I lived in Spain for about five years and I absolutely loved it. My mum even moved out with me at the age of eighty three. We made loads of friends. Your video brought many happy memories back for me. I think most little towns/villages have a communal pool. We loved going for a swim. They had aqua aerobics sessions which I loved. I also went to Spanish lessons a couple of times a week. It is a great life. I wish I was still there but things change and we came back to England. I am convinced that those happy years in Spain extended the life of my mum. 🙋♀️
Aaaw Jan..! We're so glad that our video brought back so many memories of happy times and that living in Spain not only made your mum's life happier, but longer too. We're sorry that your lives changing meant that you had to return to the UK. Fingers crossed for you that one day you can move back again and enjoy it further. Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Other people have said that they find it much more expensive to live here than we do. Maybe it is because we live so simply..?!? 🤔 I don't think there would be many regrets if you moved here though Maria. Thank you so much for watching. 💜🤟
We are so pleased to read your comment. Some people really can't understand how we live so well on so little. Hearing you live well on less and in a substantially more expensive country really shows what can be achieved. Thanks for your comment, Alison & Darren 🤟🧡
Brilliant vid as ever, funny and lots of good information ! Much appreciated. (I clicked 'the Lobster :) ) Coming over in a few weeks for a first scouting holiday, to explore the area with a view to moving early 2025 :) We'll be coming back in Feb to see the area in the colder months. Thanks again. Simon p.s. I forgot to add on to my future living expenses spreadsheet an ice cream & chocolate allowance ! Phew-nearly blew the budget lol.
Hi Simon, Glad you are enjoying our videos. 😎 If you're a Brit moving to Spain, Lobster would be a great choice for you. We love it. What part of Spain will you be investigating...?!? Good idea to visit in warm and cold weather, it can really make a difference. We typically only have January when the weather is really cold and that's more to do with the humidity than the temperature. You should always allow a large budget for chocolate and ice-cream...😬 Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
@@findingxanadulife We're looking at gandia, oliva, maybe denia and javea but the last two are pricey. Looking 15 mins inland also to get more for our money. Not your place though.. To big for us and want to be nearer a town than village 😊 going to rent first to make sure we like the area 👍 always allowing choco budget!
@simontaylor744 Great idea to rent first. We lucked out with Potries, but viewed houses in several places that we now know we wouldn't have been happy in... Good luck with your search. If you want to know a couple of places to avoid, just drop us an email.💜🤟
Thank you for a wonderful informative video 🙋🏻♂️ . I'm absorbing all the information 1:00am in the morning here in Seattle. We have pretty much given ourselves a budget with rent to be about 2000 Euros a month. My guess was around a 1000 Euros per month after rent. However, you did leave one very important expense out of your figures. Those 7 Euro milkshakes cannot be forgotten LOL 😅. Warmest regards, Michael and Heather. 😎😊
Hi. I rented for quite some time both in Marbella, Girona and near Valencia. I guess it depends what you want but you can get a rental for 1000 to 1300. The problem is getting long-term as now owners are renting for summer and winter lets. Where I live locals are finding it very hard to rent because of it. I'm hoping to relocate soon because of the high humidity where I live. I don't know where you are looking at in Spain but enjoy, enjoy.
Gosh guys, staying up until 1am to watch the new video, now that's commitment..! 😉 Prices for renting properties vary massively depending on where you want to be and what size property, but we're sure you'll find something suitable for you. Thanks for your support as always. Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟 How could we have forgotten to include the milkshake budget..?!? 😂🤣
2000 euro for a coupel, is tight, very tight! Possible mybee with rent of max 500 euro, you maybee service but live? No way! From Peter Eriksson Sweden & 6 month a year in Torreveja Spain! Nice budget 2500 to 3500 euro!😊😊😊
@@petereriksson1390 ,, hello Peter 🙋🏻♂️, yes I think 2,000 is very tight. My wife and I will be going up and down the coast between Malaga to Benidorm area. I think 3500 will be needed for a very comfortable lifestyle 🇪🇦. 👍🤗
Great video... we are a couple living in Australia and planning to move to Spain within the next 11 months. We have a house already paid near Cadiz and a budget of around 2,500 euros per month. Do you think is enough? No children and no pets. We also have a separate budget to buy a car, moped, etc... and we also have another property in Spain fully paid but its in a city center so we plan to keep it for us if the 2500 is enough... if its not enough we have two options: 1. Rent the city apartment (after tax and overheads lets say 600 euros bringing the new total to 3100 euros) or 2. Rent the beach house and live in the city apartment (we dont really want to do this but that would bring around 1500 per month brining the total to 3600) We are going with the idea of living in the beach house (I bought it long ago and its called "Villa Manana" as I always wanted to retire there. Its 300 meters to 3 beaches, it has a pool, BBQ, Fireplace, etc... its beautiful so ideally we dont rent it) and then have the apartment also empty so that we can use it weekends here and there, winter days, etc... as my entire family lives there.... what we dont know is if 2500 is enough. We could do some remote work or even "top ups" as we have Spanish, British and Australian passports... but we really would like to not work ever again if we can help it (who wouldnt! :)). We prefer 2500 not working than 12000 working. Finally, we are 46 and 47 years old so we will have some years before state pension, but we have quite strong pensions already saved so by the time we are 60 we should start getting good pension funds (Australia Super) and then more at 68 (UK Pension and a private one)... we just need those 14 years with the above budget. We have been posponing this a few years already to save more and more but at some point we need to stop, just not sure when is that point. I left Spain when I was 19 and parents are getting old so we really want to go back but a little worried about the budget to be honest) Thanks a lot!
Initially 2500 euros sound ample to live in Spain. However we have to stress that the cost of living in Spain is vastly different from region to region. For example, people are shocked by how little we spend on food and I understand why... When we were in Northern Catalonia last month we saw the cost in the supermarkets for some products almost double. Additionally only an hour south of us we know that an equivalent property would pay double the tax. The big issue for you is to understand personal tax. If you plan on living here you will have to become a tax residence. Firstly does Australia have a double tax treaty with Spain? Which means you can stop paying income tax in Australia. Also speak to a Spanish tax lawyer (not a Gestor!). He will help you understand what the tax burden will be under your various options. Trust us when we say small changes in income can have a huge effect on tax paid. Anyway, your property sounds great. If we hadn't opted to tour the world we were considering buying a small place within walking distance to the beach. Keep us updated on how things go and thanks so much for watching, much love Darren & Alison 🤟♥️
Nearly caught up on all your videos! Just going to watch Gandia, However, couldn't let this one pass without comment. It was really interesting and informative. You know we have plans to retire to the area in the next 2-3 years, so, this was particularly useful for us. Thank you. What also strikes us is how similar your outlook on life seems to ours. Our cars are 11 & 18 years old and far from flash! We love shopping in charity shops! If we eat out, we like to do so in quieter, less touristy (and cheaper) bars / restaurants. We would not want to owe any money after we have bought our property. We think that is why we get so much pleasure and relevance from your videos. Finally, have to say, that as the owners of three cats, we simply adored the care you were offering those gorgeous kittens. Which leads to a question.... how did the poorly one get on? Carry on the great work with your videos. Regards Barry and Sarah
Hey Guys, We just wanted to prove that you don't have to be loaded to have a great life here. The issue a lot of People have is that they move here and try to live like they're on holiday and that rarely works. A lot of Spaniards seem to enjoy the simple things in life too, so as I've said before, I believe you'll fit right in here. A lot of Spanish buy their cars new and run them until they fall apart. None of this changing every 2-3 years for the sake of status. As for the kittens, they're 6 weeks old now (the videos come out a couple of weeks behind). Miss Mayhem needed injections for antibiotics and fluids under her skin every day for 9 or 10 days. We had tried 3 different milk formulas by the time this video was released and this was the first of 2 types of meat that we tried. Thankfully, the second meat suited her. She still has to have it liquidised and suckles it from a syringe as it's too thick for a bottle and she won't eat from a bowl yet. She has put weight on every day for the last week and her tummy has finally settled. She is half the size of her brothers now, but she is such a little character. Fingers crossed she will now catch up and grow to be big and strong. Havoc, the white boy, eats anything that is put in front of him. Chaos is very chatty and a bit of a baby. He really doesn't want to give up his milk bottle, but will eat meat if he feels like it. We are so proud of them. When they leave, our family will just grow larger. 😻. Personally, I (Alison) hope that Havoc can stay with us. He's a real mummy's boy and would make an awesome camper cat. 🤞😬 If you want to find us on Facebook , I'll post some updated photos soon and you can see how they look now. Much love guys, Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Quite agree, too many seem to think living in Spain should be like a permanent holiday or just try to make a bit of UK instead sun. Like you, that is not what we want. That is such wonderful news about the kittens. We'll done you! Fingers crossed Miss Mayhem continues to make progress. I assume your Facebook page is under the same Finding Xanadu name? x
Yes the Facebook page is the same name. Mayhem is doing brilliantly. She ate her first food from a bowl today, instead of a syringe. We're so proud. It's the silly little things that get you. 🤣🤣💜🤟
Thanks for this. I am considering moving to Spain next year and my budget will be limited so this is so useful. It is nice to know I will be able to have a decent lifestyle. The biggest savings being council tax and electric bill more than makes up for the private health insurance I will need. I will be able to spend much more on entertainment and leisure than here in the UK. Just one thing you missed out. As I have two cats how much is pet insurance over there? I am also considering adopting a rescue dog once over there so even more important. I hope your little cats are doing well especially the little black one. It is lovely what you are doing rescuing those babies. Thanks again, oh and that communal pool looked lovely and quiet too. Oh and I am a big charity shop fan too. Nothing to be quiet about. I have converted many over the years. Very useful and nice video. ❤
Good morning..! It does seem to vary, based on which parts of Spain people live, but the Gandía region did us proud. Where were you thinking of settling..?!? We looked at lots of pet insurance when we first moved. It swiftly became clear that we couldn't find one that was worth signing up for. There were so many things that weren't covered. Especially as the pets age. Thankfully veterinary treatment in Spain, is usually quite a bit cheaper than in the UK. Especially for a European passport. When we left it was £65 in the UK and €15 in Spain. Thankfully all three kittens thrived and we found them all very good permanent homes. They were a joy to raise and we missed them dreadfully for a while after they left. 🧡🤍🖤 Thanks so much for your comments. Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
@@findingxanadulife I have done much research over the past few years of several areas. As I am older now and also do not drive my priorities have changed and the best fit for convenience of facilities and a place I like the look of is Turre and Mojacar area. I likely would live in the Turre area and a short bus ride to Mojacar occasionally. I could also cycle the short distance. I love the old town but if I want to visit the beach it is also easy to get to. So best of both worlds really. A practical choice for me. Also a new vet has recently opened in Turre I understand which is important to me so perfect. I like a simple life now and don't want to be in a city. An occasional day out to somewhere bigger will be more than enough. After years in London, been there, done that and now in my "mature" years I want simplicity with a bit of convenience. Watching you two I felt rather wistful. You seem to have your priorities right. All the best and if I ever get there I will let you know ❤️
As far a we are aware, British have 90 in 180 allowance, but can apply for a long term visa which I believe can be up to 5 years. We have full residency (TIE card) which we obtained before Brexit. This means we are a permanent tax paying residence of Spain. There are so many different visa options all with their own criteria and duration. We always say speak to a Spanish professional who specialises in visas.
