In previous publications of this web site we have included the cost of a typical basket of supermarket items and then compared them with the same items here in Spain. Unfortunately, prices changed so frequently that in no time at all the information was out of date. For this reason we have abandoned the basket of "goodies" and instead will generalise but with the odd exception. This way we will be able to ensure that all pages of our web site remain accurate and in the case of this page, still be able to convey the general fact of the matter.
It was written some 300 years ago that "comparisons are odorous". This is probably true but here in Spain we always seem to come out on the right side of any UK/Spain comparison. For example, council rates are somewhere between one fifth and one half of those paid in the UK, water rates for a detached house with swimming pool are around 200 - 250 Euros per annum and house insurance is on average about half of that paid in the UK. Probably much less now following the floods!
Electricity is more expensive at around 8 cents per unit plus standing charges which help soak up more money. However, because of the gentle climate, less is used. Nonetheless its expensive and worth keeping an eye on. If you have solar water heating, electricity bills are reduced considerably.
Petrol and diesel are around one pound per gallon cheaper and oil is also relatively cheap in relation to prices paid in the UK. Tyres are also cheaper by about 25 per cent. Automatic car washes (essential in a dry dusty climate) cost around 2 - 4 Euros but most garages give away car wash coupons with petrol sales.
Food is difficult to price because of the eating habits of ex-pats, many of whom stick to UK food produce. A tin of Heinz beans costs around 85 cents but local and identical produce is half the price. UK bread such as Mothers Pride, Hovis, Warburtons is available but costs around 2 Euros for a 1kg loaf. Local bread is much cheaper. Meat is about the same price or possibly cheaper and milk the same.
Beer from a supermarket costs around 75 cents per litre or 30 pence per pint. Whisky is half price and other spirits about one third price. You may have heard it said that in Spain, a bottle of beer can be obtained for less than the price of a bottle of some waters. It's true. Cigarettes and tobacco are one third or less of the UK price.
If you learn just what products are and can read the labels, you can reduce your food bills significantly. If you can abandon brand loyalty then you can reduce them even more. In a country of so many tomatoes, it is somewhat naive to believe that only Heinz can make tomato sauce. Kidney beans, used in making dishes such as chile con carne are available in tins but if you buy Pinto beans, which are supposed to be used in the recipe the costs is significantly less. For example, kidney beans cost around 66 cents per tin of 400 grams. Pinto beans cost 95 cents for 1 kg which makes 2.5 kg of wet product. As you would imagine, there are numerous other examples.
To sum up this short page, the cost of living in Spain is overall much cheaper than is the case in the UK. With familiarity it becomes even cheaper. Your money will go further in Spain and provide you with a better quality of life but as with the UK, each year prices rise continue to rise.
