HOW MUCH DOES LIVING IN SPAIN COST ME PER MONTH IN 2O23? - 4K & DRONE

Support the channel with “buy me a coffee”: www.buymeacoffee.com/stevetime
So, how much does living in Spain cost me in 2023? Before I say anymore.... anyone who spots the obvious mistake in the video, the arrow, I didn't notice it until I was editing the video lol!. A beautiful but cold afternoon in Alicante. I drive, go to a castle and detail my monthly spend in Spain.
I want to improve and grow the channel. If you would like to support The Rambling Irishman financially you can do so by clicking this link:
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Retired early, probably got a bit crazy, sold up and living In Europe full time with my dogs Molly and Buster
If you enjoyed the video and want to join in our adventure please subscribe on the link above. Comments will be much appreciated and a thumbs up would be great. Thank you for watching and 'bye for now'.
00:00 Introduction
02:32 What is it like living on a budget
03:20 Winter in Spain and Guardamar castle
05:11 Breakdown of my monthly costs

[@simonsuddons5214]

Top man. Honest take as always. Warmer climate way better living than the UK. I think you are in a good path.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thanks for saying! 😊👍

[@linchou69]

Come to Spain; work for 900€ a month 😆

[@GameKingZone]

I'm Irishman from belfast aswell, thanks for posting helped a lot, earned another subscriber 👍🏻🇮🇪🇪🇸

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Good man, thanks, glad you like 😊👍😎

[@RobertRod818]

1100 Euro a month sounds pretty affordable. One day I want to follow your steps and move to Spain.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Brilliant! It's a great goal! 👍

[@peterhollywood187]

Good video

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

@@peterhollywood187 thank you

[@chrissybreege4602]

Thank you - brilliant video. I’m hoping to head over there soon.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thank you

[@joeoleary952]

Thanks for the video Steve very reassuring. One way flight booked for end of August and very similar circumstances and reasons as yourself. Thanks a million.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

No problem Joe. I'm sure you can't wait! Best of luck and hopefully hear from you again 😊👍

[@oommcc]

I am from Spain (not far from Cadiz) but I left 27 years ago to UK, then Australia... my wife (British) and I are planning to go back for an early (47 years old) retirement... we have the house already paid for, a small flat (we want to use both as one is in the beach and the other in the city but if we struggle we can always rent. If we rent the flat we should get 500 euros pm after tax and for the house around 1400 euros)... Our monthly budget (includes all expenses but also a small portion of it goes into Provisions, Reserves and Depreciation of fixed assets. I mention this because we plan around 350 euros per month for those three things) is of 2500 euros (so 2150 after those items). We arent sure whether to delay another year or to go for it... but my parents are there and getting older.... and we have been dreaming of this for years. Do you think is enough? Because we have different passports (Spanish, UK and Australia) we thought that we could go to Australia a few months during the winter for the first couple of years to "top up" if needed. I may also be able to get some remote work. For each year that we live in Australia, we add around 350 euros per month to the above budget. What do you think? We dont have/want children or pets.

[@kodedart2311]

I'm planning to work remotely in Spain, hopefully this year. I hope the rent won't go berserk anytime soon, they are already insanely high. You helped me a ton! Thank you very much for sharing.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Your welcome 😊

[@Aj_axton]

Hi how did you get on

[@kodedart2311]

Hello @@Aj_axton , if you're asking about the stay/entrance, for me it's the digital nomad visa, which allows me to stay longer and to work remotely. However this was the plan 6-7 months ago and I gave up on this now 🤣 Overall the prices are up through the roof and NOTHING can justify them, especially the rental - which are driven by pure greed. They don't make any sense. So perhaps after a couple of years, maybe, with a big IF all this nonsense is normalized (humanized?).

[@tanyachambers4241]

👏☀️ You have a new subscriber from N.Ireland .. ☘ My dad had a wee place down by La Zenia for years but mum sold when he passed away .. but that area you are in is beautiful. Life is very different in Spain.. relaxed.. less is more out there.. Ive been in Thailand too but spain is the best for me .. heading out to Benidorm in March for couple weeks All incl to just chill.. Great video. Great YT channel ☘☀️🏡

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Brilliant, thank you! I'm in freezing Northern Ireland at the minute, my dad isn't well and I'm at home 😢. 8 bet you can't wait to get to benidorm! Welcome to the channel 😊

[@tanyachambers4241]