Just caught up (it's been a bit hectic this week) and this was really interesting and something a bit different. Gotta love a charity shop, couldn't do without them. I must admit we found some fresh produce to be more expensive than the UK but it was very item dependent and probably seasonal etc. Those kittens! ❤
Been a hectic week for us too. Fiesta time in the village. The Spanish do like to party and party loud. 😬 We buy our fruit and veg mostly from the village market, or the local shop. Their prices are much more reasonable than a lot of the supermarkets. 😻😻😻 Amazingly the babies are 6 weeks old now and living up to their names. 🤣😂🤣😂 💜🤟
@@findingxanadulife ah I love their names. Our van set up is a bit small otherwise we'd love a pet on the road with us. Yeah it seems markets are the way, similar here really if you can find them! They certainly do love a party. Their going out times seem to start after we're done for the night 😂
When we have Foster's we like to be a bit inventive with their names. We also try never to reuse a name. I don't think I could be without an animal now. I'm too used to it. (Alison) We're currently grooming Havoc to become a camper/hiking cat. He loves to be slumped over a shoulder and loves to sleep tucked inside my top, so a rucksack for when he gets tired will be second nature to him we hope. Harness training next. 😂🤣 We're lucky here in that each village has a market every week, for the older generation that doesn't like to go far. So as long as we plan around that and the opening times of our little shop "Botiga de Eva" it's great. Eva is definitely my chocolate 'dealer' 😂😂 I don't think we'll ever completely embrace the Spanish eating times. 10-11pm for dinner doesn't work for me, but they need to eat that late to be able to party on until 5.30am. Last year one disco went on until 7am. I'm 30 years too old to manage that. 😴😴 🤣💜🤟
@@findingxanadulife a lot of people take cats on the road with them, so it's definitely manageable, but yes getting in some practice first is a great idea. Pretty sure I've always been too old for those kinds of late starts 😂 Although saying that we managed it in Porto...and suffered for it too 😵💫
Hi Marcela, Welcome to the family and thank you for such a lovely comment. It still seems a little surreal to us that people enjoy watching us live our lives and joining our adventures, but we're glad you do. Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Hi there..! Well, we love our life, each other and our friends, which we wouldn't have, had we not made the decisions we have in the past. Personally, I (Alison) am proud of myself, for doing everything we do, whilst living with a chronic illness, that I normally rarely talk about. I'm also proud of Darren for being my husband, encouraging me daily and looking after me the way he does. Does that make us "Smug"..?!? 🤔🤷🏼♀️ We're sorry that for you, it does. That also makes us thankful that different things make different people happy. Thank-you for taking the time to comment and share your opinion. We genuinely appreciate each comment and although us and our videos may not be to your taste, thanks for at least giving them and us a try. 💜🤟
Just stumbled upon you guys and thoroughly enjoyed this very informative video. I'm planning on moving to the Oliva area within 2 years, it's not going to be easy but I know it will be worth it! The beach looks stunning! 😍💙🤍💛
Same here. I live a bit further down the coast. Tap water great, fibre great and shopping for two not as much per month. Vet fees cheaper than when I lived in France. I'm retired and live in a well known small town and don't find the prices bad really. Some great summer clothing pieces (Italian linen) to be found in the local bazaar plus winter leggings. I'm a resident so have to pay tax on top of the annual budget. Our basura has been free during and great reductions on utilities, ibi etc. during covid. Been here 22 years. Love it. 😊. Hope pusscat gets better soon.
Hi Cate, Wow, so great of your town to give you such great support during COVID when everyone needed so much. Yes, we have to pay tax here too, but didn't include it as most people have their tax removed at source. Mayhem is slowly improving thanks. 🤞 Thanks so much for your comment Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Hey you guys, this is your fan girl Amita from india 😊 . I loved the clarity of wvery expense was shared also the fact that you are mortgage/ loan free that is the best thing. I understand that u r going to buy a motorhome and also buy a flat ( i pray it happens soon) makes u an asset owners. Life details are in simplicity and way of living. I really loved the way you manage your cost if living in spain shows you are a passionate adventurers smart people. Love your videos tc god bless
Hi again Amita Thanks for your lovely comments. You are correct, we do try to live life simply but do long for more adventure. Hopefully it will happen soon enough. Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Morning guys, a very informative video today 👍 it's amazing how costs differ depending where you live. Here our water, basura, recycling etc is just over 100€ a year! The tap water here is treated so we don't need to buy in water. We do have fibre here which is super fast. Take care 👍
Hi Nina, Thanks for the info. It's fascinating being able to compare like for like. I guess your water is so reasonable as you get the water from the mountains..?!? Good to know about your internet too. Hmmm Bolulla gets more appealing by the day. 🤔🤭😘💜🤟
That’s Internet in a small village! Look at the bright side, when you think about it, it saves the village from being inundated by global nomads, and keeps prices down.
Finally got caught up with your episodes. I was about 6 episodes behind 😱Interesting with the costs. Similar to what we'd spend over here. Like you, we're not extravagant at all, love a charity shop and only spend serious wonga on our hiking gear. And, we have a great lifestyle. Do either of you have part time work over there? We're still both full-time 😔 xx
Hi Susie, Perfect. You are the proof that it can be done in the UK too. My parents thought about moving to Lincolnshire when I left school. Not sure why they decided not to go for it. You guys hike some stunning places. We have added many of them to our list for when we come back to the UK for visits. 😬 No, neither of us earn money here, we just volunteer our time. Love to you both and big headbumps for Luca. 😘😻🥰💜🤟
@@findingxanadulife Luca sends much love your way. Spain has really surprised me at how beautiful it is. And that beach being packed out the way it was would have freaked me out. I'd have run a country mile into the hills out the way 🏃♀️🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣xxx
😻🥰 The tourist resorts on the coast are nice, but the real beauty is inland. We've got so many more places on our list to visit. Gandía beach had huge amounts of people on it, but it's so wide, there was still lots of space behind the rows and rows of tourists...🤣😂XXXX💜🤟
Very helpful! Thank you guys! Hello from Texas ! I am excited about moving to Spain. I am a Romanian citizen (EU citizen) therefore, i may move to Spain as a Romanian. I think it would be easier.
Hi Remus and Hello Texas (On our list to eventually visit, as is Romania)..! Yes, we would guess relocating to Spain would be less hassle as a Romanian citizen than as an American citizen. Good luck for whenever you decide to take the plunge. Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
@findingxanaduofficial thank you . I plan to visit Valencia next summer to check it out for my self . I looked up your town and is south of Valencia. I can't wait to live a simple life in a country with good Healthcare, good healthy food, reliable public transportation (here in Dallas you are dead without a car!),no mass shootings, etc,etc. Basically, i want to live in a country that has is priorities straight.
