Property All property in Spain has been increasing in value rapidly and are expected to continue to do so, and even more so in coastal resorts. Jávea is no exception - it is not as cheap as it used to be. But apartments are still comparatively cheap compared to major UK cities, town houses are about the price of a top quality house in Wales, terraced houses are about half the price of Manchester, and villas make the home counties look very expensive.
Restaurants generally are about 70% less than city prices in the UK, provided you keep away from the beach areas (although they are still very reasonable).
Meals of the day are excellent value at a large number of restaurants, and vary in cost from 8.50 euros to 16 euros, including three courses, wine, bread and alioli (garlic mayonnaise).
Tapas vary greatly depending on content and location, but in our favourite bar we would expect a bill of about 10 -15 euros for two after a couple of hours with wine and tapas. If we push the boat out, it can get as expensive as 25 euros!
Clothes are cheaper as long as you don't buy designer labels. Shoes are 70% less, again as long as you buy the bigger brand names.
Petrol is still cheaper - unleaded and diesel are both up to 50% less than in the UK depending on region.
Private school fees are approximately 65% lower than in UK.
New cars are cheaper than in UK, but second hand cars are a little more expensive.
Professional Services are generally much cheaper - about 70% compared to UK, with one or two very small number of exceptions.
Domestic services and labour is about 45% less, but childcare is about 70% less .
Taxes Spanish income tax is higher than in the UK, but the Spanish are adept at avoiding (not evading) tax. Purchase taxes tend to be lower, apart from property purchase taxes that are higher.
Email rdavis@villasjavea.com or phone our office in Spain at UK local rates on 020 8123 6084. Mobile 0034 625 953 916.
Supermarket bills tend to be much lower than the UK not just because things are cheaper, but also because one tends to buy much more fruit and vegetables than in the UK, as one adapts to the Mediterranean diet. The following is only a guide, of course, but it gives you the general picture.
Salad - 70% less
Meat - 50% less
Beer - 75% less
Wine - 75% less
Bread - 50% less
Dairy - 50% less
Coffee - 40% less
Tea - 30% less
Olive Oil - 60% less
Fruit and Veg - 80% less
Other food stuffs - 60% less
Leathers and Linens - 70% less
Music - 20% less
DVDs - 10% less
Video games - 10% more expensive