Living in Southern Spain on €2000/month - Lifestyles in Spain

[@spainrevealed]

👉 Register for the free 'Move to Spain' webinar (10 September, 6pm CET) www.spainrevealed.com/spainwebinar

[@hirwaaxel9656]

if i earm 5000usd a month as a digital nomad, can i live in spain comfortably. considering the situation now

[@krisr4658]

@@hirwaaxel9656 As a single person, very easily.. Your income would definitely be in the top 5%.

[@c1p1moore]

You've not mentioned visa etc?

[@Ana-Maria-Sierra]

Excellent webinar!

[@peggymckenzie5290]

​@hirwaaxel9656 of course you can! As long you can get residency,. You'd want to understand the autonomo system before making the decision to emigrate.

[@peggymckenzie5290]

What a lovely couple and a great interview. They have a lovely home and a happy, comfortable lifestyle. It suits them well, and they were generous to allow all of us into their world for a few minutes. Thanks guys 😊

[@theeuge2121]

I follow this channel for quite sometime. I really like this kind of content because it’s very personal. Sure wish you posted more videos like this with other families or maybe even other locations in Spain.

[@katbar6066]

I agree. Talking to people who have moved to different areas of Spain would be interesting. That was an absolutely stunning development. The gardens were unbelievably beautiful.

[@katbar6066]

@@shelaghmoore-h4f I would hardly call that a ghetto.

[@spainrevealed]

I’ll be making more :)

[@thefamouseccles5053]

@@spainrevealed A similar case history about someone who moved to Madrid would be great!

[@bj3644-p5n]

@@spainrevealed that would be great!

[@henryrivas8999]

❤ We lived in Valencia for 6 weeks July and Aug. We spent about 300 euros a month on grocery. We spent 2500 in restaurant bills, but we were very social. The fruits and vegetables were amazing!!! Life in Spain is fabulous

[@HerAeolianHarp]

Six weeks is a nice time between traveling and living abroad.

[@martham1016]

This is about the best coverage of this topic that I´ve seen anywhere - thanks everybody!

[@LeMaxLM]

Nerja is very nice. We are from Czech Republic 🇨🇿 and we bought a small house not far from Nerja, next Cómpeta and we absolutely love it here ❤

[@duncanmitch8088]

Lived in Cómpeta for 15 years, its funny to see a comment from others living there

[@playerone1431]

How much did it cost?

[@LeMaxLM]

@@playerone1431 you mean the price of the house?

[@miheco]

I vacationed here now and then as a guest of the developer during 87-88, I was living in London. I met the developer and Capistrano was not fully finished. The developer told me he got the idea from a project named Casitas Capistrano, in So. California's city of San Juan Capistrano, which I knew very well being from So.California. This was when Chiringito Ajo was on the sand. I have many photos of those days..

[@pgalea471]

Interesting, it reminds me of The Grove in LA where I live.

[@digitechnomad]

I live not far from Nerja which is a very expensive place to live these days as so many expats there pushing house prices up so only the rich ones can afford them. I live 45 minutes away in the campo, where there are not many expats as they don't like any outsiders or foreigners, but i live here for less than €1000 per month. I can get a small beer and a tapas for only €1.50 from Bar La Alcua for example, its amazing lol

[@shinyshinythings]

But as a ‘digitechnomad’ writing in English …. aren’t you an outsider/foreigner? Are you saying you aren’t liked by your Spanish neighbors in the campo?

[@Sagepolice]

@@shinyshinythings expats are really good at distancing themselves from expats lol

[@Johnny_Vivento]

Totally inaccurate video on price for click bait. 2000 euro absurd

[@digitechnomad]

@@shinyshinythings yes, they dont like outsiders or foreign people in the small villages generally, but i have a thick skin and dont care what they think, i bring my friends and their money to the village which they need

[@digitechnomad]

@@Sagepolice yes, there is only one other English guy in my village, but dont see each other much

[@ellieramseyer]

James, Congratulations! Once again you hit this video out of the park! Very informative and in depth information Thank you. Keep up the great work!!

[@spainrevealed]

Thank you!

[@susanglasgow8992]

My mum was one of the first to buy a timeshare apartment in El Capistrano in the 70’s. We had many happy times there and so many memories. X

[@cmacmenow]

Debbie and Kevin, you made a wise decision in moving to Nerja! Lovely little town and for so many reasons - I went to Spanish School there some years ago- which you undoubtedly have discovered by now. The location alone is perfect, being close to the mountains, the sea and the rest of the Costa Del Sol. The roads and railways are excellent. I'm hoping to move there in 2025 if all goes to plan.I've been planning this for a number of years now. I retire next year. Looking for a single room to rent until I find my Spanish home. James ,once again an excellent and for me, timely video. The pricing and comparisons are a huge benefit and good to know.I will be able to use that as an excellent guide. Gracias a todos por la información. Que tengáis un buen fin de semana. C.J. @ Belfast.