Yes, we can't even imagine how it must feel living in Dallas. It would be great to visit, but we wouldn't want to stay. Spanish villages are definitely a much simpler way of life. 😍💜🤟
7:58 if this was in Sweden, it would easily take like 3-6 months just to get an appointment, let alone a time to have that sorted out. One of the reasons ive been looking to emigrate from Sweden. 9:15 Having slow internet isn't that bad, having limited internet is much worse. Id rather spend some extra money and get a starlink. 100 gig sounds allot but that is gone very fast if you do allot of memory intense stuff like watch youtube and/or upload files/videos to a channel. 11:41 Dawww, those kitties are so adorable 🥰, thank you both for taking care of them. The world needs more people that care for animals. Edit: One thing I found surprising was car insurance, here in Sweden the rates are insane. One of the reasons my brother sold his car was cause they wanted hundreds of dollars per month just for insurance (then you have road tax and all that loveliness). Car insurance is also one of the reasons he was looking into getting a sailboat, allot due to insurances for sailboats being so much cheaper in Sweden than for cars (let alone certain utility vehicles like trucks and buses, why he wasn't so interested in vanlife).
I believe the Spanish health service (non private) is also quite quick to deal with things. The Healthcare system (NHS) in the UK is the same and to be fair, I made Darren go to a UK doctor to get it checked out before we moved to Spain and he was told it was a Cyst and to completely ignore it, so it wouldn't have got dealt with at all. 🤣😂🤣😂 We've looked into Starlink, but it seems to be extremely expensive for use in Europe. Our budget won't stretch to that just yet. Maybe once we learn to fine tune our motorhome living. 🤷🏼♀️ The three kittens were extremely adorable and we're grateful for being able to find them all fabulous homes. We still get regular photos and updates from the families of the 2 boys, and from several families who have adopted the kittens and cats that we tamed and/or raised previously. We love it. Car insurance is vastly more expensive in the UK than it is in Spain too. A major factor in us taking on a Spanish Motorhome. UK insurance would have mostly just covered the vehicle itself, whereas we found a really good Spanish insurance that give us full cover for the motorhome as a vehicle and as a home, with most of the benefits of house insurance (contents etc), for half the price of the lesser UK cover. It pays to take all these things into account before making a final decision. 💜🤟
Hello again lovely people!! I hadn't realised that you had kittens only 3 weeks, somehow I thought they were older than that!! I am praying for the little black one that she makes it and joins her siblings.
Hi Beti, Our video's are a couple of weeks behind. We will have had the kittens for 6 weeks tomorrow. Mayhem is doing so much better now. Not purrfect, but she has put weight on, for 9 out of the last 10 days, which is amazing, as she has lost so much weight. 🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊 She has been at the vets for vitamin injections, antibiotics and sub cutaneous fluids for 8 of the 9 days before that. Her brothers are both double her size though and over double her weight. Hopefully she will catch up a bit now. 🤞🤞 Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Thank you for this information . It is very good of you to share & very interesting. You seem to have a nice comfortable lifestyl & I wish lots of health & happiness for the coming years. You wouldn't want to be in Britain now.
Hi Joan, Thank-you so much for your kind words. Having visited Britain for Christmas, you're right, we definitely couldn't live there, after 6 years away. Love health and happiness back to you. Alison and Darren 💜🤟
We have lived in Spain for 9 years. The cost of living in overall terms is probably around 25% cheaper than the UK. Fuel much cheaper Council tax a fraction of the cost. Electric,warter and gas aldo chesper. Food is also lower cost.
Hi Adrian Our health insurance is with Sanitas, but we got a reduced price on it, as we took out the contract with the BBVA Bank, as we have our bank account with them. Thanks for watching. Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
This was recorded June 2023, so some of the costs will have changed, but yes, e have heard about the exorbitant cost of US health insurance alone. Hopefully your wages are that much higher to compensate. Thanks for your comment. Much love. 💜🤟
Can you share which region and town where you live? I am moving to Spain from the US (as a newly minted Spanish citizen) and I am looking for location options.
Hi, We lived in Potries, in the Valencian region. A very traditional Spanish town. Congratulations on your newly minted status and thanks for watching. Happy New Year. Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
No you’re not making yourself homeless home is where the heart is you will not own a house it could be in a camper which is our home as we travel a lot in the USA. At certain times of the year we go to Kauai spend a few months and then head to other countries for the rest of the year and every we go we make it our home
We were only homeless for about 10days, then we bought Persephone our new home. We're hoping she will be so, for many years. Your lives sound perfect. We hope to be able to ship ourselves over to the USA eventually. Kauai would be an absolute dream. 😍 Safe travels and thanks for your comment. Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Hi Alison, Great name..! Alison here...! For a normal home, Starlink is a great and cost effective option. Annoyingly, for travelling/mobile homes it's a lot more expensive. We can't stretch to the cost of it at the moment, but if/when we can, we'll definitely give it serious thought. Thanks for your comment. Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
We agree totally. We noticed immediately, even just with the cost of the rabies vaccination and passporting. The vets also seem less likely to perform unnecessary tests, just because animals have insurance, which often seemed the case in the UK. 15 dogs sounds blissful. 😍💜🤟
Vets seem far more animal focussed and less of a business unlike rip off UK vets.we have rescued over 20 dogs in Spain and our vet will come out and vaccinate our pack each year with no extra cost. Our experience of vets in Spain is fantastic.
@user-lx2zd5qf6q We agree. We adore our vets in Oliva. Clinica Veterinaria La Safor. We helped with a lot of feral kitten raising over the last 6 years and also managed a feral cat sterilisation program in the area. The vets were always very accommodating, especially when it came to us needing to see them with the rescued babies or having people bringing cats in for sterilisation at very short notice when using feral cat traps. 💜🤟
I think your budget is way off. I'm a single women living in Spain and I spend 300 euros a month on fresh meats and vegetables. There is no way 2 people can eat for 150 a month unless they only eat bread and cheap pasta.
Hi, We don't eat much meat or fish, which is where most people spend a lot and we try not to eat expensive processed foods. We eat a lot of rice, which is produced in our area of Spain and is very cheap. We also don't normally eat too much. We bought our vegetables at the local market of our village and would typically spend €15-€20 a week. We have a limited income, so I assure you the budget, for us, was correct. We are having to spend more at the moment as we have been travelling through France and are now in England, the prices are vastly different. The video was based on our experience and other people are always going to have different needs. Many thanks for your comment, Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
You have not included the €150 per month that we spent on eating out. We cannot comment on the cost of food in the area that you live, or the cost of your diet specifically. We certainly don't starve and would have no benefit to misleading people as to how much WE spend. We always advise people to do their own research on the area that they wish to live and their specific lifestyle. Thanks again for your comment. 💜🤟
Nonsense. If you cook from scratch and don't include many convenience processed foods or eat much red meat you can easily reduce your food bill. To say all they could afford was bread and cheap pasta was downright rude.
Thanks a lot for all the information's that you both provided. Do you know the long term rent cost for an apartment in Potres please ? Or if you can provide or recommend the name of Estate agent please. TIA
Hi Tony, Unfortunately we don't know any rental costs for Potries, but we can give to the details of the estate agent (Inmobiliaria) who we bought and sold our home though. Hopefully he can give you some idea and help you find a rental property, if you decide that is what you want to do. His name is Richard Callera. His company is RCQ Properties. Richard speaks very good English as well as Castellano (Spanish) www.rcqproperties.es/ We can't wait to get back there for the fiestas in August and catch up with all our friends. Good luck. 🍀 Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Just to say respect to you for taking care of the animals.It's still a problem here but nowhere near as bad as when we first came 26years ago..The mind boggles at the amount of animals that used to get dumped.Especially at the end of the hunting season.Although things have improved but it is part and parcel of living here.A greeting. Venga mas tarde. just to say if you can get Movistar,we get 600megabyts a far cry from 56 dial up.Also,you never mentioned the exchange rate which can make a difference.When we came it was the Peseta and then the Euro came in and we got at first 156cents to the pound so that meant it was cheap as chips.Wish it was that now.
