Cost of Living in Spain: How Much Will You Need?

[@agnesaj9199]

Ok, seriously. This video is, hands down, the best video I have found on KZbin giving the ins and outs of expats living in Spain. You provided information I hadn't even thought of! I am a 51 year old American citizen, single woman planning on retiring in Spain and the information you gave in this video was just invaluable....THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I am hitting 'subscribe' right now!

[@internationalliving]

Delighted to hear that! Thanks for watching and subscribing - we really appreciate it! There's lots more info on Spain on the IL website as well.

[@salozinp]

Interesting! Other issues of interest to Spain. -It has one of the largest forest masses in Europe. -It has a Mediterranean, Atlantic, high mountain, desert and semi-tropical climate (in the Canary Islands) -It is the second most mountainous country in Europe (after Switzerland) -The 4 most populous, behind Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom. (48,000,000 inhabitants aprox) -The 4 economy of the European Union, behind Germany, France and Italy. -Its historical legacy is one of the oldest and most varied in Europe (Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, Muslims, Middle Ages, Renaissance, etc.) -There are snow-capped mountains, rivers, lakes, deserts, steppe areas, lush forests, etc., in fact it has the climatic variation of a continent. -Its size is approximate that of the state of Texas. -Firearms in the population, as in all of Europe, is very controlled, blood crimes are very scarce and it is one of the safest countries in Europe, with efficient police forces meeting European security standards. -In Spain, you will find monuments of all kinds and times: Christian and Muslim medieval fortresses, Roman ruins, Romanic churches and Gothic cathedrals, castles, palaces, etc. Greetings to Mrs. Scarbrough!

[@nevertooold7127]

Thank you for this wonderful information!

[@asunsol]

I am from Valencia, we also have semi-tropical weather 🥰

[@nevertooold7127]

@@asunsol There is a lot to love about Valencia.

[@youtoospain]

Awesome facts! I love it. Thank you

[@salozinp]

@@asunsol mediterraneo,tal vez

[@stefanossmitty3318]

Thanks for the lovely presentation. I co-sign what you said about Valencia. It’s a hidden gem. It’s the love child of Barcelona and Madrid but smaller and more manageable. Great infrastructure, food, architecture, and right on the Mediterranean, plus cheaper and less crowded than Madrid and Barcelona. I fell in love with it last year and it zoomed to the top of my list.

[@internationalliving]

Thanks for watching Stefanos! Yes, Valencia is a great choice.

[@latinaalma1947]

I have friends who own a lemon farm near Valencia....they have invited me to visit...maybe after COVID eases up I will...currently living for 20,yrs in the Antigua, Guatemala which is gorgeous with a perfect year round climate and great cost of living.

[@karenmarr7266]

Thanks Marsha for being so open about your life and expenses in Spain. I particularly needed to know about the taxes. I'm looking forward to joining you in Spain soon!

[@asunsol]

I love that! Spain is delicious 😋 ! Thanks from a Spaniard

[@AV-cg3wb]

Thank you for all the great information! I can’t wait to retire in Spain.

[@internationalliving]

You won't regret that decision! :)

[@tobirates916]

Very much appreciated you explanation of taxes and what you get for what you pay. Loved your statement at the end detailing why Spain is so much more than affordable. You clearly love Spain!

[@shinyshinythings]

Great video and very informative even one year later! A couple of money saving tips: If you have no expenses to pay in the US, you can save yourself some transfer fees by having your Social Security deposited directly into your Spanish bank account. They’ll give you the US government’s exchange rate for that day and there are no extra fees. Also, after your first year on the NLV, you are eligible for the Convenio Especial, which gives you access to the Spanish national health system for under 100€ per month, and provides comprehensive health care that is considered to be the best in the world. Third point, look past Madrid, Barcelona and the south, and you’ll find smaller bargain cities all over Spain. Use Numbeo to get an idea of the cost of living in different cities and fotocasa or idealista to check out rent prices.

