADSL 3Mbps (the max available) costs about 41 euros plus 13 euros line rental(total 54 euros) per month. The advertised prices are only introductory offers.

Eating out is much much cheaper in Madrid (my experience).

Unemployment is highest in all of Spain and continues to rise, month on month.

House prices in the city of Las Palmas de GC are only outdone by Madrid and Barcelona (not referring to holiday accomm, more full time living for locals). Rental yields are only 2.5%.

Electricity prices are very high, but that must be true of Spain also, I guess.

Finally, the cost (in time and money) of flying anywhere is a total pain. In general, its 2 flights to go everywhere and the flights are very expensive. Low cost airlines are almost nonexistent and if they do come here, the prices are not low cost. The inter island flights are a total ripoff, again due to very little competition.

On the positive side, its a beautiful place to live, but spend your money carefully.

Any more specific questions, just ask.

Schnitzel

Hello,

We're just considering moving out to GC too. The company I work for wil provide an appartment\car for the first 6 months after which I will be expected to look for my own digs.

I was particularly interested in Schooling, as we have 3 kids. I checked out some of the private schools, which seemed rather pricey. How easy is it to get kids into a state school and does anyone know of any decent letting agents?
Also, if I get paid 5000€ per month, how much am I likely to have left after taxes?

I'd be grateful for any help!

regards

nb

avocados

With 5000 euros per month, you will live like a king. I don't know anything about children, apart from the excellent tax benefits (the more you have, the greater the tax benefits).

the average YEARLY salary in GC is less than 15000 euros (lowest in Spain).
Unemployment is highest in all of Spain.

jdr

Are you going to be the new king ?
you will be earning 5 or 6 times what most earn in Spain.




.

Schnitzel

I'm not a royalist, so I doubt I'll be a king.
How does "GOD" sound?

I just took 5000€ as an estimate. I've been asked by my boss to run the companys office on GC. More money to not work in manchester. Life is good sometimes!

Also, I've heard the island is really child friendly. Big Bonus for us, we've got three!

jdr

Sounds a good deal ;-))

All of Spain is very child friendly, the people are very family orientated and love kids.

avocados

Where will you be working? North or South. There is a very big difference in living standards. LP de GC in the north, is a typical spanish city. The South is more holiday oriented.

Schnitzel

The office is in Las Palmas. We'd like to live somewhere near there and one of the international schools. I've had a look on the interweb and found quite a few nice houses and flats. I've noticed one tends to get quite a lot of bang for the buck...

avocados

If renting, as a guideline, you don't need to pay more than 2.5% yield. A 3 bed apartment in LP with garage and storage room can be had for 600-700 euros per month.

Should you want a house with decent garden in a pleasant and rather affluent area, have a look at Santa Brigida (within commuting distance of city).

Schnitzel

thanks for that! I'll take a look at santa brigida!

all i need now is a trustworthy, decent letting agent.

does anyone have any contacts??


p.s. thanks for all your help on here, seriously. whoever started this site and all the regular contributors deserve medals.

Keefer

Have a look at Canary Forum, loads of info relevant to island life for both visitors and residents alike. Advise on where to begin sorting things out when you get here...paperwork, applications, services, general offialdom etc. Helpful knowledge and recommendations.

http://www.canaryforum.com/

erised

Schnitzel,
Tell me if you ever went to gran canaria, the thing is that we are thinking in moving there to, but my 8year old is not sure about it, he wants to be in contact with other english children once we are there... and maybe you could advice me about jobs and life stile in general.. thanks