Yes, it's still a very tough life for street animals, but the younger generations are getting better at caring. Some of the older generations still can't help but see the cats as vermin and the hunting dogs as a means to an end. Hopefully standards will be raised all around the world as the time goes on. 🤞🤞 The exchange rate has a small effect on the amount of Euros that we receive each month, but we hadn't noticed it making much of a difference to the general cost of items. We only got the choice of 2 broadband suppliers, Connectadux (now called Fibranostra) or Adamo. Neither offered a particularly great service. 🤷🏼♀️ Thank you so much for your comment. Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Hi Gaz, At the time, yes, those were our costs. Unfortunately we can't give you any idea on rental prices, as we never checked them out. We stayed with family when we moved over and then bought as soon as we found our home a few months later. Maybe have a look on the Idealista website, there will be lots of people advertising rentals in the area, that should be able to give you a rough idea. Good luck and thanks for your comment. Alison and Darren 💜🤟
I love yr videos and you are a very nice couple . About yr monthly cost you said yr food cost is €150 per month ? Are you sure ? I live in Portugal and the cost of supermarket to me and my wife is about €100 weekly…Pls confirm that figure for me …thanks and keep doing this amazing videos …
Thanks for watching and the kind feedback. With regards to food costs, yes we only spend about 150€ a month. Firstly, food is substantially cheaper in the area we live. Travel only an hour south and our cost would be at least double. We do eat a lot of rice dishes and tend to buy in bulk (enough for the month). But what we don't do is buy a huge amount of variation. This allows us to keep the cost very low. If we want a treat, that's when we eat out. Much love Darren & Alison 🤟♥️
Hi Anthony, we use Sanitas which was purchased via our bank as it was half the cost Vs going direct. Thanks for watching, much love Darren & Alison 🤟🏼♥️
I have kept hold of ones I bought before taking Spanish residency and expect to be taxed when I cash it in.l because I pay Spanish tax and they dont recognise it as tax free.......you cannot buy a new one if you live in Spain
Hi Andrew, No sorry, we don't do consultations. We're not sure how we would feel about charging people just for sharing our opinions and experiences with them. We would prefer people to support the channel because they want to, or feel we deserve it, rather than because we told them that they have to. If you have questions that you would like to ask us, drop us an email at findingxanadulife@gmail.com and we'll answer honestly and to the best of our abilities, for free. We'll look forward to your email. Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
@@findingxanadulife very much appreciate that….and I mentioned a consultation as peoples time is worth money.And we wanted to as much as we can avoid the spill we constantly get from agents as we’re looking to buy…it reminds me of timeshare in the 1980s…but I shall subscribe as we watch your content as it’s impartial.we have found a property with 5 houses on it and I’d like to bring as many of the family as I can.but will also drop you an email.please enjoy your evening. Kindest regards
@AndrewFry-o5s We appreciate your thoughts. We almost fell for the lies of an English estate agent, which would have left us with an illegal property. Not only was it illegal, the town hall listed 7 reasons that it would never be legalised and should the council decide to have a clean up of illegal properties, it would have been high on the list for demolition. We had to learn fast. Always check the Cadastral register, to make sure that the property has been legally registered as what it's being described as. Drop us an email, we'll answer your questions and see what you need help with. If you feel that you want to donate to the channel at the end of it, Buy Me A Coffee allows people to make one off donations. We'll be in the Valencia/Alicante region until the end of September, before we head off on our next adventure. 💜🤟
Hi, We bought our home in 2018, but there are still some very reasonably priced houses in the Valenciana region. We would suggest taking a look at the 'Idealista' app for starters, to get an idea of prices for local regions. Thanks for your comment. Much love 💜🤟
Hi Sandy, We didn't include any costs for gifts, as we don't buy gifts for each other on birthdays or at Christmas. If we give gifts, to each other or our loved ones, we tend to make them. We prefer a personal touch. I don't think we mentioned specifically in this video, but have mentioned it in others, we cut our own hair. Don't say you didn't notice..? We didn't service our car. It was 16 years old when left Spain and any faults were dealt with when they happened. We only ever needed to change our Brake pads in 6 years of ownership and she passed her annual inspection with flying colours each year. Thanks for watching. 💜🤟
We use mobile data on our phones now that we are on the road. We left the bad broadband behind in Spain. Starlink is a bit out of our price range for now, but thanks for the suggestion though. Happy New Year..! 💜🤟
Thanks for an very informative video about your life costs! Seen with British eyes! But I think the costs for food shopping to home in Mercadon, Spar, el Jamon or carrefour can never ever being correct! 150 Euro per month, No way! If you dubbel to 300 euro & eat out 5 to 7 timed a week, than you mybee get close, maybee! Love your video but really wrong numbers about food costs. From Peter Eriksson Sweden 😊😊😊
Hi Peter, The highest cost for food in Spain, we have found, is for processed type food, meat and fish. None of which we eat much of. The Gandía/Oliva area is very reasonably priced for fresh food. It sounds like the costs in Torrevieja are a lot different. Thanks for your comment. Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Hi Cora, Make sure you do your own research first though, as costs vary wildly depending on which part of Spain you chose and your lifestyle. Thanks for watching. 💜🤟
Hi Carol, It was because we were selling our home and couldn't buy a motorhome until we received the money from the sale of the house. Then we would have to wait either to find a suitable motorhome, or at least for it to be ready for us. Spanish houses are paid for by bankers draft, which works the same way as a cheque and has to be deposited into the bank. They usually take 3 full business days or more to clear. Thankfully, we had some very good friends in our village, who allowed us to stay at their home, during that change over process. 😍 Thanks for your comment. 💜🤟
We would love starlink, however the price is somewhat out of our budget especially now we are in the van full time... Maybe when we get over 10k subs... Oh the dreams 🤟♥️
Hi Doris, We were selling our house and wouldn't have another home immediately. We had to wait several more weeks before we could collect our motorhome. We thankfully could stay with friends in their home. Thanks for watching. 💜🤟
I just sold my villa in Benissa-Baladrar. Looking for a new home, maybe in the region of Oliva-Gandia. So I really like your videos as a new fan of your channel. The house on the front of your street I saw for sale
@dorismeusburger4219 Good luck with your house hunting. There were a few homes for sale in Potries. Anybody would be lucky to live there. Thanks for watching. Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Hi again, We're glad that you don't suffer from poor internet where you live. Unfortunately we did, but now the village is upgrading and trying to combat that. Happy days. Our roaming internet from Lobster, has been much better since we started travelling. 💜🤟
Thank you S Jacobs for recommending water filter jugs. We had been under the impression it was very expensive. But we have now purchased a Brita Jug and 6 extra filters and was shocked that it will come in at about 25c (22p) a litre. So hopefully no More plastic bottles and another cost saving in the process. Win, win 🤟♥️
I don't really care that much since I don't live in one of the countries that is on the top list of those that dump their waste into the oceans, we Swedes burn quite allot of our waste and what we don't burn we recycle when possible..
We always separate our recycling to try to be as little impact as we can. Made better by our Brita purchase, but the world in general needs to change how it disposes of waste. 💜🤟
I lived in Spain for about five years and I absolutely loved it. My mum even moved out with me at the age of eighty three. We made loads of friends. Your video brought many happy memories back for me. I think most little towns/villages have a communal pool. We loved going for a swim. They had aqua aerobics sessions which I loved. I also went to Spanish lessons a couple of times a week. It is a great life. I wish I was still there but things change and we came back to England. I am convinced that those happy years in Spain extended the life of my mum. 🙋♀️
Aaaw Jan..! We're so glad that our video brought back so many memories of happy times and that living in Spain not only made your mum's life happier, but longer too. We're sorry that your lives changing meant that you had to return to the UK. Fingers crossed for you that one day you can move back again and enjoy it further.
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Thank you so much for outlining the monthly costs of living in Spain.
Very helpful for someone thinking of relocating to Spain… Quite an eye opener🇪🇸
Other people have said that they find it much more expensive to live here than we do. Maybe it is because we live so simply..?!? 🤔
I don't think there would be many regrets if you moved here though Maria.
Thank you so much for watching. 💜🤟
I live in the UK for very much less than that and I don't skimp on things, or myself.
However, I did find your video very interesting and Informative.
We are so pleased to read your comment. Some people really can't understand how we live so well on so little. Hearing you live well on less and in a substantially more expensive country really shows what can be achieved. Thanks for your comment, Alison & Darren 🤟🧡
Great video guys it was very informative and just goes to show how we are getting ripped off in the UK.
The water in the UK is what makes us laugh the most. For a country with a lot of rain, water shouldn't be so expensive. 🤷🏼♀️💜🤟
@@findingxanadulife yes and we all know that privatisation done that and the private utilities company are making millions profit every year.
🤟
Whatever you do ....don't lose your Spanish Residency if you have it. Happy Van trips guys.
We don't intend to (if we can help it) We love it here. Thanks for watching. 💜🤟
Brilliant vid as ever, funny and lots of good information ! Much appreciated. (I clicked 'the Lobster :) )
Coming over in a few weeks for a first scouting holiday, to explore the area with a view to moving early 2025 :)
We'll be coming back in Feb to see the area in the colder months. Thanks again. Simon p.s. I forgot to add on to my future living expenses spreadsheet an ice cream & chocolate allowance ! Phew-nearly blew the budget lol.
Hi Simon,
Glad you are enjoying our videos. 😎 If you're a Brit moving to Spain, Lobster would be a great choice for you. We love it.
What part of Spain will you be investigating...?!? Good idea to visit in warm and cold weather, it can really make a difference. We typically only have January when the weather is really cold and that's more to do with the humidity than the temperature.
You should always allow a large budget for chocolate and ice-cream...😬
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
@@findingxanadulife
We're looking at gandia, oliva, maybe denia and javea but the last two are pricey. Looking 15 mins inland also to get more for our money. Not your place though.. To big for us and want to be nearer a town than village 😊 going to rent first to make sure we like the area 👍 always allowing choco budget!