[@birdlover7776]

Thank you for this 🌸

[@stevenhuang4193]

thank for sharing. I prefer way more living in Madrid or other great Spanish cities than any city in US. Simple food and culture. and a fraction of the cost is plus

[@marianelamerille8027]

Ohhh my I came across your awesomeness me video when I really needed all info ! What a blessing ! Thank you I am 68, just retired and lost my husband a year ago. You have given me hope to dream and follow the path ! Gracias

[@garykembel8144]

What a good succinct and detailed report.We have been to Madrid and loved it. Spent a good two weeks driving around, our last night was in Valencia and we promised ourselves we need to go back there. Beautiful cities.

[@carolynek1875]

I love your studio apartment that's bigger than some of them in Illinois and, I think that's a great price for being around the area you want to be ..I love it! I love the way you decorated it and I love that you have a little alcove for your bed and it's kind of way from everything ..wow I'm glad to see you're happy that makes me smile.... and thank you for all the information it was pleasant listening to you..God Bless

[@CanadaYo]

Watched your video on why I chose Spain 🇪🇸 ❤ very inspiring.

[@thefunframe7912]

Aragón is cheap or at least average if you go to the capital town, Zaragoza, and it is in the north. from here you can go skiing or hiking 3000+ m peaks in 1 and half hour, and same time for going to the mediterranean sunny beaches in salou or valencian region sagunto(for example).

[@ME-eu9gm]

What a great report: congratulations, Mrs. Scarbrough

[@annyp.1287]

I loved Spain! The food, people, wines, ...I'm packing...oh..can't fly. Thank you for such a great video.

[@angelam290]

😅 Funny, same here:)

[@judydeese6420]

How much to travel by ship? Is it a more economical than flying and housing for that amount of time? It takes how long?

[@Calventius]

One of the best I have seen with specific detail. Much Appreciated!

[@theaussiebaron]

A lovely thoughtful and informative guide. Thank you young lady. My wife and I might be journeying there for an extended stay for some months next year. Greatly appreciated 🙂👍

[@momchilyordanov8190]

Take a look at the big tourist destinations like Malaga or Barcelona and follow the train that goes along the cost. These trains are so clean, fast, modern and regular, you will feel like you live in the big city itself, while saving quite a bit. After just 30 km (20 miles) the prices will be noticeably lower, especially rents. The ones in grocery stores will be lower, but not by much. These trains are in very short intervals, maybe 20 minutes. The 20 miles to the city will be covered in, lets say, 35 min.

[@bunnydaduk]

Great watch. I'm a UK married man aged nearly 58. I'm looking to retire at 60. Seriously thinking about quitting the UK more for the weather than anything else. Thanks for your very informative vid. Some of it I knew some I didn't. We holiday around the Mediterranean 4/5 times a year whether is Spain Italy Greece Egypt etc but I think Spain would be a better choice. My only alternatives would be Madeira or Tenerife but these will be more expensive as the climate is all year round which you pay for. Thanks for the insight

[@karenlogan8656]

your life in spain shows in your appearance, your glowing.

[@johnbwhite947]

The annual income required for a SINGLE person to retire to Spain is Euro 27115.00 (per month Euro 2259.00)........Thank you for the very informative video....Your entrustment is infectious

[@Shamrah.A]

Really nice to see this. Very clearly explained. It was something I was looking for in KZbin when I was planning to move to Madrid end of last year, but most of the videos I saw were already few years old. Would have loved to see a bit more detail about taxes + insurances and expenses for those who own cars. Thanks for the positives attitude, much needed 🙂

[@internationalliving]

Thanks for watching Shamrah-Shon.

[@dhaniageorge278]

@@internationalliving Madam, i need to talk to you . Can i have yourcontact number

[@lucieteal7201]

Love Spain. One day . Thank you for the wonderful video.

[@wellbeingpromotor1157]

I love Spain and I would love to live in Malaga!

[@miriamO212]

I used to live in Chamberí. Love it!

[@joyfullypacinglife8847]

Great vlog as always! Thank you very much for the details!

[@internationalliving]

Thank you!