[@joshschwartz9538]

James I appreciate your videos. Been watching for years. My wife and I with our daughter had our non lucrative visas for Spain to live in San Sebastián for one year coming from Florida. Two weeks before we were to leave they closed the border because of COVID. April 1,2020 was our flight date. We went for a month July of ‘22 and a month in July of ‘23 It’s still in our thoughts and plans to come for a year and maybe even semi permanent.

[@brianwhite1189]

I had the same April 1, 2020 flight date for Lisbon while waiting for my D7 visa. I'll be 69 yo soon, retired and think I'll just take advantage of the 90/180 travel rule and visit Portugal, Italy, France as well as many of the places James and Yolly have shown us in Spain.

[@shinyshinythings]

Spain was a lot better off during the pandemic than Florida (after the first phase was over, of course, which hit Spain very hard). We moved in late 2020. It was surreal how unified everyone was in listening to science and following sensible health measures for an airborne respiratory virus.

[@joshschwartz9538]

@@shinyshinythings oh I know I wish we could have went. But after our flight was cancelled I had to pivot and figure out how to live after selling all of our belongings and our house lol so I built a house during the pandemic 🤙

[@fredcookerly9385]

Just my two cents having lived in Spanish coastal communities for 10 years now; good luck finding something to rent year round in the nicest locations. Most owners will only rent from October to May as they save the other months for higher summer rentals or for use by their own family. Buying is the better option. (It also allows you to remodel and open the floor plan as you'll find most Spanish places are very closed off by design.)

[@annaartesana2622]

Very true. Were looking to rent longterm in San Sebastian or Santander and can only get a 10 month lease Sept to June in either city. The homeowners rent to students for term time , then have the apartments for themselves or high priced summer rental for July and August.Very frustrating.

[@ClaireProvan]

Great to see our friends! Very useful info. Realistic view of our life here in Nerja

[@Megavoltamper]

We are a family of two, we live in Zaragoza, we have our own apartment and we don't have any debts, our average monthly expenses are less than 1400 EUR / month, including a full (sin copago) health insurance. We don't skimp, but we don't live large either. But to be honest, although it's a nice city with very friendly people, Zaragoza is not for expats, it's VERY difficult to get a job here as a highly skilled professional without at least C1 Spanish, and the salaries are even lower than in the Central European region. (no surprise, there are very few European immigrants here like us...)

[@marygeraldinereyes7313]

As a digital nomad...yes...I hope their internet speed is as fast as d ones in Madrid...

[@manuelfg2902]

But thats your wage, 1400€/month?

[@Ilar-en7lg]

A good level of spanish needed to work in Spain, wow that's shocking...

[@Megavoltamper]

@@Ilar-en7lg Well, this may surprise you, but many foreign people work in the offices of large multinational companies in Spain as well, where they don't need such an advanced level of local language skills.

[@Megavoltamper]

@@manuelfg2902 I wrote "expenses".

[@bkm2797]

Excellent video James, really gives people a more detailed idea of what it takes to move to Spain. Lovely couple, it was very kind of them to be on board. Thank you!👍❤

[@jeffryflorale]

That was a nice video. With some good information. A lovely couple who are living their dream. I don’t understand some of those negative comments 😞. Feel like some people are jealous. My family and i are from The Netherlands and moving to Malaga next month.

[@madhavyu]

Single person 1650€ per month in Valencia, Spain suburb (including rent).

[@roryfinch505]

How much is rent there?

[@madhavyu]

@@roryfinch505 I rent a 2BR for 950€.

[@mitcoes]

@@roryfinch505 It is half that price, ~500 € out of the city, 20 minutes in train to downtown station, like in Silla and other cities nearby. If you are interested. Because of tourism, rent prices went to the roof recently inside the city.

[@madhavyu]

@@mitcoes Yes, unfortunately. When I first moved here six years ago it was 650€ for a 3BR.

[@Answersonapostcard]

Rent in the UK for a 2-bed is between £800-£1300 and we have no sun, just wind and rain a lot of the time. Salaries are a bit higher, depending on what you do, as the minimum wage doesn't cover it, but rents have doubled in 10 years.

[@grg489]

Mercadona is very good except for fresh food (like most supermarkets), it is better to go to any local butcher or fruit shop or weekly market, it will be a little more expensive, but the quality in general is worth the price. IMO food should be the only budget item that doesn't skimp on quality.

[@t.m.m.1781]

I loved these videos so much I just bought a place in Malaga area too.

[@NeilQ1962]

My wife and I are moving back to Spain next year after almost 20 years back in the UK and I can't wait. This video has been so useful, huge thanks to all involved as this has given us a clear view of what it will cost now to live in Spain. We lived in Almuñecar previously and now have a holiday home in Velez de Benaudalla but when you come for a holiday visit you can't really extrapolate what it will cost to live there permanently. Thanks again 🙂

[@bensiebert2800]

The BEST video ever among dozens of great videos. This was well conceived, great questions, spent the perfect amount of time on each question - simply a really great video. It is really great to hear from a recent immigrant couple and their real costs. Packing my bags now (after I watch your video 'Most Common Mistakes Moving to Spain'.

