Living costs in Galicia

The region of Galicia is one of Spain's cheapest regions in respect of living costs and if you are contemplating buying a home in which to retire, the costs in Galicia will probably be lower than most other Spanish zones.

Examples

A sum that would budget for a typical quarterly payment for a bill or utility in the UK will probably cover a year in Galicia, e.g. electricity, council fees, water etc. Food, groceries and petrol are also cheaper than the UK and Eire (though not the USA), but the variety of products and food types that you see in UK supermarkets are not duplicated in their Galician equivalents.

Furnishings and Clothing are roughly on a par with the UK and Eire.

Eating out in restaurants, cafes and bars is good value allowing you to enhance the quality of your Galician life style.

Exceptions

There are a few exceptions to the "cheaper than where you are now" rule, but they tend to apply to "one of" purchases, or be items or services of a low value.

• A few services like phone charges and broadband connections are still comparatively expensive (i.e. the same or up to 50% more than the UK). The reason for this being the lack of deregulation and competition - but these are the exceptions rather than the rules and things are changing fast.
• Electrical items like PC's and TV's are still a little bit more expensive than the UK. This is however changing now that supermarkets and large specialist outlets are starting to sell these items in bulk.

Home management and maintenance services

If you require the services of any tradesman like a plumber or electrician you will find the same relative shortage of skilled tradesmen that you are accustomed to back home.

Costs and fees will however be more reasonable and the standard of workmanship is usually quite high. You do of course have the option of using a tradesman from your utility supplier who, whilst more expensive, will get to you quickly.