[@tatianaflorez7858]

Spain is Seductive. Love it Love it Love it as a Latin girl! Ty my dear.

[@sfdanceron1]

The best video I've seen on living expenses in Spain. Thanks.

[@tatianaflorez7858]

Oh thank you so much for your videos. I really appreciate displaying openly your budget! Love how you break everything down! Gracias !!!

[@jordanngo1684]

Thank you for the insights, I want to relocate in Spain someday

[@isabeltatiana6022]

Thank you, you inspired me.

[@robynquintana2660]

I appreciate your comments on taxes as I had not thought of that. Seems that my USA Social Security, while not taxable in the USA, would be taxable in Spain and Italy...2 places that I am considering retiring to. At a nominal rate of about 19% tax, that would certainly eat into my budget and so should definitely be a part of what you are showing on your budget worksheet in my opinion.

[@annettecook9470]

Hello, I love your story! I too am looking to move from Florida, the United States for my retirement. You are an inspiration in deed. Thank you

[@RobertRod818]

Love your video, very informative, greetings

[@nvallamp]

Great video - this is very informative. Please make more like these, especially private health insurance, and what/how much is covered. I am passing this video along to someone that is seriously contemplating retiring in Spain (and they own a place in Andalucia too, so rent is not an issue)!

[@nevertooold7127]

As per visa requirements, private health insurance covers everything, no co-pays, no deductible. It includes all lab work and basic dental, €30,000 while traveling and repatriation (which is sending you body back to the US if you want that).

[@lesp315]

You are one very organized lady. Thank you for all your efforts to provide quality info.

[@elizaescalante5277]

I love how you describe it at the end, you are adorable

[@shelleyn2884]

What a nice presentation you give in this video! Thank you! My husband and I are in late 50s, retired, and have a good pension, live in California and are looking to move to Spain or Portugal.

[@nalagrz5773]

If you come to Málaga ( Southern Spain) you will feel like in California. In fact they call it Malagafornia. The sunlight, the sunsets, beaches, mountains and promenades really really similar.

[@shelleyn2884]

@@nalagrz5773 good to know!

[@michaelmcguire9677]

Thank you Marsha and International Living!

[@jorieneahmahilaga5834]

OMG i enjoyed your video! I plugged my earphones and listened so it's like a podcast 😂 I plan on trying out a long term student visa in Salamanca next year and wonder how much should I prepare if I'm thriftty and dont drink nor smoke... I can't find any YT video with the cost of living in Salamanca 😢 Please create more informational videos! Thank you for sharing! Honestly, this is the best video I've watched. Very detailed

[@Caminoguys]

Thanks for your no nonsense down to earth presentations. My wife and I have watched a couple of your videos and have found them to be very informative. We were blown away with your story of how and why you ended up retiring to Spain and have nothing but admiration for your tenacity and positive spirit. We are Canadian both in your age group and we have spent many months over the past ten years on walking or just simply winter vacations in Spain. We love Spain especially Seville and Madrid where we spend most of our time. In spite of our familiarity with Spain we still learnt new things by watching your videos and we will certainly be watching more. One thing that we have found to be true to enhance our own enjoyment of Spain is to learn to speak a little Spanish which we have been trying to do a little better with each successive annual visit. In the two videos of yours that we have watched you don’t let on whether or not you speak Spanish. We guess that you probably do speak Español and probably more than a little but we would be curious to know if in fact you do. Keep up the good work and we look forward to seeing more of your interesting .videos

[@nevertooold7127]

Thank you. Spanish has been my biggest challenge. I would say I am intermediate, and I would like to speak and listen better. I have taken various types of classes and do intercambios regularly, but I write in English all day, and that is holding me back. I can take care of all my daily needs but I always take a bilingual friend with me to the immigration office or to sign a contract, just because I am not sure I understand everything.

[@maryb211]

We live in Montreal and are thinking about living in Spain for several months a year. Thanks for your excellent insights on what the key considerations are in moving to Spain or living there under 6 months per year. Very interestting and informative .