[@spainrevealed]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bryansarty3821]

That was a very eye opening and entertaining episode James, especially from the view of fellow Canadians. Thanks to Debbie and Kevin for doing this! Can't honestly say enough of how good your Masterclass is. By the way, Nora and I won't be going to France after all, we ARE back on track for moving to Spain. We just love the country and everything it offers too much. Salud! Bryan

[@spainrevealed]

Great to hear you’re headed back this way!

[@KraftyUk]

beautiful casa, beautiful couple, beautiful keta (if i spelt it right) great advice and has opened my minds. Thank you all very much for sharing your experience, I'm sure it will help me and my partner in our migration to spain

[@onisaifurabeaute]

Thanks James for this video 🤝 it's very informative and helpful. Next video about Sierra Nevada would be interesting 😀

[@Meldelkel]

Great content thank you - very grateful for this couples transparency. I live and work in Madrid ex London and enjoy it but also love England. The truth is there is no one perfect place to live. Well done

[@FincaLife]

Wow, we are restoring an old finca, paying autónomo and living really well on about 1000€ a month! Do you want to come and visit? Lol

[@spainrevealed]

Drop me a line at hello at Spainrevealed.com with the info. Would love to learn more :)

[@FincaLife]

@@spainrevealed Thanks, email sent 🙂

[@sheilakerr-jones4345]

@@spainrevealedl would love James to do a visit with you on the Finca!

[@LoKuSKus77]

Muy entretenido el vídeo! Aquí en España, algunas ciudades son mucho más caras que otras.

[@vinniekay0967]

Lovely Couple! Wish You All the Luck, Love, Health & Happiness from the Netherlands..

[@bernardjones-q2c]

James excellent video but it would also make it a lot more relevant on prices if people new the wage people are on in their country to what the people earn in Spain

[@ozzyozzyny3]

great video, great couple , 2000 Euro budget is correct only detail is after buying 350.000 euro House..

[@bduffy1215]

This was fantastic.... Thank you......... It would be great to see this type of video on cities/towns all around Spain.....

[@sgalvin15]

James, This was a fantastic video! It touched on all the bases in detail, especially the home ownership and renovation aspects which are key for us. Going with hem through the town seeing thier lifestyle and amenities was awesome. Great job on this one!

[@spainrevealed]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! I'll be making more of them :)

[@Move2south]

I would say that 2500 per month is more accurate. But wait until you file taxes. All the TFSA, RRSP’s, GIC’s, dividends are taxed in Spain and the rate starts at 19%. There is a doble tax agreement but it won’t help you if you receive Canadian dividends from a corporation for example. Dividends are almost free of tax up to 55000 CAD in Canada but in Spain you pay the rest at 21% tax. Only civil servants pension is not taxed. So its all adds up and it will be much more then 2000 euros per month counting all that in. In a couple years they will feel like the money they saved for retirement are going towards taxes instead of being tax free if they stay in Canada or move to a country without world wide income tax rules. Pretty expensive retirement after all.

[@debbieschwab5807]

It is definitely a concern.

[@Lavon78]

I would love to visit Spain one day. Moving there would be a dream if I was retired. Such a beautiful country.

[@robertmeredith906]

Very informative, interesting and thought invoking. Looks like a nice spot as well. Thanks for the video guys.

[@spainrevealed]

Glad you enjoyed it Robert!

[@neilanderson7181]

Buenas tardes Kia ora - I really enjoyed this video - thank you to all of you - this was very very helpful for my husband and I - planning our NLV visa - moving NZ to Espana. So helpful xxx

[@spainrevealed]

Good luck with the move!

[@oneplanetmusicfilms]

@@spainrevealed Muchas gracias

[@ChristopherMeacham-v3w]

This was super informative! Thanks to Deb and Kevin for being so transparent about finances and to James for this great idea. I'd love to see more videos like this.

[@grahamwalsh7]

Loved this James. We holidayed in Capistrano village last year and both it and Nerja are exactly as portrayed in the video. Well done.

[@IRSA1]

Lovely couple, leading a very appealing life ! There are very many positives to moving to Spain if you do it sensibly and have realistic expectations.y.

[@jgon-w3m]

Thanks a lot for sharing and the expenses breakdown! Unless I missed something the taxes aspect is missing: Income and wealth tax "Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio" in Spain Which should push the 2K € spending a month a little or way higher depending on the financial situation

[@Simon-jj2pu]

No wealth tax in Andalusia but if you have assets over 3m or so then yes you pay a different wealth tax. Taxes on a pension ncome of 50k euro is around 14k paid June the following year

[@feestor5660]

@@Simon-jj2pu Agreed. But we had to deal with the nightmare of paying income tax in Spain and trying to claim back from countries of origin for 2 years - was really hard financially but we love our little village.