@simontaylor744 Great idea to rent first. We lucked out with Potries, but viewed houses in several places that we now know we wouldn't have been happy in... Good luck with your search. If you want to know a couple of places to avoid, just drop us an email.💜🤟
Thank you for a wonderful informative video 🙋🏻♂️ . I'm absorbing all the information 1:00am in the morning here in Seattle. We have pretty much given ourselves a budget with rent to be about 2000 Euros a month. My guess was around a 1000 Euros per month after rent. However, you did leave one very important expense out of your figures. Those 7 Euro milkshakes cannot be forgotten LOL 😅. Warmest regards, Michael and Heather. 😎😊
Hi. I rented for quite some time both in Marbella, Girona and near Valencia. I guess it depends what you want but you can get a rental for 1000 to 1300. The problem is getting long-term as now owners are renting for summer and winter lets. Where I live locals are finding it very hard to rent because of it. I'm hoping to relocate soon because of the high humidity where I live.
I don't know where you are looking at in Spain but enjoy, enjoy.
Gosh guys, staying up until 1am to watch the new video, now that's commitment..! 😉
Prices for renting properties vary massively depending on where you want to be and what size property, but we're sure you'll find something suitable for you.
Thanks for your support as always.
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
How could we have forgotten to include the milkshake budget..?!? 😂🤣
2000 euro for a coupel, is tight, very tight! Possible mybee with rent of max 500 euro, you maybee service but live? No way! From Peter Eriksson Sweden & 6 month a year in Torreveja Spain! Nice budget 2500 to 3500 euro!😊😊😊
@@petereriksson1390 ,, hello Peter 🙋🏻♂️, yes I think 2,000 is very tight. My wife and I will be going up and down the coast between Malaga to Benidorm area. I think 3500 will be needed for a very comfortable lifestyle 🇪🇦. 👍🤗
@@petereriksson1390 Coastal areas will be massively more expensive.
Great video... we are a couple living in Australia and planning to move to Spain within the next 11 months. We have a house already paid near Cadiz and a budget of around 2,500 euros per month. Do you think is enough? No children and no pets. We also have a separate budget to buy a car, moped, etc... and we also have another property in Spain fully paid but its in a city center so we plan to keep it for us if the 2500 is enough... if its not enough we have two options: 1. Rent the city apartment (after tax and overheads lets say 600 euros bringing the new total to 3100 euros) or 2. Rent the beach house and live in the city apartment (we dont really want to do this but that would bring around 1500 per month brining the total to 3600)
We are going with the idea of living in the beach house (I bought it long ago and its called "Villa Manana" as I always wanted to retire there. Its 300 meters to 3 beaches, it has a pool, BBQ, Fireplace, etc... its beautiful so ideally we dont rent it) and then have the apartment also empty so that we can use it weekends here and there, winter days, etc... as my entire family lives there.... what we dont know is if 2500 is enough.
We could do some remote work or even "top ups" as we have Spanish, British and Australian passports... but we really would like to not work ever again if we can help it (who wouldnt! :)). We prefer 2500 not working than 12000 working.
Finally, we are 46 and 47 years old so we will have some years before state pension, but we have quite strong pensions already saved so by the time we are 60 we should start getting good pension funds (Australia Super) and then more at 68 (UK Pension and a private one)... we just need those 14 years with the above budget. We have been posponing this a few years already to save more and more but at some point we need to stop, just not sure when is that point. I left Spain when I was 19 and parents are getting old so we really want to go back but a little worried about the budget to be honest)
Thanks a lot!
Initially 2500 euros sound ample to live in Spain. However we have to stress that the cost of living in Spain is vastly different from region to region. For example, people are shocked by how little we spend on food and I understand why... When we were in Northern Catalonia last month we saw the cost in the supermarkets for some products almost double. Additionally only an hour south of us we know that an equivalent property would pay double the tax.
The big issue for you is to understand personal tax. If you plan on living here you will have to become a tax residence. Firstly does Australia have a double tax treaty with Spain? Which means you can stop paying income tax in Australia. Also speak to a Spanish tax lawyer (not a Gestor!). He will help you understand what the tax burden will be under your various options. Trust us when we say small changes in income can have a huge effect on tax paid.
Anyway, your property sounds great. If we hadn't opted to tour the world we were considering buying a small place within walking distance to the beach. Keep us updated on how things go and thanks so much for watching, much love Darren & Alison 🤟♥️
Nearly caught up on all your videos! Just going to watch Gandia, However, couldn't let this one pass without comment. It was really interesting and informative. You know we have plans to retire to the area in the next 2-3 years, so, this was particularly useful for us. Thank you. What also strikes us is how similar your outlook on life seems to ours. Our cars are 11 & 18 years old and far from flash! We love shopping in charity shops! If we eat out, we like to do so in quieter, less touristy (and cheaper) bars / restaurants. We would not want to owe any money after we have bought our property. We think that is why we get so much pleasure and relevance from your videos.
Finally, have to say, that as the owners of three cats, we simply adored the care you were offering those gorgeous kittens. Which leads to a question.... how did the poorly one get on? Carry on the great work with your videos. Regards Barry and Sarah
Hey Guys,
We just wanted to prove that you don't have to be loaded to have a great life here. The issue a lot of People have is that they move here and try to live like they're on holiday and that rarely works. A lot of Spaniards seem to enjoy the simple things in life too, so as I've said before, I believe you'll fit right in here. A lot of Spanish buy their cars new and run them until they fall apart. None of this changing every 2-3 years for the sake of status.
As for the kittens, they're 6 weeks old now (the videos come out a couple of weeks behind). Miss Mayhem needed injections for antibiotics and fluids under her skin every day for 9 or 10 days. We had tried 3 different milk formulas by the time this video was released and this was the first of 2 types of meat that we tried. Thankfully, the second meat suited her. She still has to have it liquidised and suckles it from a syringe as it's too thick for a bottle and she won't eat from a bowl yet. She has put weight on every day for the last week and her tummy has finally settled. She is half the size of her brothers now, but she is such a little character. Fingers crossed she will now catch up and grow to be big and strong. Havoc, the white boy, eats anything that is put in front of him. Chaos is very chatty and a bit of a baby. He really doesn't want to give up his milk bottle, but will eat meat if he feels like it. We are so proud of them. When they leave, our family will just grow larger. 😻. Personally, I (Alison) hope that Havoc can stay with us. He's a real mummy's boy and would make an awesome camper cat. 🤞😬
If you want to find us on Facebook , I'll post some updated photos soon and you can see how they look now.
Much love guys, Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Quite agree, too many seem to think living in Spain should be like a permanent holiday or just try to make a bit of UK instead sun. Like you, that is not what we want.
That is such wonderful news about the kittens. We'll done you! Fingers crossed Miss Mayhem continues to make progress. I assume your Facebook page is under the same Finding Xanadu name? x
Yes the Facebook page is the same name. Mayhem is doing brilliantly. She ate her first food from a bowl today, instead of a syringe. We're so proud. It's the silly little things that get you. 🤣🤣💜🤟
Great watch. Will help many in decision making to Spain. A lot to consider if coming over from the uk. Thanks guys
Thanks for watching Si. 💜🤟
Thanks for this. I am considering moving to Spain next year and my budget will be limited so this is so useful. It is nice to know I will be able to have a decent lifestyle. The biggest savings being council tax and electric bill more than makes up for the private health insurance I will need.
I will be able to spend much more on entertainment and leisure than here in the UK.
Just one thing you missed out. As I have two cats how much is pet insurance over there? I am also considering adopting a rescue dog once over there so even more important.
I hope your little cats are doing well especially the little black one. It is lovely what you are doing rescuing those babies.
Thanks again, oh and that communal pool looked lovely and quiet too. Oh and I am a big charity shop fan too. Nothing to be quiet about. I have converted many over the years.
Very useful and nice video. ❤
Good morning..! It does seem to vary, based on which parts of Spain people live, but the Gandía region did us proud.
Where were you thinking of settling..?!?
We looked at lots of pet insurance when we first moved. It swiftly became clear that we couldn't find one that was worth signing up for. There were so many things that weren't covered. Especially as the pets age. Thankfully veterinary treatment in Spain, is usually quite a bit cheaper than in the UK. Especially for a European passport. When we left it was £65 in the UK and €15 in Spain.
Thankfully all three kittens thrived and we found them all very good permanent homes. They were a joy to raise and we missed them dreadfully for a while after they left.
🧡🤍🖤
Thanks so much for your comments.
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
@@findingxanadulife I have done much research over the past few years of several areas. As I am older now and also do not drive my priorities have changed and the best fit for convenience of facilities and a place I like the look of is Turre and Mojacar area. I likely would live in the Turre area and a short bus ride to Mojacar occasionally. I could also cycle the short distance. I love the old town but if I want to visit the beach it is also easy to get to. So best of both worlds really.
A practical choice for me. Also a new vet has recently opened in Turre I understand which is important to me so perfect. I like a simple life now and don't want to be in a city. An occasional day out to somewhere bigger will be more than enough. After years in London, been there, done that and now in my "mature" years I want simplicity with a bit of convenience.
Watching you two I felt rather wistful. You seem to have your priorities right. All the best and if I ever get there I will let you know ❤️
@@findingxanadulife Sorry to be a damper, but isn't the residence permit (visa?) now restricted to only half the year in Spain, for British citizens?
