18 Nov 2025 4:17 PM:

Expeniture for 2 people who conserve water and don't waste electricity . Rarely imbibe in alcohol and gave up smoking 11 years ago.

Lorca. 3 bed detached , singly storey of 155 sq. 10x5 pool on plot of 8,300 sq.metres.

Urban location. Totally electric

Annual IBI €405 . 

UK rates 2003 £3200. 4 bed detached on 600 square m . Town location

Bi monthly bill for mains water including basura and alcantarillado ( but not connected) c €1200 pa. 

Monthly Electricity bill. Have power of 13.85 because integral 2 air/ heating units c €2300 pa.

Recall gas/ electricity quarterly UK  bills being c £120 in 2003

ATM Petrol €1.45 per litre. House insurance €722 pa. ( changing because Axa are ripping us off) fully comp Car insurance Linea Direct €374

From my recollection house and car ins in 2003 were both c £ 350

Road tax €139. UK 2003, similar I think 

2003 monthly food bill in UK at Waitrose / M &S  with 2 big dogs  £350 pm. 2025 in Spain at Mercadona/ Carrefour with 1 ultra fussy cat,  €350.  Both Excluding Alcohol, soft drinks or cigarettes.

Irrigation. Garden use only approx €450 pa. Annual Car service and IVA c €225 pa.

Peluqueria €14 wash and set € 24 with hair cut. £ 50 minimum in UK 

Dining out once or twice weekly . Not menu del dia  200/250  cada mes. That wouldn't suffice for one restaurant meal for 2 in UK

So for us it works out about equal .Our main gain is reduction of rates.

But how long is a piece string. We are all different. 

 

 

 

 

Thread: What Are the Hidden Costs?

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18 Nov 2025 10:07 AM:

If coming from UK then have found whatever my annual expenses and indulgences, in £,  were there so they are here in €.

High UK council tax is offset by higher utilities and vehical and house insurance in Spain . Petrol/ diesel is also more expensive.

Plus if not familiar with actual living in Spain or fluent in the language the the use of a gestor or translator can be upwards of €25 or more per hour. Soon adds up when one is queuing for an appointment at Ayuntamiento, bank, hospital or utility offices.

 Spanish attitude is " tranquillo"and worse if they actually know the person they are dealing with when it can become a social event and catching up on all the local gossip is prioritised.

If one is a person whose attitude and culture is expecting  things done " yesterday" , then trust me living in  Spain will cause untold stress on the heart and pocket. If you are as  laid back as the indigenous folk, life is almost perfect

 

 

 

Thread: What Are the Hidden Costs?

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29 Mar 2025 8:45 AM:

Area from cultural city of Lorca, Murcia to coastal very Spanish resort of Aguilas and all areas in between.

A good sprinking of Brits and Europeans but NO British shops or restaurants so consequently the whole area is vibrant 365 days of the year . However if enjoying the sunshine whilst still enjoying the delights of UK then the area suggested by neatrees would probably suit you better.

Aguilas and Lorca fiestas amongst the best , if not the best, in Spain.

Suggest you come out and decide for yourself as this area of Murcia is less than an hour from Almeria and  Mojacar so easy to explore

Thread: Best Areas to Live in Spain for a Relaxed Lifestyle?

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25 Jan 2025 8:59 AM:

If the nearest facilities are in a town 30 mins away, you must be staying in the middle of nowhere ! If so suggest you rethink the location.

I live in the Murcian campo but there are small supermarkets and bars/restaurants everywhere in the vicinity plus main shops like Carrefour and Mercadona offer a delivery service.

Thread: Cost in Murcia

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21 Dec 2023 10:56 PM:

mariedav, according to Bevin Franks, since September ALL family members included although ersonally only interested in 1 & 11.

Must say fantastic news. Cheers.

Thread: September 2023 NEW Inheritance tax law

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