Your Channel is great .. full if real info about Spain.. 🌎 hope your dad gets well soon and he will appreciate you coming back home to N.I which is cold today but beautiful ☘☀️ I'm up at North Coast & it's blue skies & sunshine but cold lol.. 🏖☀️

[@kimberlyskrobol9167]

“You should never try to add in a castle”!!! 😂😂 I’m planning to move soon from Poland to south Spain soon, following and subscribed 😊

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Welcome along Kimberly 😊💚 ps. Nor when cooking pea's! Haha

[@ahmed.abutair]

Hi Irish man thank you all love ❤️ from Palestine

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

❤

[@stevienoade9470]

Love the videos keep them coming

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thank you, glad you enjoy 😊

[@curtisjoyson4838]

Cheers Steve. Love the videos and info you share. You're an inspiration.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thank you so much 😊💚

[@IBENF]

Respect. Keep it that way!

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thanks 😁

[@atefehkhalafi1092]

Love your video❤🎉 thank you.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thank you 👍😊💚

[@Living_in_]

Another great video keep them coming

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thanks 👍😄

[@JohnLovesSpain]

Subbed and liked👍Thank you

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thanks for the sub!

[@Toltecgrl]

Thanks for doing this video! 🙏

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thanks 😊

[@karee435]

I love your honesty

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thank you

[@peadarocleirigh1896]

I've been offered use of an apartment in Alicante for the winter, gonna head down in the next couple of weeks. Will bring the car so I can carry all my stuff and have transport when Im there. I want to move to Spain permanently but had Basque coumtry in mind. 6 months in Alicante should be a good way to get a feel for living in Spain. Im a regular visitor but usually stay for a fortnight ir so. Just started looking at Alicante related content and stumbled scross this channel. I subscribed & will have a browse thru your other vids.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Welcome to the channel 😊. Sounds like you have an exciting time ahead! Best of luck 😎👍

[@margot3552]

Between the wind and your Irish accent, it was difficult to understand what you were saying. Glad you stopped smoking and drinking!! That’s a good thing! Great budget … seems reasonable if you are happy there! Good luck 🍀 to you! Saludos from Miami!

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thank you! Not so windy now, scorching 🥵 hot lol

[@tiffany.Elizabeth.]

Love your personality and this was a very informative video! Thanks! I just wonder where in Spain you live. Unless I missed it. I’m looking to move to Stiges as that’s where my brother lives. But it looks like the rentals are double what you said.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Hi 👋 and thank you. When I made the video I was living in Guardamar Del Segura just south of Alicante. I've found that rental prices vary greatly depending upon what town you are in, in Spain. It's worth looking at prices in the towns or resorts that are close to your preferred location! Shopping around in Spain can be fruitful! I hope this helps 😊💚

[@Toltecgrl]

I am considering moving to Spain from California. Rent and Housing is insane here.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

That's a big move, Spain is a wonderful place to live. 👍

[@Juanfernandez-sm8jl]

Move to my city Malaga!! clima and weather are similar than California, and nice beaches!!👏👏👏👏

[@alastairjohnson4038]

Nice you show that cold days do exist in Spain! It’s a myth it’s always warm & sunny everywhere all the time. I live in Madrid, coñd winters (it snows in the nearby mountains, you can go skiing!), boiling hot summers. The north is rainy, lush & green, looks lie Ireland! But it’s true the south and costal Med areas have a warmer, sunnier climate than UK/Northern Europe, but in winter it can get chilly, especially early morning/night. So take warm clothes with you!

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Yes, definitely a myth that mainland Spain is always warm! During winter it is neither warm nor busy. When I drove down from France last year I was amazed at inland and northern Spain, it was beautiful. Much prettier than a lot of the coastal areas.

[@piloto88ed]

Yes. Im from Madrid and the clima is HORRIBLE. Super cold in winter (more sometimes than some central Europe cities) and super hot in summer. The best clima is in Canary islands.

[@LilyBelamare]

Based on your accent, sounds like you are from Northern Ireland I guess ?? Your expenses compared to Ireland, it’s like wow😂😂😂

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Hi, yes I'm from.Northern Ireland. I'm not sure what your message means but hi.

[@gammypage]

Thanks

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Welcome

[@alanwellsphotography]

Hey there, well done to you for making the move, the good lady and I are planing on moving to the costa Blanca in the next few years, doing our research at the minute and can’t wait to get outa Norn Iron its so depressing here, subscribed 😁

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Hi Alan, it's fantastic and especially for a couple! The nice weather really makes such a difference. Thanks for subscribing too 😊👍

[@alanwellsphotography]

@@TheRamblingIrishman Cheers Steve, if you don’t mind me asking why do you rent rather than buy ? We were thinking when we get all in place here selling our home and buying out there do you think its better to rent?

