Prices in Spain

Is anyone else finding Spain expensive ? The cost of goods in Spanish shops has surprised me this year. Perhaps I am used to  the competition in British shops and the good deals on offer. The exchange rate doesn't help but I think Spanish goods with a few exceptions are pricey .

I agree.  When we went out in January, and had to do a lot of repairs & renewals (after tenants had left) we were surprised too!!  The electrical goods always have been more expensive.  We had to buy a TV - and paid about €100 euros more for it than we would have done in England.  Even eating out seemed to be more expensive.  Perhaps we have been spoilt by all the local Clacton restaurants who compete for business - and so give you a good bargain! 

Will be out in Spain again next week - this time there shouldn't be any nasty expenses to pay out for - so will be a bit easier on the pocket!!

we have just moved back after living there a few years. Cant believe the prices of stuff in the UK compared with Spain.

Nappies in spain for example are 17 euroes for the supermarket brand, in the UK they are £5 for the same amount and thats the top brand (Pampers).

Food in the UK is so cheap compared with Spain and so is furniture and nearly everything else.

One thing is definitely cheaper in spain and that is toothbrushes. Mercadona brand are 1 euro for 3 excellent brushes, in the UK they are £2.50 for one!

We moved back to the UK as we just couldnt afford to live in such an expensive country without a decent wage, which by the way, is another point. UK earning are much higher than Spain and the cost of living in Spain is higher!!! Work that one out!

I wonder if any of the British supermarkets will try to compete in Spain. I would prefer not to see any more British stores but the Spanish supermarkets could do with being a little cheaper.

Yes I am surprised someone like Tesco's have not made their mark in Spain considering they are everywhere.

But there must be a reason why.

They are the obvious choice and seem to have branched out into other European countries. I heard that M and S are reconsidering opening stores abroad but don't know how true that is.

 Imo Spain is much cheaper mind you we dont live in a tourist district we pay around 1.80 for a pint at our local 12 e for a good chinese meal for 2 with wine and our supermarket bill comes to around 60e we live very well easily  on 150 euros a week, we wouldnt have a chance of doing tis in the uk

Hi Manorpark,

Marks & Spencer are already here on the Costa del Sol, they opened a store in La Canada Shopping Centre in Marbella last year.

According to a study conducted by the post office it is still cheaper here in Spain:   thebabyhirecentre.blogspot.com/2010/03/your-pound-still-has-purchasing-power.html

But much would depend on what you buy, and where from.

Good news about M and S , shame it isn't the Costa Blanca !

The Marbella M&S is def more expensive than in the UK ... almost to the point where it's not worth bothering ... you could prob buy cheaper from M&S in the UK and have stuff sent over ....

I find Iceland in Fuengirola really reasonable though and they have great special offers which the Spanish supermarkets just don't seem to do so much ...

Where can you get a curry for £2.00? Iceland thats where (not advertising, I don't work there! when people talk about the prices in the UK and Spain, the prices in the UK are far cheaper in the UK including toothbrushes!!!  Wilkos 3 for a £1.00 as well as Mercadona!..............

http://www.iceland.co.uk/page/view/authentic_baltis and if you spend £25 or more they will deliver your frozen food for free 4 times a day... Now if like me you like fresh produce not much good but for all you beer swilling curry junkies out there... do you think they will deliver to Spain for bulk orders..........