As far a we are aware, British have 90 in 180 allowance, but can apply for a long term visa which I believe can be up to 5 years. We have full residency (TIE card) which we obtained before Brexit. This means we are a permanent tax paying residence of Spain. There are so many different visa options all with their own criteria and duration. We always say speak to a Spanish professional who specialises in visas.
Just caught up (it's been a bit hectic this week) and this was really interesting and something a bit different. Gotta love a charity shop, couldn't do without them.
I must admit we found some fresh produce to be more expensive than the UK but it was very item dependent and probably seasonal etc.
Those kittens! ❤
Been a hectic week for us too. Fiesta time in the village. The Spanish do like to party and party loud. 😬
We buy our fruit and veg mostly from the village market, or the local shop. Their prices are much more reasonable than a lot of the supermarkets.
😻😻😻 Amazingly the babies are 6 weeks old now and living up to their names. 🤣😂🤣😂 💜🤟
@@findingxanadulife ah I love their names. Our van set up is a bit small otherwise we'd love a pet on the road with us.
Yeah it seems markets are the way, similar here really if you can find them!
They certainly do love a party. Their going out times seem to start after we're done for the night 😂
When we have Foster's we like to be a bit inventive with their names. We also try never to reuse a name. I don't think I could be without an animal now. I'm too used to it. (Alison) We're currently grooming Havoc to become a camper/hiking cat. He loves to be slumped over a shoulder and loves to sleep tucked inside my top, so a rucksack for when he gets tired will be second nature to him we hope. Harness training next. 😂🤣
We're lucky here in that each village has a market every week, for the older generation that doesn't like to go far. So as long as we plan around that and the opening times of our little shop "Botiga de Eva" it's great. Eva is definitely my chocolate 'dealer' 😂😂
I don't think we'll ever completely embrace the Spanish eating times. 10-11pm for dinner doesn't work for me, but they need to eat that late to be able to party on until 5.30am. Last year one disco went on until 7am. I'm 30 years too old to manage that. 😴😴 🤣💜🤟
@@findingxanadulife a lot of people take cats on the road with them, so it's definitely manageable, but yes getting in some practice first is a great idea.
Pretty sure I've always been too old for those kinds of late starts 😂 Although saying that we managed it in Porto...and suffered for it too 😵💫
We've managed a couple of late nights this week, but currently wishing we hadn't...😴😴😴🤣🤣💜🤟
I love your videos, you're such a nice couple, love watching your adventures 😊
Hi Marcela,
Welcome to the family and thank you for such a lovely comment. It still seems a little surreal to us that people enjoy watching us live our lives and joining our adventures, but we're glad you do.
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
I find them smug!
Hi there..!
Well, we love our life, each other and our friends, which we wouldn't have, had we not made the decisions we have in the past.
Personally, I (Alison) am proud of myself, for doing everything we do, whilst living with a chronic illness, that I normally rarely talk about. I'm also proud of Darren for being my husband, encouraging me daily and looking after me the way he does.
Does that make us "Smug"..?!? 🤔🤷🏼♀️
We're sorry that for you, it does.
That also makes us thankful that different things make different people happy.
Thank-you for taking the time to comment and share your opinion. We genuinely appreciate each comment and although us and our videos may not be to your taste, thanks for at least giving them and us a try. 💜🤟
@@findingxanadulife I've opened a channel too and it's true that it looks surreal that people watch me, I know the feeling 😂😂🤔
@marcelamerrill678
Hey Marcela,
What is your channel name..?!?
Much love 💜🤟
This breakout was really helpful, thank you! You even included things that I wouldn't have thought of, like car insurance and annual inspection.
You're welcome Erin. Thanks for watching. 💜🤟
Just stumbled upon you guys and thoroughly enjoyed this very informative video. I'm planning on moving to the Oliva area within 2 years, it's not going to be easy but I know it will be worth it! The beach looks stunning! 😍💙🤍💛
Fabulous. The Terranova beach near Oliva is our favourite.
Thanks for joining the family.
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Same here. I live a bit further down the coast. Tap water great, fibre great and shopping for two not as much per month. Vet fees cheaper than when I lived in France. I'm retired and live in a well known small town and don't find the prices bad really. Some great summer clothing pieces (Italian linen) to be found in the local bazaar plus winter leggings. I'm a resident so have to pay tax on top of the annual budget. Our basura has been free during and great reductions on utilities, ibi etc. during covid. Been here 22 years. Love it. 😊. Hope pusscat gets better soon.
Hi Cate,
Wow, so great of your town to give you such great support during COVID when everyone needed so much.
Yes, we have to pay tax here too, but didn't include it as most people have their tax removed at source.
Mayhem is slowly improving thanks. 🤞
Thanks so much for your comment
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Hey you guys, this is your fan girl Amita from india 😊 . I loved the clarity of wvery expense was shared also the fact that you are mortgage/ loan free that is the best thing. I understand that u r going to buy a motorhome and also buy a flat ( i pray it happens soon) makes u an asset owners. Life details are in simplicity and way of living. I really loved the way you manage your cost if living in spain shows you are a passionate adventurers smart people. Love your videos tc god bless
Hi again Amita
Thanks for your lovely comments. You are correct, we do try to live life simply but do long for more adventure. Hopefully it will happen soon enough.
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Morning guys, a very informative video today 👍 it's amazing how costs differ depending where you live. Here our water, basura, recycling etc is just over 100€ a year! The tap water here is treated so we don't need to buy in water. We do have fibre here which is super fast. Take care 👍
Hi Nina,
Thanks for the info. It's fascinating being able to compare like for like. I guess your water is so reasonable as you get the water from the mountains..?!? Good to know about your internet too. Hmmm Bolulla gets more appealing by the day. 🤔🤭😘💜🤟
@@findingxanadulife yes we get it from the mountains. Apparently there is a lake full of water that will last us 100 years!
Awesome. No droughts for you guys then. 😬 💜🤟
That’s Internet in a small village! Look at the bright side, when you think about it, it saves the village from being inundated by global nomads, and keeps prices down.
Finally got caught up with your episodes. I was about 6 episodes behind 😱Interesting with the costs. Similar to what we'd spend over here. Like you, we're not extravagant at all, love a charity shop and only spend serious wonga on our hiking gear. And, we have a great lifestyle. Do either of you have part time work over there? We're still both full-time 😔 xx
Hi Susie,
Perfect. You are the proof that it can be done in the UK too. My parents thought about moving to Lincolnshire when I left school. Not sure why they decided not to go for it.
You guys hike some stunning places. We have added many of them to our list for when we come back to the UK for visits. 😬
No, neither of us earn money here, we just volunteer our time.
Love to you both and big headbumps for Luca. 😘😻🥰💜🤟
@@findingxanadulife Luca sends much love your way.
Spain has really surprised me at how beautiful it is. And that beach being packed out the way it was would have freaked me out. I'd have run a country mile into the hills out the way 🏃♀️🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣xxx
😻🥰
The tourist resorts on the coast are nice, but the real beauty is inland. We've got so many more places on our list to visit.
Gandía beach had huge amounts of people on it, but it's so wide, there was still lots of space behind the rows and rows of tourists...🤣😂XXXX💜🤟
I loved this video thanks folks, very informative and helpful, i look forward to seeing more of your videos 👍👍x
Thanks for your kind words Jayne. We hope you enjoy our other videos too.
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Very helpful! Thank you guys! Hello from Texas ! I am excited about moving to Spain. I am a Romanian citizen (EU citizen) therefore, i may move to Spain as a Romanian. I think it would be easier.
Hi Remus and Hello Texas (On our list to eventually visit, as is Romania)..!
Yes, we would guess relocating to Spain would be less hassle as a Romanian citizen than as an American citizen.
Good luck for whenever you decide to take the plunge.
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
@findingxanaduofficial thank you . I plan to visit Valencia next summer to check it out for my self . I looked up your town and is south of Valencia. I can't wait to live a simple life in a country with good Healthcare, good healthy food, reliable public transportation (here in Dallas you are dead without a car!),no mass shootings, etc,etc. Basically, i want to live in a country that has is priorities straight.
Yes, we can't even imagine how it must feel living in Dallas. It would be great to visit, but we wouldn't want to stay. Spanish villages are definitely a much simpler way of life. 😍💜🤟
Muy bien.
7:58 if this was in Sweden, it would easily take like 3-6 months just to get an appointment, let alone a time to have that sorted out. One of the reasons ive been looking to emigrate from Sweden.
9:15 Having slow internet isn't that bad, having limited internet is much worse. Id rather spend some extra money and get a starlink. 100 gig sounds allot but that is gone very fast if you do allot of memory intense stuff like watch youtube and/or upload files/videos to a channel.
11:41 Dawww, those kitties are so adorable 🥰, thank you both for taking care of them. The world needs more people that care for animals.
Edit: One thing I found surprising was car insurance, here in Sweden the rates are insane. One of the reasons my brother sold his car was cause they wanted hundreds of dollars per month just for insurance (then you have road tax and all that loveliness). Car insurance is also one of the reasons he was looking into getting a sailboat, allot due to insurances for sailboats being so much cheaper in Sweden than for cars (let alone certain utility vehicles like trucks and buses, why he wasn't so interested in vanlife).