[@alanwellsphotography]

@@TheRamblingIrishman sorry I just read your profile 😂 you intended to move on hence renting

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

@@alanwellsphotography yes exactly Alan. I want to be free to move around, either here in Spain or Thailand or wherever. If I eventually really like somewhere I may buy but that is a pension pot away lol

[@trade2fire257]

Just found your channel and really enjoying it. I hope to do something similar in the next year or so. Would be great if you did a video about how to manage your money as you live abroad/travel e.g. banks, are you living off income, pension or an investment / savings account etc. Thank you!

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Hi, glad your enjoying the channel. I've done a few videos about the financial side of things but I haven't really revealed too much about how I support myself but the two man ways are that I sold my home, cleared all debts and live on much less than I did. 💚👍😊

[@trade2fire257]

@@TheRamblingIrishman Yes, i've seen a couple of the videos on expenses -they were excellent. The only other thing I thought about was 'sunk costs' which you did mention some of in terms of those infrequent costs like travelling home, clothing but also includes car servicing, car replacement, health costs, mobile phone replacement etc but of course varies with everyone but perhaps another £500-600 / month for me. Are there any expat groups in your area or different types of clubs to meet people? Thanks again

[@yogiparashara4016]

Hey - great video mate. Very interesting topic for me as I’m thinking of retiring to Spain in the future. I recently returned from Valencia (one of my favourite cities in Spain). My question is what about Car maintenance in Spain ? What does this look like for you ? Is there an MOT type piece ? What about Tyre costs , Servicing etc? Look forward to your next video 👍

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

It's pretty much the same in Spain as in the UK. If you wish to keep your UK car on the road here it gets a bit expensive to re-register and have the alterations to the car carried out. Once your UK MOT and insurance is outdated I think buying a Spanish registered car would be easier

[@kathleenpatrick9059]

Enjoyed your Video today. Very helpful info for people considering making the move. We have lived in Cabo Cervera area of Torrevieja on the coast, been here 10 yrs in April. May I ask you what car you have, its beautiful. Regards, Kathleen

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Hi Kathleen, I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Especially as you live here 😊. My car is a Ford Focus Cabriolet, its a bit old but I love it lol 💚

[@kathleenpatrick9059]

@@TheRamblingIrishman it looks fab with the roof off.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

@@kathleenpatrick9059 And im a bit geeky, the roof is electric, i put it down just to watch lol

[@niallmcilroy9945]

Cost of living so much less compared to me! Great to hear you're doing well Stephen

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Hi Niall 😊, great to hear from you! Hope you're keeping good, I hear life's treating you well. Yeah, you can live here very reasonably! But they all speak Spanish 😂

[@niallmcilroy9945]

@@TheRamblingIrishman Doing well and settling in to life over here. Really enjoying your videos as a fellow irishman who's relocated and settling into life abroad. It does take some adjustment but loving it now!

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

@@niallmcilroy9945 your tight, it takes a bit of getting used to, it's great you've settled in so well! And glad you enjoy the videos 😊👍

[@niallmcilroy9945]

@@TheRamblingIrishman Thanks! Really enjoying the videos!

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

@@niallmcilroy9945 👍😊

[@CarlosGarcia-gs1wd]

If you escape the Irish weather and come to Spain, don't fall into Galicia, 🤣 🤣 🤣

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

🤣

[@marianpetkov]

Is the apartment rental price for the central area or for a neighborhood?

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

The majority of apartments I've looked at are not in the town centres but the prices are similar. I found that the more modern apartments are in the surrounding neighborhood

[@zakca762]

I am amazed. My passive income is 3K USD a month and i feel like it would be very hard for me to retire on this -given that i am 53 years old. However reality is that i could do that and probably will in next 1-2 years

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

I could certainly live well on 3k a month. Good luck with your plans

[@carolharkness5023]

Thats more than plenty to live off in Spain for a couple.

