Mitzyboy

Some stories about ex pats and how they are finding the cost of living.

What this doen't really highlight is that when we first started coming out here the r/ex was €1.36 ish, so although its low at €1.25 and has been as high as about €1.50, its not so hugely lower than it was when I first did my costings.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7463741.stm

Casa Santo Estevo

What a quote under one photo, "I don't like Spanish food".


Personally we don't rely on the pound/Euro exchange so only the extra cost of living affects us.

lcortez

Personally I'm taking the view,that I expect the cost of living to be the same as London,and if it turns out to be cheaper then its a welcome bonus
Might seem a little naive to some,but hopefully then I wont get many nasty surprises

twyntub

On the next page, the full quote explains how she expects to pay more if she goes "to the English butchers and buys the imported food".

Like they don't sell pork chops and chicken breast in a Spanish butchers?

Mitzyboy

Ahh but that would mean finding out what Pork Chop and chicken breast were in Spanish. If she was asking for chicken of course and mispronounced it, she could end up with a suprise

twyntub

george43

Good points. We used a Spanish butcher on our recent visits and got some lovely pork chops and chicken breasts at better than UK prices.
I am convinced that the cost of living in Spain is still about 20% below the UK.

Mitzyboy

18 months ago it was around 30% in this area ...... inflation rises in both countries of course, but the main factor is the rate of exchange which makes a huge difference to many of us

lcortez

But this also raises the question of how far below GB's average wage,is the Spanish average wage?
If the cost of living in Spain is 20% below that of GB's,and the average wage in Spain (for those of us who need to work),is also 20% lower,then there is no material difference!

Does anyone know the percentage difference in salaries between Spain and GB?
I think average GB wage is about £25,000.

Mitzyboy

and the average wage here is about €15k. I was referring to my circumstances, whereas I earn in £ and dont work here in Spain.

lcortez

Which is roughly 40% lower than GB's average wage,meaning the cost of living,in Spain, is actually higher for the average working person!

Mitzyboy

Yes maybe, but as I said ..... not for me ... or indeed for for most who dont have to work here, i.e. who have retired

lic

Well if they do come back to the UK, they will get a shock with the Gas and Electric price hikes. At least in Spain you do not need your central heating or gas fire on in the late Spring and Summer.
Not to mention the cost of a glass of wine over here. If we did menu del dia over here I am sure it would work out a lot more expensive that the average 10 euros.
I love coming to Spain and think it is great VFM.
In 6 long years time me and Mrs Lic will be moving over, God willing. Until then will we have to visit as much as is possible.

poshnbucks

I was doing a bit of cottaging the other week mitzy thought I would mince down to my local gents I think the local queens must have misunderstood me as I ended up with chicken n chips and a side salad

billgates

But the retired brits over here will still be claiming their winter fuel allowance