[@Simon-jj2pu]

@@feestor5660 I am going through that now

[@1robm]

Nice one James... very informative ❤

[@TimeLockLady]

You know what the sad thing is? I was looking at flats in Madrid today (Delicias) and they were muuuuuuch more expensive than this super nice house with such a big garden 😂 Now, i agree that I'd love James interviewing someone (either local or inmigrant) with lesser budget, closer to the average for Spaniards. I think that would be a very helpful video for everyone. But i also loved this video, they were such a nice couple!

[@SSH47_1]

Great video, planning on retiring to Alicante in a year, very helpful

[@ronnie9187]

Although I have no plans to live in Spain, this was fun to watch. It shows, and I live outside my native country, that emigration is very enriching, but it also challenges you. We have plans to winter in Spain and southern Portugal after we retire at the end of next year, and maybe Greece and Italy. We will rent houses so we will be free to travel around. And in winter the houses are very cheap to rent, for around 1000-1500 euros per month and you have plenty of choice from January to March, especially if you can live in an apartment one or two km from the coast. We already live in Europe, so of course it is easier for us than for visitors who do not live on the old continent (yet). I wish this lovely couple all the best and would like to thank them for sharing their experiences.

[@franktreml3145]

Good video. I have lived in Serrania de Ronda 11 years now. We aren’t on permanent holiday. We have our normal life things to do….

[@manuelromeroarcos8160]

La sierra de las nieves un lugar espectacular al igual que la ciudad de ronda

[@manuelromeroarcos8160]

👍👍👍👍

[@SecretSquirrelNotes]

My god that development is really living cheek by jowl. give me the countryside every time. Plus si that there are no urbanisation rules or costs. Nice couple.

[@heidilittleton]

This is so helpful! I'd love to see more of these :)

[@welshtoro3256]

Living on $2000 a month in Andalusia is easy if you don't have to pay rent/mortgage or look after children and relatives. That, incidentally, is just what many Andalusians have to do. Millions of Andalusians are living on half of that amount every month in those very circumstances. The same is true of all of southern Spain and much of the north too. We know from economic indices that parts of Andalusia are the poorest in the country with the worst lifestyle outcomes. Foreigners moving to southern Spain, especially retired ones, will, most likely, have plenty of money. In those circumstances $2,000 euros a month for a couple will buy all your food, the occasional new item of clothing, transport costs, some bar drinks, the occasional modest meal out and much more. Even the odd hazard like replacing a fridge or calling out an electrician could be costed for. The cost of living in places like Andalusia is far lower than any foreign settler will have in their home countries. (I don't, of course, refer to those migrants escaping dire poverty.)

[@feestor5660]

Exactly what I wrote. Me and hubby are far from rich but we bring in a comfy life on 2K a month. We don't go mad with dining out, I still budget carefully but 2K am month pays for the 2 of us. I'm fascinated by their dining out lifestyle - once a week (maybe) is more than enough for us...we and our friends entertain at home.

[@welshtoro3256]

@@feestor5660 Nice one. My wife and I are in the same boat. (I've left another comment and some replies you might enjoy too.) We all have to budget don't we; whether we're locals or new arrivals. When I holiday I spend far more than when I'm living at home. My elderly Spanish in laws never eat out except the occasional breakfast or menu del dia and they've always been like that. Blow out meals are for family get togethers. Spain has such great and affordable produce you can eat at home really well. There are idiots who think that doesn't contribute to the local economy but I'm buying from all manner of local shops to do that.

[@stevengrewal9656]

I've stayed in that housing complex twice as a tourist and I absolutely loved it. I want to move there.

[@gardenwinenfun4654]

Que gusto conocerte en persona hoy en Tarragona!!! Eres igual o más de encantador y sencillo que en tus videos, revisaremos tu video de Valencia!!!

[@spainrevealed]

Gracias por decir hola!!!

[@cunnerzzz]

One of many outstanding videos, but this was one of the absolute best James, thanks! Maybe one day.

[@NancyRuthMusic]

I live near Málaga. Rent: 1200€ a month for a small 2 bedroom, 60 square meter pad. I barely make 1000€ a month working in Spain. Unsustainable. Let's talk real numbers for people who live and work locally. I've been here 23 years (from Canada) and everything has quadrupled in price.

[@Answersonapostcard]

What is your profession?

[@NancyRuthMusic]

@@Answersonapostcard Music teacher and musician. Most jobs in Andalucia (service industry, tourism, or education sectors, like teaching English or music in a private school for example, pay between 1000€ and 1500€ a month. If you are self employed (autónomo) expect to pay the government between 230€ and 540€ a month depending on income (google infoautonomos for specifics).

[@russyJ20]

@@Answersonapostcard It's probably a typo. Unless living with people. Must also work part time as full-time minimum wage is 1200 I think They got the quadrupled price hike correct though. Jokes

[@henq]

23 yrs in Spain and still renting? Why did you not take up a mortgage and buy a house? We all know inflations eveoprates your debts.

[@jimvangompel5820]

@@russyJ20 1200 yes, legally, but they are options enough legally for the employer to pay less too.