I believe the Spanish health service (non private) is also quite quick to deal with things.
The Healthcare system (NHS) in the UK is the same and to be fair, I made Darren go to a UK doctor to get it checked out before we moved to Spain and he was told it was a Cyst and to completely ignore it, so it wouldn't have got dealt with at all. 🤣😂🤣😂
We've looked into Starlink, but it seems to be extremely expensive for use in Europe. Our budget won't stretch to that just yet. Maybe once we learn to fine tune our motorhome living. 🤷🏼♀️
The three kittens were extremely adorable and we're grateful for being able to find them all fabulous homes. We still get regular photos and updates from the families of the 2 boys, and from several families who have adopted the kittens and cats that we tamed and/or raised previously. We love it.
Car insurance is vastly more expensive in the UK than it is in Spain too. A major factor in us taking on a Spanish Motorhome. UK insurance would have mostly just covered the vehicle itself, whereas we found a really good Spanish insurance that give us full cover for the motorhome as a vehicle and as a home, with most of the benefits of house insurance (contents etc), for half the price of the lesser UK cover. It pays to take all these things into account before making a final decision. 💜🤟
Very informative so current conversation that’s about £825 a month
Thanks Derrick. About that yes. 😬💜🤟
Hello again lovely people!! I hadn't realised that you had kittens only 3 weeks, somehow I thought they were older than that!! I am praying for the little black one that she makes it and joins her siblings.
Hi Beti,
Our video's are a couple of weeks behind. We will have had the kittens for 6 weeks tomorrow. Mayhem is doing so much better now. Not purrfect, but she has put weight on, for 9 out of the last 10 days, which is amazing, as she has lost so much weight. 🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊 She has been at the vets for vitamin injections, antibiotics and sub cutaneous fluids for 8 of the 9 days before that. Her brothers are both double her size though and over double her weight. Hopefully she will catch up a bit now. 🤞🤞
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Thank you for this information . It is very good of you to share & very interesting. You seem to have a nice comfortable lifestyl & I wish lots of health & happiness for the coming years. You wouldn't want to be in Britain now.
Hi Joan,
Thank-you so much for your kind words. Having visited Britain for Christmas, you're right, we definitely couldn't live there, after 6 years away. Love health and happiness back to you.
Alison and Darren 💜🤟
We have lived in Spain for 9 years. The cost of living in overall terms is probably around 25% cheaper than the UK.
Fuel much cheaper
Council tax a fraction of the cost.
Electric,warter and gas aldo chesper.
Food is also lower cost.
Hey Edward,
We're glad you're experiencing the same benefits and thanks for your comment.
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Hi Darren & Alison, love the video, who did you use for your health insurance in Spain?
Hi Adrian
Our health insurance is with Sanitas, but we got a reduced price on it, as we took out the contract with the BBVA Bank, as we have our bank account with them.
Thanks for watching.
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
This prices are SHOCKINGLY low compared to what we pay here in the US. My costs are 5- 10X what you're paying on most things. but not everything.
This was recorded June 2023, so some of the costs will have changed, but yes, e have heard about the exorbitant cost of US health insurance alone. Hopefully your wages are that much higher to compensate.
Thanks for your comment.
Much love. 💜🤟
Can you share which region and town where you live? I am moving to Spain from the US (as a newly minted Spanish citizen) and I am looking for location options.
Hi,
We lived in Potries, in the Valencian region. A very traditional Spanish town. Congratulations on your newly minted status and thanks for watching.
Happy New Year.
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
No you’re not making yourself homeless home is where the heart is you will not own a house it could be in a camper which is our home as we travel a lot in the USA. At certain times of the year we go to Kauai spend a few months and then head to other countries for the rest of the year and every we go we make it our home
We were only homeless for about 10days, then we bought Persephone our new home. We're hoping she will be so, for many years.
Your lives sound perfect. We hope to be able to ship ourselves over to the USA eventually. Kauai would be an absolute dream. 😍
Safe travels and thanks for your comment.
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Lovely people! Iv subscribed to your chanel. Tnks Lexi
Hi Lexi,
What a sweet comment. Thank-you so much for subscribing.
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
I have just ordered Starlink as my area in the hills is difficult signal wise. Xx
Hi Alison,
Great name..! Alison here...!
For a normal home, Starlink is a great and cost effective option. Annoyingly, for travelling/mobile homes it's a lot more expensive. We can't stretch to the cost of it at the moment, but if/when we can, we'll definitely give it serious thought.
Thanks for your comment.
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Hi, we love your videos. Please can you tell us who your health insurance is with. Thank you Steve and Erika
Hi guys,
Glad you're enjoying the videos. Our health insurance is with Sanitas, through the BBVA Bank.
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Thank you so much for that. 😊
You're very welcome Steve and Erica. 😘💜🤟
Vet bills massively cheaper in Spain.
We have 15 dogs so it really makes a difference.
We agree totally. We noticed immediately, even just with the cost of the rabies vaccination and passporting. The vets also seem less likely to perform unnecessary tests, just because animals have insurance, which often seemed the case in the UK.
15 dogs sounds blissful. 😍💜🤟
Vets seem far more animal focussed and less of a business unlike rip off UK vets.we have rescued over 20 dogs in Spain and our vet will come out and vaccinate our pack each year with no extra cost.
Our experience of vets in Spain is fantastic.
@user-lx2zd5qf6q We agree. We adore our vets in Oliva. Clinica Veterinaria La Safor. We helped with a lot of feral kitten raising over the last 6 years and also managed a feral cat sterilisation program in the area. The vets were always very accommodating, especially when it came to us needing to see them with the rescued babies or having people bringing cats in for sterilisation at very short notice when using feral cat traps. 💜🤟
I think your budget is way off. I'm a single women living in Spain and I spend 300 euros a month on fresh meats and vegetables. There is no way 2 people can eat for 150 a month unless they only eat bread and cheap pasta.
Hi,
We don't eat much meat or fish, which is where most people spend a lot and we try not to eat expensive processed foods. We eat a lot of rice, which is produced in our area of Spain and is very cheap. We also don't normally eat too much. We bought our vegetables at the local market of our village and would typically spend €15-€20 a week. We have a limited income, so I assure you the budget, for us, was correct. We are having to spend more at the moment as we have been travelling through France and are now in England, the prices are vastly different. The video was based on our experience and other people are always going to have different needs.
Many thanks for your comment,
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Ok, but still your budget for food can not be 75 euros per person... that would be starvation diet, please dont mislead people.@@findingxanadulife
You have not included the €150 per month that we spent on eating out. We cannot comment on the cost of food in the area that you live, or the cost of your diet specifically. We certainly don't starve and would have no benefit to misleading people as to how much WE spend. We always advise people to do their own research on the area that they wish to live and their specific lifestyle.
Thanks again for your comment. 💜🤟
Nonsense. If you cook from scratch and don't include many convenience processed foods or eat much red meat you can easily reduce your food bill. To say all they could afford was bread and cheap pasta was downright rude.
€300/month on food for myself and I eat once/day, chicken and salad, cooking at home...
Thanks a lot for all the information's that you both provided. Do you know the long term rent cost for an apartment in Potres please ? Or if you can provide or recommend the name of Estate agent please. TIA
Hi Tony,
Unfortunately we don't know any rental costs for Potries, but we can give to the details of the estate agent (Inmobiliaria) who we bought and sold our home though. Hopefully he can give you some idea and help you find a rental property, if you decide that is what you want to do.
His name is Richard Callera. His company is RCQ Properties. Richard speaks very good English as well as Castellano (Spanish)
www.rcqproperties.es/
We can't wait to get back there for the fiestas in August and catch up with all our friends.
Good luck. 🍀
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Just to say respect to you for taking care of the animals.It's still a problem here but nowhere near as bad as when we first came 26years ago..The mind boggles at the amount of animals that used to get dumped.Especially at the end of the hunting season.Although things have improved but it is part and parcel of living here.A greeting. Venga mas tarde. just to say if you can get Movistar,we get 600megabyts a far cry from 56 dial up.Also,you never mentioned the exchange rate which can make a difference.When we came it was the Peseta and then the Euro came in and we got at first 156cents to the pound so that meant it was cheap as chips.Wish it was that now.
Yes, it's still a very tough life for street animals, but the younger generations are getting better at caring. Some of the older generations still can't help but see the cats as vermin and the hunting dogs as a means to an end. Hopefully standards will be raised all around the world as the time goes on. 🤞🤞
The exchange rate has a small effect on the amount of Euros that we receive each month, but we hadn't noticed it making much of a difference to the general cost of items.
We only got the choice of 2 broadband suppliers, Connectadux (now called Fibranostra) or Adamo. Neither offered a particularly great service. 🤷🏼♀️
Thank you so much for your comment.
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Enjoy Navidad and wishing you the best of luck in whatever you do.A greeting.
Thank-you so much. Feliz Navidad. 🎄💜🤟🎆
So you're saying... just under €1000 before rent or in your case mortgage? What are prices on apartment's for singles like myself.
