Hi all

As there always seems to be some uncertainty as to what it costs to live and survive in Spain i shall keep a ongoing up to date report of my New adventure there .

My story so far i still live in England as i am waitting the Sale of my property prior to fully taking early retirement to the Mallorca island in Spain.

Mallorca you must also bear in mind is generally more expensive than the Mainland beeing less Industrialised etc etc.. However this should give members a safety factor to work there own costs from , as its pretty sure to be cheaper on the mainland ..

I will add to the Thread as and when i have any storys to tell or whenever i purchase items or have any relevant info to share ..

Firstly ;

Legal costs to purchase my Villa equated to some 9 % of final sale price.

Council Taxes are 495 Euros yearly ( £ 344 British ) @1.43 exch
3 Bedroomed detached Villa with Pool and large Garden.

Local urbanisation Charge yearly 195 Euros ( £ 135 British ) @ 1.42 exch
This pays for the upkeep of the streets and street lights etc etc .

Daewoo 29" Flat Screen TV 280 Euros ( £ 194 British ) @ 1.42 exch

Insurance Property and Contents 280 Euros ( £ 194 British ) @ 1.42 exch

Household Rubbish collected every day !!! Free of Charge as many bags as you have .. Recycling is at your discretion with Bins available all over !!!

Food did a typical normal shop including Breads Milks and cat foods etc and a host of items a full Shopping trolley full .. = 80 Euros ( £ 56 British ) @ 1.42 exch ( in Uk this would of been around £ 90+ ...)

Cigarettes 20 Benson hedges 3.10 Euros ( £ 2.15p British ) @ 1.42 exch

NO TV license needed .

Petrol cost to fill a Renault small Hire car ,Full Tank from empty to full !! 41 Euros ( £ 28 British ) drove hundreds of miles ,but didnt take the price per litre , will do next visit ..

Iron steam type with lead etc , 12 Euros ( £ 8.30p British ) @1.42 exch

Microwave top of the range , Roasts, grill ,rotate etc , 82 Euros ( £ 57 British ) @ 1.42 exch

Kettle simple inbuilt filter one , 26 Euros ( £ 18 British ) @ 1.42 exch

3 course meal at smart Restaurant overlooking marina ,includes 4 drinks ( 2 small beers 2 x Tia maria and cokes ) starters followed by main and then deserts . 41 Euros ( £ 28.50 British ) @ 1.42 exch ( And you could smoke to your hearts content )

Coka Cola genuine !! in Lidl Supermarket pack of 12 tins .. 6 Euros ( £ 4.17p British ) @ 1.42 exch

Set of 4 Brushed alluminium flash outside lights ground mounted . 14 Euros each ( £ 9.74p British ) @ 1.42 exch
Bulbs for above energy saving 75watt Phillips 6 Euros each ( £ 4.17p British ) @ 1.42 exch

Will add as and when i have anything to add . hope it helps anyone wondering as to living expenses ..