[@spainweddingphotography]

Really informative video. Sadly rent prices are through the roof. Lucky to find a 2 bedroom flat for 1200 euro a month, but lately 1400-1600 euro. So in reality you do need around 3k net salaries in euro if you rent and want this lifestyle which puts you in top 5-10% earners in Spain . ❤

[@unpassant5525]

Indeed. I live in Belgium and 3k net salary per month is already a good average salary in any country in Europe. For instance, the net average monthly salary is 2600€ in UK (obviously not in London). I guess that any retiree having 3k/month would be happy in any country in the world. Just to have an idea of the salaries in Europe: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_European_countries_by_average_wage

[@digitechnomad]

Problem is with renting you sign a contract for 6 to 12 months in Nerja, then in May the owner says you have to leave by 15th June to 15th October so they can rent your apartment out for 750 per week, WTAF its happened to several friends

[@spainweddingphotography]

@@digitechnomad they signed up for the wrong contract. Only sign for long term minimum 1 year as per Arrendamientos Urbanos they cannot kick you out until you are following the terms of contract and pay properly. They just have signed a short let agreement. 😭

[@digitechnomad]

@@spainweddingphotography yes my friends signed a 1-2 year contract, they are now taking the Spanish owner to court about it, they have since gone back to UK as they could not find anything to move to at that short notice for the summer, crazy

[@philipcutajar3044]

@@unpassant5525 Actually, for $3000/month you would have difficulty finding a 2br apartment here in Miami or Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Toronto,, New York, Boston, San Francisco, forget about it.

[@susanaweeber]

I am obsessed with your channel! I have been binge watching it because I am planning to get my masters in conference interpreting in either Granada or Madrid! If you have any suggestions for those two cities or any videos, I would appreciate that so much!

[@isobelmatheson8036]

Nerja is pricey. I live on €1500 pm in a place about 30 minutes from there, and want for nothing (I rent BTW).

[@mmamommamo6152]

Nice video. Without the dog their budget will be much cheaper. Then no need for a house with a garden and a outside protecting wall. Private jet for transporting a dog? Only rich people can do that. Hope you can make more of these videos but with people with less money. Thanks

[@Answersonapostcard]

be nice if there was a video on a single person moving to spain, working and living, instead of just couples.

[@UnusSedLeo-w5l]

Really helpful! Even when you come from an EU-country, the list is very handy.

[@jameshaddan8538]

Great video - thank you all….looks like a lovely life. Portugal and Spain are on my list for a relocation…but, I’m a few years away, unfortunately.

[@manuelrodriguez4743]

We loved this episode, we just missed a little bit of patatas bravas and boquerones 🤩👌🏼

[@kevindonnelly6007]

Very much enjoyed that, (love Nerja) but would also hope to see an example from a less exclusive zone like Seville or Oviedo / Gijon featuring equally-amenable people of lesser means.

[@Ilar-en7lg]

This is not an exclusive area, it'a a normal one.

[@Answersonapostcard]

@@Ilar-en7lg if you have the money

[@MalcolmRose-l3b]

@@Ilar-en7lg They are living in an enclave designed and built for foreigners - they said 40% Swedish, 40% British and the remainder mostly other foreigners. It's a nice place but they haven't exactly dived into Spain head first. And Nerja is relatively expensive compared to the rest of the area East of Malaga - it's not as absurd as Marbella yet but give it another few years..

[@Ilar-en7lg]

@@Answersonapostcard It is not that expensive.

[@Ilar-en7lg]

@@MalcolmRose-l3b It was not designed for foreigners.

[@Andrii-rides-and-swims]

I live in Málaga, 50 minutes from Nerja. I spent 1100 eur for rental apartment (old price, cause I live here for third year, right now this apartment cost 2500 easily), plus 250 euros for supermarket, plus 100 for coffee shops, pastries, restaurants, medical insurance 66, internet+mobile 36 eur, gas+electricity+water 70 eur, car rent 317, car fuel 100 eur, plus taxes and social package (86 eur). Less then 3000 eur with taxes will be not good here.

[@Kruubik]

Yep, we are family of 4 persons living in Malaga and we have budget of 3000 eur nowadays. Used to be less, rent was between 500-800, but now its impossible to find a flat for less than 1200 in the city.

[@Ravhalle]

Can’t agree more!

[@MsLudam]

We rent in Malaga too. What is the social package?

[@Andrii-rides-and-swims]

​@@MsLudam I work as autonomo, have monthly payment for my social package (medical insurance, retirement, and something else). If you are not autonomo, it is paid from your salary by the company.

[@MsLudam]

@@Andrii-rides-and-swims No, we are not working, we came in Spain on non-lucrative visa, with obligation to buy private medical insurance.

[@andyroo9381]

This was very nice and very helpful. I will be retiring, within 2 years, and I need to figure out what I plan to do with my future. Spain would not be a bad move.