[@nevertooold7127]

If you are in Spain less than 183 days a year, you don't have to pay Spanish taxes, but you still need a residency visa.

[@ycmiamistar]

You are amazing! Thanks for all the info. I want to live in Spain too when I retire early.

[@juliagarcia3452]

A los guiris les gusta la cálida costa, pero en verano, cariño, cómprate una cabañita en un pueblo de montaña ...para dormir con manta!

[@aleoneksa]

Thank you so much, you inspire me and give me renewed hope. ❤️

[@billcook4768]

Thank you so much for being willing to share such personal info. I’ve been dreaming about retiring to Mallorca and this was extremely helpful. I can see things like rent on idealista, but the other items were blanks. The health insurance and internet/phone prices are just jaw dropping to Americans. And I figure, being an island, Mallorca would be a bit more expensive for things like groceries. But all in all, looks quite doable. I’m still at least a few years out, but you’ve given me something to dream of.

[@sbkpilot1]

health insurance for $235? i'm 46 and perfectly healthy my premium for a high deductible policy ($1500 deductible and after that 80% coverage) is $700/month, fortunately my employer pays most of it at the moment but the costs here in the US are a joke.

[@rafaelguardiabalcazar4461]

I'm spanish, living in Madrid, 49 years old, and I pay for a private health insurance, full service, 61€ per month. But It is true, that at the same time I pay from my salary, monthly for social security system, which includes NHS and jubilee pension. Anyway, health insurance fee is very affordable in Spain.

[@latinaalma1947]

This is why I live in. Guatemala US health insurance lrices are obscene for seniors. I bought a home so no rent and property taxes are under $100 USD a YEAR! People inlcuding build large comfortable homes piecemeal starting small going up to two or three stories over thenyears then an upper terrace. I have a large lot for a gorgeous tropical garden and volcano views. The only expensive items are imported electronics.Food costs are very low.

[@latinaalma1947]

I CANT BELIEVE your Levothyroxine is a dollar....I pay more than that privately in Guatemala.

[@latinaalma1947]

The couple budget is about what we spend in Guatemala but more for medical,appts , dental and RX we are in our mid and late 70s with hypothyroidism and my husband has eye problems that require expensive medications and monitoring. We own our own home so,have no rent we do have house maintenance and an employee fulltime who maintains the property and garden...he also cooks about 1/3 of our food does all,our food marketing now and serves as our driver and personal assistant too...we virtually raised him from the age of 13 when his family put him out to work. We are lucky to,have him and he is lucky to,have us...he will inherit our property though we will never tell him that....end of life plans and transfer of property to him are in place with our local attorney. It is a good, safe and secure happy life here. Our area is a high tourist area and sadly the custom of no tipping 20,yrs ago has slowly changed to 10% tip automatically added to checks in restaurants. Yikes you have to pay income tax in Spain? Your Spanish taxes are higher....we pay no income tax in Guatemala as all our income is foreign we do pay low US income tax because though we have ample savings all our assets now are in low interest bearing accounts so as not take any financial risks at our late age. We have ample funds to last til the end of our lives. If I could live in two places they would be where I live in Guatemala and also in Spain. Right now we are visiting a gorgeous resort resort hotel, Hotel ATITLAN owned by an American expat who married a Guatemalan, a friend of ours. IT looks like Lake Como here and her gardens are the loveliest I have seen anywhere in the world. It rivals the best beautiful boutique hotels in the world with old world Spanish architecture and decor. We have watched while a local flies his helicopter over to,thenhotel from his property acorss the lake for breakfast and lunch each day...private helicooters are THE way to travel here....just a tad above our means to,maintain andntomhave a pilot though many well off Guatemalans do usemhelicopters to get,around saving hours on the roads and commuting to the capital from country homes . The only thing in life I domnot have that I would enjoynwould be a helicopter...my daughter was a military helicopter pilot in the USA so sqhe would certainly,have one here if she chose to move here . Another favorate spot is the Pacific beach here and a hotel called Dos Mundos another nice resort hotel. But we love Barcelona, Madrid, Sevillia and much of Spain and could happily live there as well. Too bad it is so far from here or we would visit more often. WE are at an age where long flights are more difficult for us.

