It’s hard to imagine living the good life anywhere in Europe without preparing yourself for some sticker shock…
But here in Spain, the surprise comes in discovering how low the price tags are…
Especially given the top quality of life on offer.
And, this incredible value applies to everything from eating out… to health care… to renting or buying a home.
Dreaming of settling in a city that’s full of Old-World charm?
You can rent a studio, right in the heart of Seville, for just US$480 a month… or own a three-bedroom apartment here from US$66,800.
Prefer to kick back at the coast?
Again, Spain delivers…
Apartments on the sought-after Costa del Sol, with views of the twinkling Mediterranean, start from US$590 a month…
Or pick up your own beach home—minutes from the sand, with sea views from your balcony—for US$158,900.
To get this kind of value in France, Italy, or Portugal, you’d likely have to base yourself at least 10 minutes or so from the city center or coast…
But here in Spain, you won’t have to make such sacrifices.
From its stunning beaches to its tranquil mountain retreats, brand-name cities, and glamorous island resorts, this is one unbelievably diverse country.
Spain boasts a range of climates… a range of landscapes… and a range of lifestyles.
In fact, I’d say it’s impossible to travel any length of the country and not find a single place to charm you… at a price that’s easy on your pocket…
And, with the greenback and euro almost on par, this is the best time in 20 years to take advantage of the great values available in Spain.
Later this week, I’ll introduce you to some of the top lifestyle options (and dream properties) on offer here today.
But, first, let’s take a quick look at the advantages of settling in this warm, welcoming country that’s a world away from the stresses of North American life.
Spain ranks highly among expat workers and retirees from all over the globe. And for good reason.
It offers all the romance of the Old World, holding tight to its traditional charms (like flamenco, tapas, and a quirky mix of architecture)…
Yet mixes in the best of the 21st century.
Spain has a first-class infrastructure and one of the world’s best health care systems…
And, again, all these advantages come at an affordable cost.
We could name a lot of reasons why you should be looking at Spain specifically if you’re dreaming of a new life in Europe (and starting tomorrow we will… stay tuned!).
However, perhaps the number-one reason this country stands out in this part of the world is its delightfully low cost of living.
Many take Europe off their wish list entirely because they fear they could never afford to live in this part of the world.
I’m here to tell you that you could afford to live or retire (well) in Spain.
This country offers the promise of retirement without compromise… and it delivers.
Living in the center of world-class cities like Madrid or Barcelona, your living costs would easily be 50% less than city life in Miami or L.A.
In Valencia—named the world’s #1 expat destination by InterNations in 2020—you’ll find everything from renting an apartment to eating out even cheaper. A couple could live well here on a budget of US$1,780 a month (including rent).
In Seville and Málaga, your budget could be as low as US$1,500 a month… and prices drop even more as you move inland.
Here, let’s break it down…
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | € 800 | Unfurnished, two-bedroom apartment. |
| Gas | € 80 | For cooking. |
| Transportation | € 60 | Bus/metro pass for two, occasional taxi. |
| Electricity | € 10 | A/C usage. |
| Water | € 20 | – |
| Telephone | € 35 | More than 150 channels, and internet speed of 20Mb/s–speeds of up to 300Mb/s are available for about double the cost. |
| Internet | N/A | Bundled with phone. |
| Cable TV | € 20 | – |
| Groceries | € 300 | Basic items for couple. |
| Entertainment | € 250 | – |
| TOTAL | € 1,665 | US$1,781 |
*US dollar amounts are according to exchange rate as of July 2022.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Peddicord
Founding Publisher, Overseas Opportunity Letter