[@southcoastinventors6583]

Gets really hot in the summer so make sure the house has good AC and if you live in a rural area make sure you have a backup generator in case of brownouts/blackouts. Also Portugal is good as well

[@manuelromeroarcos8160]

Spain 🇪🇸 si una gran idea 💡

[@Answersonapostcard]

I don't know why so many people wait until retirement before thinking about moving..

[@michellepayer3889]

Interesting vid! I bought next door in Salobreña, in the heart of the Casco Antiguo. One additional item to touch on could be "Autoescuela." We North Americans have to go to driving school to acquire a Spanish license. It's a slog.

[@debbieschwab5807]

It is definitely a slog. Just finished the AutoEscuela in Almuñecar and spent lots of time driving around Salobrena.

[@miwacst]

@debbieschwab5807 thanks for the informative video with James. We live in Cómpeta and we find your information very accurate. As this is our first year, can you please share who you use for accounting?

[@debbiegarza1287]

Loved this interview & video!! Thank you for sharing this!

[@Meek528]

Beautiful episode, lovely family stay blessed this is so vibrant and magical ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 ❤️‍🔥

[@kimhayes3828]

Great info, thank you! Lol that pet charter like fancier than anything I've ever flown!

[@donnaharrison8028]

That is an amazing place to live.

[@JoseOchoa-dw9vk]

Awesome video. The dream is getting closer to reality. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@MarlinValance]

I 'live' on Approx 1,200€ per month depending on the exchange rate. This includes rent so live could be changed to exist. I love Spain.

[@MarlinValance]

@@shelaghmoore-h4f I live inland in Ronda. I've lived by the sea most if my life including 14 yrs on the coast. I gave up sea views because I wanted to have money left over from my pension plus I didn't like the 'ex pat' way of living. I honestly have not missed a sea view, it's not worth spending 3/4 of my income on rent to a greedy landlord just to have a sea view.

[@mradventurer8104]

2000 a month is 24,000 a year, which is close to the average national salary of 27,000 euros. Therefore, you should be able to make it with (much) less than 2000 but yes if you rent in a tourist place or close to it, like dining out and high quality food, a good car etc then you will spend more.

[@frgv4060]

That average is gross salary not net. You can only spend the money the taxes left you with 😂

[@knowyourhistory]

Looks like a great retirement life but also reminds me slightly of The White Lotus

[@parker4986]

The dog took a private jet?!😂 cool

[@shinyshinythings]

Those flights cost thousands of dollars. 😮

[@debbieschwab5807]

It was cool, and expensive...but once in a lifetime and the safest way to get her there safely. 😊

[@chriswright2568]

We're targeting Gijon for a couple years out, both for the city itself and the region, and how close it is to Oviedo and Aviles (it was like 5 euros to take the local bus to Oviedo), so it is like being around 3 different cities all in one, each one a little different, and the weather feels more sustainable in the context of global warming (for the fellow EEUU folks, it is very San Francisco/Seattle in weather.) We love Bilbao, Valencia and Alicante, but we also aren't overly interested in an ex-pat-heavy location (and Bilbao, unlike the other 2, is quite expensive, close to Madrid and Barcelona.) It really helps to know exactly what you want and we have traveled now to at least 9 different cities, not including day trips to a few places, to get a feel for what vibes with us, since 2014. Cost of living and quality of life are very solid, though unlike Valencia, it is slightly isolated (everything outside Asturias you either do train travel through Madrid or the bus; we do not enjoy air travel, but there is a decent local airport.) Smaller, less popular places will necessarily involve a different commitment to your Spanish skills. We are both already reasonably bi-lingual by U.S. standards, though our Spanish tends to be heavily inflected by Mexican and Central American Spanish, but we are still starting to invest in instructor-led classes and are looking to get a coach who is not only Spanish, but preferably grounded in Asturian/Galician cultures and linguistic particularities. Also, as people who grew up in Chicago and Baltimore, Spain can feel much less diverse, especially in the smaller cities, so if you are used to Chicago-NYC-Houston-Atlanta-Los Angeles levels of cultural diversity, it can be a shock. Your videos are always helpful and I expect some day soon we will be signing up for the Master Class, thank you both so much for what you do!

[@AlexAlex-gj4jd]

I love your reasoning and well thought decision to move to Gijon, but I already live in Seattle, so I'm going to have to visit, but not move there myself. 😁

[@Ana-Maria-Sierra]

Outstanding overview of expat lifestyle. It would be interesting to see interview with North Americans who have truly integrated into Spain as you have.

[@manuelromeroarcos8160]

La forma más fácil de integrarse en España 🇪🇸 es hablar español con eso se te abren todas las puertas

[@Ana-Maria-Sierra]

@@manuelromeroarcos8160 De acuerdo 100 por 100. Es el caso en cualquier país. Sin embargo muchos de los angloparlantes no parecen haber aprendido esta lección o no les interesa., lo cual me estorba pq cuando llegan en montones con mucho dinero tiene un impacto no muy bueno en la cultura a lo largo.

