I'm often asked what the cost of living is here in Spain. Because I live on an island, it's presumed to be expensive (like Hawaii). And, top it off with the fact a lot of rich (and famous) people live (or have 2nd homes) here . Just one look at the yachts in any marina around the island will tell you there's a lot of $$$ here. Thus, to live here must be 'spensive (as Ricky Ricardo would say), right?
Not really. A lot of products are produced right here in Mallorca. Oranges, almonds, lemons, and olives are our biggest crops. Hawaii is about 2,500 miles away from California. However, Palma is only160 miles from the mainland of Spain, therefore the costs of shipping goods between here and the rest of Europe is a lot less than between the mainland USA and Hawaii. The vast majority of Mallorcas' population are middle-class and the minimum monthly wage is 1,050 Euros which equates to $1,175. As such, the cost to live here has to be attainable for the average resident regardless of how many rich folk there are. Sure, there's lots of ritzy, hotsy-totsy, high-priced places for the R&F (Rich and Famous) here, but there has to be (and is) a lot of average-priced restaurants, clothing stores, activities, and services for us common-folk as well.
When Mallorca came onto my radar as a possible place to move to, from Ecuador, I had to research what everything cost from a bus ride to a chicken breast to an apartment, to a tooth extraction!! Obviously, it passed the test 'can I live here on my retirement income?'
Recently, I purchased some 'big ticket' items (ie; cell phone, dishwasher, washer, heater) and the idea came to me to share with you MY experience as to what it costs for ME to live here. Disclaimer: The list is random, not comprehensive, and not set in stone. Obviously, costs vary from place to place, availability, season/time of year, brands, my personal preferences/needs, and budget...to name just a few. Also, as you can see, the amounts are in dollars (vs Euros) as most of my readers are from 'dollar countries' and there isn't a huge difference in the exchange rate anyway.
- Chicken breast (boneless, skinless) = $2.50 lb
- Chicken (whole) = $1.20 lb
- Shrimp (whole/fresh, Lg) $5 lb
- Sushi (Calif roll, 9 pcs) = $6
- Eggs (1 doz Lg) = $1.20
- Wine = $3.50 - $7 a bottle
- Vodka = $6 (ie; European) - $14 (ie; Absolut)
- Gin = $13 (ie; Tanqueray)
- Beer:
- 12 pack local (Mahon) cans = $6
- 12 pack Heineken cans = $7.18
- Peanuts (shelled/raw, 300g) = $1.45
- Mushrooms (sliced/pkgd) = $1.37
- Apples (varied) = $1.50 lb
- Bread (loaf 12 cereals) = $1.65
- Juice (box qt) = .75
- Oranges = $1 lb avg
- Spaghetti (2 lbs) = .85
- Tomatoes = .65 lb
- Coffee (beans) = $5 lb
- Coffee (pod type) = $3 box of 10. Lower to .24 cts if you purchase a larger quantity. Higher if Sbux.
- Milk (1 liter) = .85
- Lettuce (iceburg) = .95
- Electricity = $59 mo avg
- Gas (cooking/hot water) = $16 mo avg
- Water (laundry, dishwasher, bath, etc) = $26 mo avg
- Internet (Fiber Optic) + phone = $42 mo
- Medical (Pvt - full coverage) = $74 mo
- Rent (900 sqft, 2br/1ba + office, laundry room, storage, patio) = $900
- In highly desirable and convenient area (old town, pedestrian shopping, plazas, bus/train station, etc).
- Gasoline = $5.20 gallon
- I only have a moto, but I get 50 mpg!!
- Parking = free for motos
- Gym = $28 mo
- Jeans = $12
- Shoes (Payless type) = $25
- Tee Shirts/Sweatshirts = $4 - $12
- Sofa (IKEA leather) = $550
- Chair (IKEA wingback) = $229
- Towels (IKEA bath size) = $6
- Pillows, bed (IKEA, memory foam) = $20
- Bed, double/Full (IKEA, memory foam) = $486
- Washer, front loading (18 lb compact) = $275
- Dryer, Electric (compact 15 lb) = $229
- Dishwasher (compact) = $239
- Closet/Armoire (IKEA) = $199
- Dining Table + 4 chairs (IKEA) = $325
- Office Desk w/drawers (IKEA) = $225
- TV (Smart, Samsung, 44") = $579
- Airfare:
- Flight to Madrid (1 hr) or Barcelona (40 mins), RT = avg is less than $50
- Due to 75% gov't discount provided to residents of the islands, for travel within Spain only.
- Palma to Amsterdam = $225 avg
- Palma to Paris = $250 avg
- Palma to Rome = $175 avg
- Palma to Budapest = $275 avg
- Paint = $25 gallon
- Crockpot = $33
- Blender/Food Processor/Juicer combo = $75
- Microwave = $116
- Pressure Cooker = $35
- Toaster = $20
- Toaster Oven = $55
- Iron = $25
- Printer (Epson All-in-One) = $55
- Vacuum Cleaner (Dyson) = $314
- Vacuum Cleaner (Robot) = $199
- Cooktop (induction) = $189
- AC + Dehumidifier combo (portable) = $299
- Freezer (deep) = $139
- Laptop (Acer Aspire 3, Win 10) = $519
- Cell Phone (2019 Samsung A50) = $249
- Movie Theater Ticket = $6
- NetFlix = $7.99 mo
- Ticket (gospel concert) = $18
- Ticket (Christmas concert) = $24
- Haircut = $9
- Laundry Detergent (pod type - 50 ct) = $14.60
- Toilet Paper (Scott, 40 rolls) = $10.60
- Paper Towels (Scott, Jumbo roll) = $2.99
- Sales Tax = included in all prices...not added on
- Dog food (dry, 40 lb) = $20
- Dog sitter (at their place when I travel) = $14 a day
- Bus fare:
- Single ride (inside Palma)
- $1.50 each ride non-resident
- .80 cts resident
- .30 cts pensioner (over 65)
- .30 cts for dogs
- 10 rides for $10 prepaid card
- To/From Airport = $5
- From Palma to the other side of the island = $6.50
- Grocery delivery (purchased online) = Free for orders $100 and over
- Tipping = Rare. If done, just leftover change or a few bucks
- Taxi = Expensive and many factors involved (zones, time of day, # of people, # of bags, etc). Better to use Bus. Pay only meter amount.
- Property Taxes = ZERO (remember, I RENT!!)
The following cost me nothing:
Dano
OK. Next time, we HAVE to visit...
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