[@christines1924]

What a well-presented overview! Thank you for taking the time to present this...from an older person lol who likes la vida!!

[@valsummerfield3069]

This is a good video, thank you. I am just exploring Spain online at the moment to move to. My husband is English and I'm American, we live in Massachusetts. Let's see how feasible this would be, this is informative from your perspective.

[@lawinRgude]

I found it really seductive!! You are absolutely right. I had vacation last month and Now, I am starting to plan my future in the Valencia Community.

[@operachickie]

This has been the most helpful video. It has really clarified a lot of questions I had. Thank you

[@almarans6885]

Muy interesante su conversacion y nos llena de una futura promesa hacia un cambio de vida realmente espectacular. Estamos ansiosos de poder realizar una visita a tan hermosos lugares por cierto muy llenos de vida tranqyuila, limpia y descansada de la algarabias diarias que nos envuelve en estas grandes metropolis de U.S. Como no tenemos amistades o conocimientos basicos acerca de la sociedad en general, sus puntos de vista facilitan en realidad un mejor concepto de lo necesario para estblecerse en ese gran pais.Mil gracias por tan bonito como informativo video y perdone la falta de gramatica ya que hace anos no hablo o escribo Castellano.Espero tener el placer de conocerla y disfrutar de sus conocimientos cuando le Epidemia nos permite dar una " vueltita por esos magnificos lugares a conocer.Mil Gracias otra vez mas y hasta siempre.Alma

[@nevertooold7127]

Gracias, Alma.

[@dcjimr1]

Very interesting and helpful! I am considering Spain, Portugal, and a few other countries for retirement.

[@reginaldgooden2445]

Wow! Great info! I have traveled to Spain frequently but have been thinking about moving there in the next 8 years. I have to figure out what I will do to make some money: I’m a teacher so teaching English may be an option!

[@youtoospain]

Hi Reginald I think it’s quite difficult to get a job if you’re from outside of the EU. Getting a visa to stay means proving you can provide for yourself. I would advise getting professional advice from an English speaking firm in Spain who help people to get their residency. I’m moving over later this year as a self employed person and it’s going to be difficult. I’m sounding quite negative but I’m actually really looking forward to the lifestyle and weather and the challenge.

[@reginaldgooden2445]

@@youtoospain Thanks for the information and best of luck in your quest! It sounds like you are ready to get into the next adventure of your life! Suerte!!! 🌞

[@youtoospain]

@@reginaldgooden2445 gracias, if you want more info I’m interviewing an expert on my channel live on Saturday 27th Feb at 9.30am (GMT) so you could ask him.

[@shinyshinythings]

Reginald, if you’re already licensed as a teacher in the US or Canada, check out international school recruiters. They place teachers in Spain and other places around the world.

[@stefanhansen5882]

Just found your videos! I am planning to move to Spain, and your videos are absolutely wonderful! Thanks!

[@luzadriananarvaez6518]

Thank you, I can't wait to retire in Spain. Very helpful info.

[@crdecos]

I think you should add that the public healthcare system is directly paid from your salary, it includes everything, hence no having the need of wasting 200-250€ in most cases. Cheers.

[@nevertooold7127]

but if you are retired and entering on a non-lucrative visa, you have to get private Spanish healthcare insurance.

[@crdecos]

@@nevertooold7127 are you sure? Even illegal immigrants in Spain are granted healthcare.

[@nevertooold7127]

@@crdecos Yes. To get a retirement visa to live in Spain for longer than is allowed on a tourist visa, getting private Spanish healthcare is one of the requirements that you must document.

[@otaviovieira1041]

Thank you for the wonderful and clarifying video.

[@janethamilton7583]

Great information and well presented!

[@bac907]

We’re having difficulty finding health insurance that will cover retirees aged 65 and over with pre-existing conditions. Any suggestions?

[@yelenagurvits5275]

Hi, Marsha. Thank you for your time and kind presentation. Will you share the information on the programm where you volunteer to speak English. Thank you.

