I think a lot of people were "better off" when moving to Spain because of a great exchange rate. Now it's pretty much even stevens they truth behold..

DSB.

Pensioners get benefits here too: Buses, trains, tele line, town hall Christmas presents and maybe more I don't actually qualify yet.

And the health system is better, certainly is this area any way with a new modern hospital that still gives treatment and does not make decisions like "we can't afford to give you the treatment - and you are going to die anyway."

And life here in general, is a lot nicer, warmer, more relaxed and less hostile than the UK.

I guess that when people feel theres a crisis looming, the tendancy is to run for home
Jo xx

I got back to spain last week and after spending 4 weeks in the UK would say the UK is definately cheaper for food. Got a bit of a shock last week when I got back and did a big shop! Especially at 1.11 to the pound.

As for no council tax, depends where you live. I live in Mijas, IBI and Basura nearly 900 euro this year. Then there is community fees of 730 a year. This is to pay for street lighting etc what the tax to Mijas should provide.

My Aunt and Uncle went back a few months ago as their savings were going down fast. They got an extra £24 weekly pension credit, not much but it also means they don't have to pay any rent or council tax. They said there are a few things they miss but last off they couldn't afford to go out, meet friends etc. At least they have peace of mind now.

It looks like it's a mistake to have a private pension in addition to the state pension, when you think how much you pay in over the years.
Compare this to the benefits that you can claim from the State.

I cant believe this is turning into another UK is cheaper than Spain thread

I'm an early retiree. My wife has just picked up her pension. We go back to the UK fairly regularly. We have lived the last 3 years here on investment income alone.

We live better here than we would in the UK based on our circumstances. Our cost of living is lower here than the UK. Our lifestyle is better here.

I have no plans to go back because as a "pensioner" I still feel better off here mentally, physically and financially

I think we can see from the various posts that it is cheaper in spain so far as those on pensions are concerned - and you dont have the heating bills we have in England, the fresh fruit and veg. are wonderful, much better than here unless you grow your own, mostly the necessary things are cheaper.
I also feel personally that spain can be more relaxing in that the way of life seems more relaxed and slower generally but there is no reason a retiredperson couldnt be more that way in England, given their time is more their own.................I'd give it the thumbs up for spain on the whole, though i must say for those who have the choice, I'd opt for Spain in the colder months, England in the summer, best of both worlds - but that's just me, everyones ideals are different..............

That seems like an awful lot of money compared to here (Costa Blanca) where our 3 bed house IBI was 162,50€

Our investments are way down as far as income generating. A long time ago we were getting 12%, up to this year 5-6%, now 3.4%

Yes that is a problem for lots of people - not that UK interest rates are much higher.

I have seen an ad. from financial advisers offering '7% + with a major UK bank' but I can't find any banks on the net offering that.

The fat cat bankers really have done a great job looking after the investments entrusted to them.......NOT......

For those who declare their income in Spain, Zapatero has recently announced that taxes will be going up for investment retruns i.e. stock market returns, dividends and interest from savings account. "Traditional" income tax will be staying the same

I havent looked for the full details yet. While this effects and annoys me, guess they got to balance the books some how

Sometimes I think I am missing something.
Do people on pensions move to a different country solely for financial reason?
If so it's always going to be a bit of a gamble and possibly the wrong reason.
I moved here for lots of reasons but money was not top of the list. I'd rather be skint here than well off in the UK. For me it's quality not quantity, something the Spanish seem to do well.

That will hit us pensioners again, little enough return on savings and dividends at the moment.