[@manuelromeroarcos8160]

@@Ana-Maria-Sierra 👍👍👍👍

[@Trackhealing]

Fantastic and realistic interview..thank you.❤

[@onanonainoyole]

Hay algo que siento profundamente incorrecto en ir a un país y vivir en un gueto sin mezclarte con los locales, hablar su idioma o conocer su cultura. Es algo que se ve bastante en la cultura anglosajona y del norte de Europa. Para un español es algo incomprensible. No es el caso de este vídeo, pero es demasiado común.

[@flossiebear130]

I envy the Spanish because they value family and family values. I think it’s strange to live so separated. I didn’t get any warmth or feelings from this couple, I feel sad for them.

[@manuelromeroarcos8160]

La verdad es que si serían mucho más felices si hablarán un idioma como el castellano que aparte de hablarse en España también de habla en otros países de este mundo

[@flossiebear130]

Very true

[@Answersonapostcard]

@@flossiebear130 I know what you mean. I'm sure they are nice people but I would rather live somewhere more modest and have more social connection and integration with other people, than live somewhere extravagent and be socially isolated. Personally I would choose a small table on a side street cafe enjoying some nice tapas and engaging with the locals than sitting on my own private terrace. There are cultral differences at play here. The UK is similar - with the dreaded British reserve, people can be quite insular.

[@Answersonapostcard]

@@manuelromeroarcos8160 estoy de acuerdo, me seinto mal cuando tenga que hablar en ingles en España.

[@ellieramseyer]

Also, they did not talk about the impact a move has on your children/grandchildren and being separated from family. This is a huge quality of life issue that was mentioned in the video. If you are childless the move is easier than if you have children/grandchildren.

[@Simon-jj2pu]

Big impact for us, but the UK is only a 2 1/2 hour flight and FaceTime is free

[@debbieschwab5807]

We don't have any children, so that definitely made the decision to move easier. It is a huge decision to leave all our family and friends behind and one we talked through excessively before making.

[@ki546]

Love this series. So inspiring

[@hikikomori69]

The place is cool, but dang! Living in an immigrant enclave in Spain seems depressing. I prefer to intermingle with the locals. To each their own though, it is beautiful.

[@NoirRobert]

I agree. They have nothing I want.

[@Simon-jj2pu]

@@C.B-u5s I do! They enjoy listening to me with my bad accent and laugh at my mistakes, but we sit down and have a beer and I listen

[@welshtoro3256]

Nerja isn't an entirely immigrant enclave. There are Spaniards that live there. My problem with it, and I identified this problem more than ten years ago, is that it is ageing fast. You go to a bar and it's full of old people who have retired and, yes, many of them are foreign. The whole nature and feel of the place is geared towards that type. Young workers do their gardens and wait at table. I just find it terribly unbalanced and a bit boring. I completely understand why retired people, particularly from colder climates would want to retire to a place like Nerja or Frigiliana, just up the road. I'm not having a dig at them. However, many foreigners that have not learned the language or made local friends, which, by the way, is far harder than you might think in a place like Axarquia, can find themselves isolated and lonely in later life. There are countless examples of people trying to move back home, when their health declines, so they can be closer to support systems like family and their old friends.

[@walterm294]

@@C.B-u5s Spanish dialects? 🤣🤣🤣that was too much

[@OgnianHristov-f8k]

Sick comment, you should go and see how life in Canada is with 8 months winter. Those people maybe sold their house on Canada for 2 millions and bought here for peanuts. They can go wherever they want .

[@DaVinci28]

Great video. I hope to visit Spain soon . Love from Toronto Canada ❤

[@manuelromeroarcos8160]

Greetings from Spain 🇪🇸 saludos desde España zas 🖐️🖐️🖐️

[@DaVinci28]

@@manuelromeroarcos8160 Hola! Qué gusto recibir saludos desde España. ¡Espero que estés disfrutando mucho!"

[@manuelromeroarcos8160]

@@DaVinci28 yo soy español y la verdad con el calor del verano yo no lo disfruto soy soy mas del frío del invierno pero de todas maneras gracias por tus buenos deseos

[@DaVinci28]

Gracias por tu comentario! El invierno canadiense es duro, así que tal vez el calor español no me parezca tan mal. ¡Veremos cómo va!"

[@manuelromeroarcos8160]

@@DaVinci28 vale pero quedas avisado vas ha tener 2 meses de infierno 4 de temperaturas agradables y el resto según dónde vivas de invierno moderado entre 5 a 10 bajó cero en el centro de España y si vives en la costa del sol no verás ni una helada en todo el invierno pero bueno si quieres saber más de España ya sabes dónde estoy

[@MadalinIgnisca]

I live in Malaga province and the numbers given here are really lies. A family in Malaga to live in a home like theirs require 3000+ and if rent is required, their type of home in Nerja is over 1500 a month. If it was cheaper I would have lived in such a house.

[@debbieschwab5807]

The numbers are factual ..as James mentioned we are living rent/mortgage free which is how €2000 a month is doable.

[@scottymartin3734]

Super insightfully James. Thank you!