[@cdd7372]

Hello! Thank you so much for the break down especially in Canadian currency. Great info ...I have been looking into Calabria, Italy. Maybe changing my mind! All the best! From Mississauga, Ontario

[@robvangelderen2359]

That’s great you bought everything from Ikea, also tell something about the taxes and living permit you need as an expat pensionado in spain. And is this also the same for a person with a european passport. Is the cost of the gym also a monthly price it looks expensive for spain to me.

[@karenjohnson6667]

Exactly what I need to help me plan retirement in Spain, preferably Madrid. I have several questions for you. What's the best way to get more info from you regarding the retirement visa, apartment search, and whether you maintain Medicare in the US?

[@ketherwhale6126]

You won me over with the mid day main meal. Wow! Sounds great & cheap.why are these larger “ free” countries so much more , when there’s so much more resources? I don’t get it.

[@nevertooold7127]

Me either...

[@kimberlyannmitchell]

This was so informative and helpful, thank you!

[@elleelle9730]

Very helpful. Thank you. Great!

[@MaidenBklyn]

i love your apartment!! High ceilings make such a difference, don't they?

[@TJN7484]

My Bad! I had stop your video before it was done so that my Spanish wife could see this with me to the end. During that time,...I posted about the tax issue. Now that I seen your video in full,...you answered my tax concern. BTW,..will Subscribe to your KZbin and look forward to your postings! Best regards! BTW,..I lived in Spain as a military brat and also was there again as a military both at Torrejon Air Base. Love Spain and it's people.

[@zubeidakaker1228]

Very helpful I could give you a big hug xxx

[@patrickwrightgibson4986]

I love your videos and your fearlessness. Just for clarification: Madrid and Valencia have the same cost of living excluding rent or buying property which is significantly more in Madrid? Thanks again for your videos. I'm just starting my research on where to retire and they have been invaluable.

[@aperezsimon00]

You’re right, housing costs would be the main difference between those two cities.

[@rebeccagutierrez1960]

Thank you so much for the wonderful information. Cute apartment you have there.

[@nevertooold7127]

Thanks...

[@kimballentyne9069]

Many thanks for sharing. Spain also have a lot of financial debts to pay. If you donate your body to the Spanish medical research science when you die then your funeral cost is €1000euros. You have to state this in your Wills. Many banks also charge extras, even when you are in credit. Portugal offers tax free allowances for pensioners, and can also be cheaper.

[@MrRG27]

Lovely video! Thanks for all that information!

[@lovettestreets3875]

Great information. Considering a relocation from Georgia to either Alicante or Murcia. Your video was very informative. The exchange seems well worth the move! One thing we wondered was would our current CIGNA health insurance hold up over there, or would we have to change over to Spain's healthcare?

[@nevertooold7127]

If you are coming on a non-lucrative visa, you have to get private Spanish healthcare insurance....but it is fantastic and inexpensive.

[@rebeca.palomero4976]

Can you give me more information about how do you pay your taxes in the US every year living in Spain? Thank you for your video. It was very informative.

[@johnnyn1964]

Excellent. Than you so much!

[@carableu]

So helpful!

[@juliagarcia3452]

You're very much wellcome,nice lady

[@TJN7484]

Hola! Thanks for the video! My wife (Spanish) and I (American) looking to retire in Spain either part time or full time. Being American,...I/we will always pay Federal income tax on your yearly retirement income. Would love to see a video about taxes while living in Spain. I read that there is a tax treaty bwtn the U.S. & Spain,...hope this will help. Gracias!

[@ericmckenzie9157]

wonderful presentation. Thank you so much.

[@teresaromero8655]

Did you “ drop “ MEDICARE “ and pay Health Insurance insurance Spain ?

[@nayao1148]

Your are awesome! Your videos are so great and inspirational! Xoxo

[@beautyaccentsstudiosllc356]

Very informative. Thanks so much.

[@karenreinhardt2954]

Sorry, that was Cigna website not Sanita.