[@adelejones5059]

Just found your channel 👍🏻, if it wasn’t for good old brexit, I’d be doing the same . Bloody 90 day 💩 . I was in Spain in march/April and couldn’t believe how cheap it was.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

You can definitely live in Spain for a lot less than the UK! Welcome to the channel 😊👍

[@adelejones5059]

Oh thanks for the reply, I would in a heartbeat, hope your enjoying it over there. Sorry for late reply.somehow it’s just popped up, albeit 3 weeks since your reply 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@richardmcdougall233]

How much would health insurance be in Thailand it would get more expensive each year the older you get ? Also the visa process costs ? Northern Thailand cheaper than the South. l found Chaing Mai was a nice small city.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

To get a good insurance that's going to cover you for serious treatments you'll pay well over £1000 a year! As far as visas go, Thailand can be a nightmare, there are a lot of different visas to choose from so no straightforward answer!

[@richardmcdougall233]

@@TheRamblingIrishman Realistically it's £80 plus a month to your costs. I suppose cheaper cost rent / living outweighs especially Northern Thailand. Plus it's warmer than winter than Spain. 👍 Great channel 👌

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

@@richardmcdougall233 Thanks 😊

[@James09291]

What kind of jobs are available in Spain? What does minimum wage jobs pay per month?

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Hi Kevin, that's something I haven't had to deal with. I'm sure there will be vlogs on KZbin dealing with the expat job situation. 👍

[@James09291]

@@TheRamblingIrishman is it easy to find employment?

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

​@@James09291suppose it depends on what type of work your looking for. It's something I know very little about as I haven't worked in Spain. I wish I could give you a more useful answer!

[@kl5631]

Quick question and apologies if you have already addressed this in other vlogs! I take it you have no post Brexit visa issues as you either are from Eire which is still in the EU or you moved before Brexit? For those of us post Brexit we are now classed as third countries from outwith the Schengen area and would need to evidence €29k regular passive unearned income p.a ( and thats just for a single person). Even the Digital Nomad visa needs evidence of earnings of €2,400 per month. So even if we could happily get by on your monthly outgoings we have to evidence the above to move there. Other option is just to go as tourist and stay 90 days and then out of Schengen zone for 90 days and so on. Getting visas much more difficult now unfortunately! Quick question is how have you got around the requirement for having private health care which again you have to have for a visa to stay in Spain? Friend has temp visa she has to renew over 5 years and costs her €140 pcm which she had to take out with one of the Spanish registered private providers that the visa required? Thanks.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Yes, I have a British and Irish passport so I really don't know much about your situation

[@kl5631]

You are lucky! Thats allowed you to move there with none of the eligibility requirements any one from a non Schengen country has to do. The joys of Brexit....!

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Yep, dreadful for travel

[@larryedwards9769]

Great video...AND encouraging. Where do taxes figure into your monthly expenses? Any ideas on who I might contact to discuss real tax rate numbers without getting my eyeballs gouged out in fees just to have the conversation? Thanks and have fun! I'm hoping to be there by 2027 😎👍

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Taxes don't figure, as I had no earnings, I didn't make any enquiries regarding tax. Best of luck with your move in 2027.

[@Caveirazul]

I'm Brazilian living in Dublin and I'm very frustrated how expensive and worth so little for the cost of living here (not mentioning the shite weather even in summer). The only good thing in Ireland are the supermarkets, they are cheaper comparing to rest of the world and good quality, but this is not enough. So me and my Irish partner are planning to live in Spain in 2024. There are millions of videos about Brazilians living in Spain, but this was the only Irishman living in Spain video that I've found, very good.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thank you

[@Ligucis306]

I live in Ireland too, but if you own your own apartment, it’s not too bad it’s okay! Bet if you don’t if you broke😂 to bed apartment in dublin €2500 a month

[@Juanfernandez-sm8jl]

Brazilian, hermano you are always welcome, I´m from Malaga!! a very nice city where to live!!👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@junuc10]

What city and region do you live in Spain?

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

I'm back in Northern Ireland at the moment but moving back to the Murcia area soon

[@keb107]

What have you done about health insurance and its cost?

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Nothing as yet, I have an EU passport but I'm not 100% sure what that entitled me to. Its on my to do list.

[@tontoreggae]

Hi Steve. Thanks for sharing all the info. I’m looking into doing the same type of thing you’re doing there. I’m just wondering how do you manage for income and can you still receive a social welfare payment and travel etc. I’m 53 myself and might be taking voluntary redundancy from my job but won’t be due a pension payment until I’m 65 obviously.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Hi, I don't think you can receive any government benefits while living abroad. In saying that, I'm not 100% sure. I sold my home and mostly live on that until my state and private pensions kick in in a few years. There is also the opportunity to work part time in Spain if needed. I hope this helps

[@tontoreggae]

@@TheRamblingIrishman thanks for the info, the videos are great!

