How much is the cost of living in Spain? Especially along the Mediterranean Coast?

Question

I'am thinking about buying property in Spain in the future (mainly along the "Costa Del Sol" or in Barcelona). I'am from Southern California and I love the Spanish culture and I think that Spain is probably one of the most beautiful countries on the planet. After a visit, I decided that I would like to move there someday. How much does it cost to live there? Does it cost more than places such as Southern California or Australia? Also, where are the best job opportunities at? Any help would be appreciated!

Answer 1

I have lived on the Costa Del Sol for 8 yrs and yes it is true that prices have gone up but so have prices in other countries too. If people choose to live like an ex pat but still want all the home comforts from their own country then it can be expensive, but to live like the Spanish do is not.

Most properties are over priced but there are plenty of bargains to be had and the properties that are priced correctly always sell fast. There are no fixed agency fees here and some charge as much as 10%, ( which is hidden in the asking price ) although they claim to charge less. Also when you buy property here in Spain you have to add on between 11 and 12% to the asking price to cover fees etc.

Here is a site that is run by Americans here on the Costa Del Sol, in it there are forums and useful info from the US which may affect Americans living in Spain.

http://americanclubcostadelsol.com/

If you need any more information, especially regarding property email me, I am happy to help

Anna

Answer 2

Lucky you! I work in a real state in Barcelona and I really have to tell you that properties here are more expensive than people think. But.... now are starting to get cheaper, because prices are very high,... less places to build,.... bank interests getting high... having problems to pay mortgages..... well. what is called beginning a crisis. But... I think this has always happened over the world. Actually I think in America has been a similar problem, hasn´t it?

About the price, I don´t know about Australia but I can really tell you that prices are like Southern California. You won´t believe it but.... we have our lifes changed because I am going to San Diego this year, I bought something near there, and I´ll move in one or one and a half year.

Euro now is expensive than Dollar, so now is cheaper living here. About job or opportunities except real state, as you know now  things are not too great (hahaha), like everywhere. But specially speaking English is a point, Spain is not a place where people speak languages except spanish actually and dialects like "catalan" in Catalonia (Barcelona) or... very young people, now they´re paying some attention in languages, specially in English.

American people is really,  very welcome in our country we admire you and believe in the first worldwide power, well, at least most of us. Me too, of course. the  American flag is hanging in my wall since I was 8years old, now I´m 31.

I hope being helpful!!

Answer 3

i found some web sites for you to look at,

here is one with a price list of random things from bread to petrol!

it also has loads of good information if you click on the side links as well.

http://www.idealspain.com/Pages/Informat...

this page has all sorts of usefull info on finance in spain:

http://www.spainexpat.com/

but i found this website EXCELENT

http://spain.othercountries.com/pages/ar...

i would say that barcelona is cheaper than on the costa del sol, the costa del sol, is ludicrously expensive theese days, especially when comparing the prices to the wages you get there.

Maybe barcelona is expensive, but there is no way its going to be as much as the coast of the costa del sol.

it depends when u say the costa del sol, where you mean?,.,,,

if you mean on the coast of marbella, puerto banus etc.....then yes it is expensive. The more in land you go the cheaper things are, but then its harder to get a job...

try almeria, they call it the costa de almeria, you can get some good bargains around that area, and it will be booming very shortly, which mewans its a good investment as well.....

if i can help you with anything else, just email me,

Debsh :-)

Answer 4

Cheaper than the UK have a look at http://www.spain4uk.co.uk/retiring_guide...