[@adrianamenegotti9767]

you said that we have to paid taxes in Spain , can you give a bold figure how much it is ? 2000 euros a year , 3000 ? Do you have a percentage ? Something to budget .... thanks we would really appreciated !!!!! We are planning to go and live there from Canada !!!

[@jayblauser8558]

Hola thank you so much for the video. I'm going to visit Spain soon. I have my TEFL certification and have been teaching English as a volunteer for a couple of years. I saw your video with Denise Lovely. I was wondering where you worked as a volunteer English, teacher in a resort? How did you get that job? I live in USA but want to retire to Spain in the next few years. Thank you so much

[@jencordero4782]

Do they have UPS for Delivery for Packages small or Large and What do you do with your USPS mail from USA to Spain either to PO BOX or Resident. Awesome detail presentation well done. Please explain thanks

[@cameramanceltic4915]

850e a month for a studio is expensive. very expensive but then its madrid . hopefully not so much for other cities? towns? i think for me it will be southern spain alicante or malaga. like you i dont have a car . i would not have the financial means to live in madrid :(

[@lucieteal7201]

Awesomeness video. Very inspirational. I am wondering if you know web sites in Madrid that rents weekly biweekly budget is flexible around 500 to 600 euros. Thank u

[@xalau5270]

Make no mistake, Chamberi has become the most expensive district in Madrid

[@kathykaz3027]

I found the tax explanation very helpful.

[@CarlosGarcia-lj7xs]

Taxes on Social Security and private pension from USA are higher in Spain?

[@operachickie]

Hi Marsha, I wish I had some specifics about amount I'll owe in taxes on my pension and social security so that I can get a better idea.

[@courtcomposer]

I just returned from Spain 3 days ago. I love it more and more every time I visit. Have visited all regions except for Canarias and Murcia. I speak fluent Spanish. Been running the numbers: I would lose 20% of my retirement on the currency exchange, I would have to pay income tax in the US and Spain at about the same rate, and 200$ on health insurance a month at a time when I would be under Medicare. My illusion is not gone but I just do not see how it would happen. Can you help me find ways to counterbalance those expenses? Thank you.

[@quinnrivera5075]

If you speak fluent Spanish then you have a lot of other options. The whole of Latin America is available to you. Panama, Argentina, Chile . All pretty safe and stable and inexpensive compared to the US. Or you can live in let’s say Mexico for 6 months and Spain for the other 6 months. I will have a small pension soon. I’m not sure Spain is an option full time but I think it may be doable for 6 months a year with another 6 months in Mexico or Colombia or even somewhere in Southeast Asia. Which doesn’t sound like a bad life to me

[@jinconcord3192]

Thanks very much for your informative, thorough and enjoyable presentation. I’m an International Living member and I have a couple of questions: I’ve read aparments in Portugal are not insulated so they are cold in the winter unless you spend a fortune in heat; is this also the case in Spain? Can you get a reasonably priced apartment with a washing machine (clothes, not dishes)? Finally, do you have to purchase health insurance? My US insurance covers emergency services with a very low deductible and co-ins. Thanks again!

[@nevertooold7127]

The non-lucrative visa requires you to get private Spanish health insurance with certain coverage, which is inexpensive and very good. You can get a reasonably-priced apartment with a washing machine, but dryers are very rare. Whether apartments are insulated depends on where you are in Spain. I have always been comfortable in Madrid but along the Mediterranean where there are a lot of snowbirds, I have been in uninsulated apartments that were cold in winter.

[@anitamendez116]

Hi Ms. Scarbrough. How is the COVID situation there in Spain? I have looked at the statistics and there has been cases and deaths, however, has Spain been able to contain the virus and are they starting to be vaccinated?

[@karenreinhardt2954]

Do you have information on retiring in Portugal as expat; taxes, requirements, quality of their healthcare system?

[@ENLIGHTENINGLIVES4ALL]

Great video Ty love and light your so cute keep up on your great videos

[@reginaleborg7262]

What might the expenses total if you were living in Malaga? Would it be significantly less?