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

@@tontoreggae thanks mate 😊👍

[@gweedoreone4877]

Do you have Health Insurance ?

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

No, but I have applied for an EHIC card. I have an Irish (European) passport and because I'm from Northern Ireland I believe I'm eligible. I'm waiting on a response. If I get refused and decide to stay in Spain, I'll get medical insurance but hopefully won't need to

[@blurayffan66]

@@TheRamblingIrishman ...you have just answered a question I just posted above! How do you apply for a EHIC? Is there a form to be filled out and where do I get one? Cheers!

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

@@blurayffan66 you just Google 'apply for an EHIC card' and do it online.

[@blurayffan66]

@@TheRamblingIrishman Thank you!

[@richardmcdougall233]

@@TheRamblingIrishman As your an EU citizen with Irish passport then you will be grand anywhere in EU

[@boratlion8613]

You’re entire month is 1/3 of my mortgage fees. And I only have a $400k loan. Condo fees alone now cost me $600 a month. $100 at the supermarket gets me practically nothing. I’m single, no excessive spending on anything making 6 figures and im broke. Government takes 55% in tax, rest goes to paying everyone but me…

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

I have up everything that involved debt....the bills came down automatically. No big mortgage, no big upkeep

[@boratlion8613]

@@TheRamblingIrishman I am selling off and considering splitting time between Mexico or Columbia, Dubai,Spain. Still in planning and imagining what’s possible. I got absolutely nowhere in Toronto in terms of savings. Gonna fix it 💪🏽

[@dmitrykon8606]

What is a city do live in Spain?

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

My favourite city in Spain is Barcelona

[@Juanfernandez-sm8jl]

Valencia has been chosen in different magazines and world studies as the best city in the world to live in, number 4 Madrid and 14 Barcelona!! I´m from the south Malaga, for me the best!! "Cost del Sol" Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella, Estepona!! etc

[@dmitrykon8606]

@@Juanfernandez-sm8jl thanks for sharing! I think everyone has their own choice. As for me, indeed Valencia is the best. But I have been only to Madrid, Barcelona, Benidorm and Mallorca. I’m going to visit your place next month- we’ll see.

[@Loungelizard346]

Nice 1 steve😎I’m from the south east of Ireland ☘️l’ve been traveling to Thailand a lot too, also Vietnam. Like yourself I travel solo, 54 now, and been thinking the same, to make the move to Asia or somewhere in Spain 🇪🇸I like your plan of having your home in Spain, and traveling to Asia for the winter months, and like you say it’s not to far from lreland 👍

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Like minds! South East Asia is my preferred choice to settle full time but the relentless heat worries me so Spain is def a good compromise! I'm back in Ireland for a while and it's bloody cold 😂

[@Loungelizard346]

@@TheRamblingIrishman Yeah, the ould sod ☘️the doom and gloom of Irish winters😂👍

[@Loungelizard346]

No paella here boy😂A big plate of Irish stew, and a few pints of Guinness, and you’ll be grand😊👍

[@Loungelizard346]

@@TheRamblingIrishman Yeah Asia gets, so hot, and humid. I was it Vietnam 🇻🇳 last August, first time, and the humidity was crazy, had Aircon, but l always get a bad head cold from it, leave the window open and the mosquitoes 🦟 will eat you, you can’t win😂

[@Loungelizard346]

What I love about Thailand, is the people, I know your always seen, as an outside, and the Golden goose, but it’s warm all year round, and as a solo traveler, it has that buzz, you don’t get in other countries, eating out is cheaper, than cooking at home, You can go for a cheap massage, have some fun with the girls. The crime rate is low, and I think it’s Buddhist way of life, I also like. 🤔Spain too has the weather, good food, nice architecture, nice people,if I could mix the two countries together it would be great 👍

[@DaveRyder-po4gq]

Do you have Health Care? If so how much?

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Hi, I don't have health insurance. I have a European passport which entitles me to treatment. For any serious ailments I can return to home if I prefer

[@DaveRyder-po4gq]

Ahh, very nice. Wish you well Sir. Thx for the reply @@TheRamblingIrishman

[@simonspider]

I'd love to emigrate to Spain but don't know how...

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

It's a hard question to answer but it all boils down to money, if you can support yourself or find work in Spain, it's no different to living anywhere else. You'll find a way if it's what you want.

[@simonspider]

@@TheRamblingIrishman what was that thing you said about having capital in the bank before going?