Living Expense

Both please.

Sorry just wanted an avereage

Hello Jayne, most things are generally cheaper for day to day living. The biggest saving I have found is IBI (council tax) and I pay roughly a third of what I paid in the UK. Cars are more expensive as they hold their prices better but then once you've bought the first one, you are on a level playing field. Domestic appliances are more expensive here and we brought all of ours with us, just changing the plugs, but of course you do have to factor in the removal costs. I have also found that garden furniture is costly.

For the first few months money was pouring out of the coffers but once settled in our money goes a lot further.
If you are not entitled to SIP you will have to pay for private medical insurance and all dental work will be private but usually cheaper than UK, as are most medicines.
Electricity is more expensive but there are different tariffs to suit. The night tariff gives cheaper electric between 10 pm and mid-day in winter and 11 pm to 1 pm in summer or you can choose your own cheap hours on a different tariff but you do have to be careful not to use too many heavy drawing appliances at the same time otherwise everything will trip. Air conditioning/heating will possibly be your biggest expense.
Eating out is very good value, especially with the menu del dia where you can have bread, starter, main, sweet, one drink and sometimes a coffee as well for @ €10. Alcohol and cigarettes are cheaper.
Banking is not free in Spain and IBI and road tax are payable in a lump sum and whoever owns the car or property on 1st Jan is liable for the whole year.
There is a new Iceland in Cabo Roig for items that you simply can't do without but they are very expensive and more of the local supermarkets in tourist areas are stocking UK brands, plus Aldi and Lidl.
All in all we have a much nicer lifestyle than in the UK and I hope you find the same, just remember this whilst you are struggling with all the initial bureaucracy!

Hi

You have been most helpful thanks

Hi

We have purchased a 2 bed room duplex  in Angius 3. I am 54 and my husband is 52 so we be living on savings until private pensions can be drawn. We are thinking of bringing our car from the uk with us.

Very informative many thanks Kim

Cheap, dirt cheap except for large furniture items and cars. Come on over and enjoy dolce vita! Sunshine blue sky and happy days! Sorry I've been out all day!

Thanks Gladys we are so looking forward to our new life in Spain get rid of the hustle and bustle of city life 

I found this a really helpful reply and it has reassured me too about our eventual move to Spain.