Hi Gaz,
At the time, yes, those were our costs. Unfortunately we can't give you any idea on rental prices, as we never checked them out. We stayed with family when we moved over and then bought as soon as we found our home a few months later.
Maybe have a look on the Idealista website, there will be lots of people advertising rentals in the area, that should be able to give you a rough idea.
Good luck and thanks for your comment.
Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Great job! Would love to have you as guests on my podcast. Please let me know. Cheers. Ré
Thanks for getting in touch and do drop us an email, happy to discuss your podcast 🤟♥️
I love yr videos and you are a very nice couple . About yr monthly cost you said yr food cost is €150 per month ? Are you sure ? I live in Portugal and the cost of supermarket to me and my wife is about €100 weekly…Pls confirm that figure for me …thanks and keep doing this amazing videos …
Thanks for watching and the kind feedback. With regards to food costs, yes we only spend about 150€ a month. Firstly, food is substantially cheaper in the area we live. Travel only an hour south and our cost would be at least double. We do eat a lot of rice dishes and tend to buy in bulk (enough for the month). But what we don't do is buy a huge amount of variation. This allows us to keep the cost very low. If we want a treat, that's when we eat out. Much love Darren & Alison 🤟♥️
Hi guys… can you tell me what medical insurance company you use
Thanks
Antony
Hi Anthony, we use Sanitas which was purchased via our bank as it was half the cost Vs going direct. Thanks for watching, much love Darren & Alison 🤟🏼♥️
Anyone got any info about having a share ISA, how is that viewed in Spain. Can you still hold one if you are resident in Spain?
Sorry Mick, we haven't got a clue. Maybe one of our other viewers can help you.
Good luck 💜🤟
I have kept hold of ones I bought before taking Spanish residency and expect to be taxed when I cash it in.l because I pay Spanish tax and they dont recognise it as tax free.......you cannot buy a new one if you live in Spain
@@harryweatherstone8331 If our new labour government means test our pension then that's a big spanner in the works for the NLV!
🤟
What city or region of Spain do you guys live in?
Hi Dennis,
We lived in a village called Potries, in the Valencian region.
maps.app.goo.gl/RnMrmv3y55FQKt8U8
Thanks for watching. 💜🤟
We’re looking to relocate to a part of Alicante…do you do consultations? Lots of things to ask.
Hi Andrew,
No sorry, we don't do consultations.
We're not sure how we would feel about charging people just for sharing our opinions and experiences with them. We would prefer people to support the channel because they want to, or feel we deserve it, rather than because we told them that they have to.
If you have questions that you would like to ask us, drop us an email at findingxanadulife@gmail.com and we'll answer honestly and to the best of our abilities, for free. We'll look forward to your email.
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
@@findingxanadulife very much appreciate that….and I mentioned a consultation as peoples time is worth money.And we wanted to as much as we can avoid the spill we constantly get from agents as we’re looking to buy…it reminds me of timeshare in the 1980s…but I shall subscribe as we watch your content as it’s impartial.we have found a property with 5 houses on it and I’d like to bring as many of the family as I can.but will also drop you an email.please enjoy your evening.
Kindest regards
@AndrewFry-o5s We appreciate your thoughts. We almost fell for the lies of an English estate agent, which would have left us with an illegal property. Not only was it illegal, the town hall listed 7 reasons that it would never be legalised and should the council decide to have a clean up of illegal properties, it would have been high on the list for demolition. We had to learn fast. Always check the Cadastral register, to make sure that the property has been legally registered as what it's being described as.
Drop us an email, we'll answer your questions and see what you need help with. If you feel that you want to donate to the channel at the end of it, Buy Me A Coffee allows people to make one off donations.
We'll be in the Valencia/Alicante region until the end of September, before we head off on our next adventure. 💜🤟
Where do you find a home so cheap! Please share 🎉 I don’t mind to live in country side
Hi,
We bought our home in 2018, but there are still some very reasonably priced houses in the Valenciana region. We would suggest taking a look at the 'Idealista' app for starters, to get an idea of prices for local regions.
Thanks for your comment.
Much love 💜🤟
Haircuts, gifts? Car service?
Hi Sandy,
We didn't include any costs for gifts, as we don't buy gifts for each other on birthdays or at Christmas. If we give gifts, to each other or our loved ones, we tend to make them. We prefer a personal touch.
I don't think we mentioned specifically in this video, but have mentioned it in others, we cut our own hair. Don't say you didn't notice..?
We didn't service our car. It was 16 years old when left Spain and any faults were dealt with when they happened. We only ever needed to change our Brake pads in 6 years of ownership and she passed her annual inspection with flying colours each year.
Thanks for watching. 💜🤟
Yo vivo en ribarroja de turia valencia y tengo un terabit de velocidad
Es genial saber que si visitamos su área estaremos bien para Internet. Gracias por tu comentario. Mucho amor Alison y Darren💜🤟
Maybe starlink is an option to help you get beter internet 😊
We use mobile data on our phones now that we are on the road. We left the bad broadband behind in Spain. Starlink is a bit out of our price range for now, but thanks for the suggestion though.
Happy New Year..! 💜🤟
Do they not have 5g phone signal?
Not in our old village, no. Thanks for your comment. 💜🤟
@findingxanaduofficial 4g? Get a mobile hotspot and get a cheap sim just for Internet you might get better download speeds
We didn't really need much more at that time. We'll be getting better services now. 💜🤟
Thanks for an very informative video about your life costs! Seen with British eyes! But I think the costs for food shopping to home in Mercadon, Spar, el Jamon or carrefour can never ever being correct! 150 Euro per month, No way! If you dubbel to 300 euro & eat out 5 to 7 timed a week, than you mybee get close, maybee! Love your video but really wrong numbers about food costs. From Peter Eriksson Sweden 😊😊😊
Hi Peter,
The highest cost for food in Spain, we have found, is for processed type food, meat and fish. None of which we eat much of. The Gandía/Oliva area is very reasonably priced for fresh food. It sounds like the costs in Torrevieja are a lot different. Thanks for your comment. Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
@@findingxanadulife you are 100% correct & spot on it! Enjoy Life & each other! From Peter Eriksson Sweden
We hope to Peter. Thank-you. 💜🤟
Wow dofinitely im moving to Spain now very cheap to live .what a good life you have soo relaxing
Hi Cora,
Make sure you do your own research first though, as costs vary wildly depending on which part of Spain you chose and your lifestyle.
Thanks for watching. 💜🤟
Your sister spends every 3 days what you spend on groceries for the month!
That's what happens when you have an Instagram page for food. 🤷🏼♀️🥩🍗🍖🦞😬
l dont understand why you say you will become homeless ?
Hi Carol,
It was because we were selling our home and couldn't buy a motorhome until we received the money from the sale of the house. Then we would have to wait either to find a suitable motorhome, or at least for it to be ready for us. Spanish houses are paid for by bankers draft, which works the same way as a cheque and has to be deposited into the bank. They usually take 3 full business days or more to clear.
Thankfully, we had some very good friends in our village, who allowed us to stay at their home, during that change over process. 😍
Thanks for your comment. 💜🤟
You should get Elon Musks Starlink internet.... its even better than broadband in UK
We would love starlink, however the price is somewhat out of our budget especially now we are in the van full time... Maybe when we get over 10k subs... Oh the dreams 🤟♥️
Don't understand the thing with "homeless"
Hi Doris,
We were selling our house and wouldn't have another home immediately. We had to wait several more weeks before we could collect our motorhome. We thankfully could stay with friends in their home.
Thanks for watching. 💜🤟
I just sold my villa in Benissa-Baladrar. Looking for a new home, maybe in the region of Oliva-Gandia. So I really like your videos as a new fan of your channel. The house on the front of your street I saw for sale
@dorismeusburger4219 Good luck with your house hunting. There were a few homes for sale in Potries. Anybody would be lucky to live there.
Thanks for watching.
Much love Alison and Darren 💜🤟
Internet is pants may be true in your area we have excellent internet i resent your comments
Hi again,
We're glad that you don't suffer from poor internet where you live. Unfortunately we did, but now the village is upgrading and trying to combat that. Happy days.
Our roaming internet from Lobster, has been much better since we started travelling. 💜🤟
17.45min: upset to hear 'buying water in plastic bottles.' Buying water is so harmful to the environment, it's an appalling thing to do.
Sorry to upset you! Always happy to hear critasism, what alternatives could you recommend?
Thank you S Jacobs for recommending water filter jugs. We had been under the impression it was very expensive. But we have now purchased a Brita Jug and 6 extra filters and was shocked that it will come in at about 25c (22p) a litre. So hopefully no More plastic bottles and another cost saving in the process. Win, win 🤟♥️
I don't really care that much since I don't live in one of the countries that is on the top list of those that dump their waste into the oceans, we Swedes burn quite allot of our waste and what we don't burn we recycle when possible..
We always separate our recycling to try to be as little impact as we can. Made better by our Brita purchase, but the world in general needs to change how it disposes of waste. 💜🤟
@@findingxanadulife I agree with that, which makes it annoying when so many companies use planned obsolescence to make people buy more stuff.
Too long.
Thanks for sharing your opinion. Much love 💜🤟