If you are wondering if living in Andalucía is cheaper than doing it in other regions of Europe, the answer is yes.
The relationship between cost of living and quality of life in Andalucía make this autonomous community in southern Spain one of the most attractive options in the world for living and working remotely.
Not only is it one of the cheapest regions and with the best balance between personal and professional life in Spain, but also Andalucía is one of the most valued destinations in Europe, especially by British and German citizens.
More purchasing power for less money
As a general rule, it takes much less money to live in Andalucía than to live in England, Germany or Ireland, even in large or cosmopolitan cities such as Málaga, Marbella or Sevilla. In addition, the standards of living that can be enjoyed with the same amount of money are much higher in any province of Andalusia than in most of Europe.
Assuming that wages in Spain are lower and the unemployment rate higher than in central and northern Europe, a German, Dutch or Finnish worker will have a much higher purchasing power living in Andalucía than residing in their country. Therefore, as a foreigner you will find that Andalucía is quite affordable and you can enjoy moderate prices at a reduced cost.
That said, although the cost of living in sunny and hospitable Andalucía is ostensibly lower than in most of Europe, that doesn't preclude more exclusive lifestyle alternatives. The best example of this are the luxury villas between golf courses and facing the sea that dot the Costa del Sol.
Beachside is dearer
Although the cost of basic services (electricity, water, gas, transport, food, restaurants) are similar throughout Andalucía, there are several factors that determine how expensive or cheap it can be to live in a city.
- Housing on the coast is usually more expensive than in inland areas
- Living in a village is usually cheaper than in a city
- If the city is touristy, it will possibly entail an increase in the cost of some good or service
Cost of living in Málaga compared to London
Below we detail some indicative prices of basic goods and services corresponding to the cities of Málaga and London.
| Housing | Málaga | London |
|---|---|---|
| Rent flat 85 m2 in expensive area | € 1,100 | € 3,000 |
| Rent flat 85 m2 in normal area | € 650 | € 2,000 |
| Rent apartment 45m2 in expensive area | € 585 | € 2,100 |
| Rent apartment 45 m2 in normal area | € 450 | € 1,500 |
| Light and water costs in an apartment with two people | € 100 | € 140 |
| Internet fibre optic 300 mbps (1 month) | € 30 | € 30 (8mbps) |
| Price / hour of home cleaning service | € 10 | € 15 |
| Transport | ||
| New Volkswagen Golf car | € 25,000 | € 28,000 |
| 1 liter of petrol | € 1.30 | € 1.40 |
| Monthly transport card | € 39.95 | € 170 |
| Taxi ride (basic rate 2021 + each km) | € 15 | € 30 |
| Food | ||
| 1 litre of milk | € 0.90 | € 1.20 |
| 1 loaf of bread | € 0.65 | € 1 |
| 1 dozen eggs | € 2 | € 3.5 |
| 1 kg tomatoes | € 1.50 | € 2.20 |
| 1 lettuce | € 0.90 | € 1.60 |
| 1 kg potatoes | € 1.25 | € 0.90 |
| 1 can of beer (33 cl) in the supermarket | € 0.70 | € 1.60 |
| 1 bottle of red table wine | € 7 | € 12 |
| Clothing | ||
| 1 national brand jeans | € 40 | € 60 |
| 1 international signature sports shoes | € 70 | € 90 |
| 1 women's blasier | € 65 | € 80 |
| Entertainment | ||
| 1 coffee in a common cafeteria | € 1.50 | € 2.75 |
| 1 movie ticket | € 8 | € 15 |
| 1 drink or cocktail in a club or disco | € 8 | € 12 |
| 1 dinner for two in a normal restaurant | € 50 | € 80 |
| 1 beer in a bar | € 2.20 | € 5 |
| Gym monthly fee | € 35 | € 50 |
In this comparison, of course, the price references depend on the lifestyle of each person and the specific activities of their daily life and, therefore, may vary slightly. However, essential and unavoidable expenses such as housing are notably cheaper in Málaga than in London.
In conclusion, the cost of living in London is much more expensive than in Málaga. Housing in the English capital costs triple, public transport four times more and food in the supermarket is at least twenty percent more expensive in basic food.
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