[@Chonny_Boy]

Would love to get their tax company they use in Canada to do their combined taxes….this is high value stuff! Keep it up.

[@katniss4670]

Thank you , this interview was very informative. I believe that their budget for travel , especially foreign travel is very low . Most Canadians or Americans of their age would travel more than once a year to visit family and friends, and would likely need to foot the bill to have their adult children , visit them in Spain . I would add an additional €25k per year to their budget.

[@TheOnlyTaps]

Fantastic watch as always 🫡🙏🏿💜

[@romainpe]

Hello James Thank you for this interesting video. However I really think that this couple made some mistakes in the calculation and the overall picture seems incorrect... 20€ for clothes every month? 50€ of monthly electricity in south of Spain and especially during the AC period? 20€ a month of expenses for such a big dog? Living in Madrid and seeing the price evolution i have some serious doubts about the reality of these facts... Anywa always a pleasure to watch your channel. Muchas gracias!

[@manuelromeroarcos8160]

Madrid creo que es mas cara que nerja Madrid es una ciudad inmensa

[@lauraadaly]

Absolutely! I live in a small city and my expenses are higher

[@jimvangompel5820]

@@manuelromeroarcos8160 Depende

[@MalcolmRose-l3b]

You're quite correct - €20 a month is probably just the dry dog food each month from Mercadona. Add in the annual rabies / polyvalent and leishmaniasis injections, dog treats etc and that would be quite a bit more (although Spanish vets are very good value). And €70 a week for groceries? That's what I was paying 7 or 8 years ago. And €50 for gas & electricity seems very cheap, especially as they use electricity to heat their water - I'd be thinking twice that. And the guy was talking about snowboarding in the Sierra Nevadas - a ten day lift pass is €500. And they made no mention of the water restrictions. Are they protected from that living in the urbanizacion? I live about half an hour from Nerja and I was told by a friend that a taxi from Nerja to Malaga Airport is >€100 alone. So, unless they have a neighbour who will drive them into the city to catch train or plane travelling anywhere is going to be expensive - even by AVE within Spain.

[@bradcooke5383]

I may have missed it but did they mention home owners insurance costs? Was is in the HOA fees? If this is like a condominium then exterior is covered in HOA and interior is up to the owner to provide coverage.

[@stefaniekumaran563]

Lovely couple and a very informative video. Thanks so much.

[@jackworth2981]

THE MORE VIDEOS LIKE THIS AND THE LIFE IN SPAIN WILL BE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN IN TAX-SHAFTED CANADA.

[@KenzoTenmaM]

This looks idealic. My wife and I aren't planning to move for another 10 years... Hope you still have the masterclass available then.

[@Answersonapostcard]

I don’t know why people don’t just move now instead of waiting for things to be even more expensive

[@larsingre5615]

Really enjoyed this content, thanks a lot!

[@8020drummer]

The only daily expense rate that's more than 68 euros but you're happy about that (rimshot)

[@susanlaffan6934]

Great video, made me realise how expensive Ireland is 😢

[@Sean1917]

Great video. My wife an I are looking for a spot in Malaga. I was wondering if you guys have any trouble/problem with the recent rise in anti tourist sentiment I keep seeing and hearing about in Spain?

[@welshtoro3256]

Hi Sean, I know the region of Malaga like the back of my hand. Are you looking to move to the city itself or somewhere in the region? In either case, I wouldn't worry all that stuff. It's being blown up out of all proportion by an irresponsible media. Plenty of foreigners live in the region of Malaga and have never encountered a problem. It's a very chilled out region.

[@Ratch28]

Hi Sean, are you based in the UK? Because only over there they have the capacity to not tell a full story and blow things up in sensationalist fashion. The issue at the moment is not with tourists themselves… especially in Malaga we know tourism is our main source of income and on the whole are very welcoming. The issues are that so much demand for short term rentals is making it impossible for locals to live in the area and work! Our protests are aimed towards the government and the need for something more sustainable to be put in place… I would say don’t worry about this aspect (until you need to live here on a normal workers wage ;))

[@debbieschwab5807]

We haven't experienced that here in Nerja. It seems to be more of a big city issue (Malaga, Barcelona, etc. )

[@Michaelcj-m2d]

Too much hot weather there. Its getting to hot in Castellón these days as well.

[@wilgipp4653]

Would be interesting to hear how one would get their driving license in Spain. Coming from outside the EU, yet having many years driving experience. Great video.

[@cessarnieto1361]

Beautiful home !! Congratulations to the Canadian couple. I have 4 yrs to go before retiring so Spain is a country I would like to retire as US its impossible to retire as cost of living its very expensive. I thought Spain were not giving any more golden visas for expats. I like Spain, being there many times as I worked 12 years for company from Spain.

[@OliverKitkat]

What a lovely home 🏠 and couple ❤

[@Sabhail_ar_Alba]

by European standards 2000 Euro isn't cheap. The average net monthly salary in Spain is 1750 Euro.

[@zygmuntlllwaza5773]

For one person, also this is pretty high standard living, far from standard.