How much do I really need each month to live on the Costa del Sol?

The truth is, there isn’t a single answer. A single person’s costs look very different to a family of four with children in private school. And more than anything else, your lifestyle choices will determine your budget.

In this episode, Sandra breaks down the day-to-day costs of living in Spain - covering both the basics and the extras that often catch people by surprise.

From utilities and groceries to schools, healthcare, and eating out, you’ll hear real examples from my own family and clients, and get a clear picture of what to expect when planning your budget.

You’ll learn:

• Utilities and community fees, and why costs can rise in the summer months
• Internet, mobile, and other basic household bills
• Grocery costs for a single person versus a family of four
• The impact of lifestyle choices like eating out or joining hobbies and sports clubs
• Public vs. private school costs
• What a family of four really pays for private and public healthcare
• Additional considerations you might not have thought about!
  
  

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a realistic understanding of what life here actually costs and how to budget with confidence for your move.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Download the free Costa del Sol Buyer’s Guide – Your essential checklist and insights for planning a move with confidence. Get your copy here

Ready to buy and want clear advice?

Book a Property Consultation with WL Costa Properties.

Want to keep in the loop?

If you want honest, expert advice about relocating or buying property on the Costa del Sol, be sure to Follow us on Instagram or visit WL Costa Properties for insights on life in Spain

Related Episodes

• #43 Avoid Hidden Costs: Essential Taxes You Need to Know When Buying Property in Spain
• #34 The Ultimate Guide to Navigating Healthcare in Spain: What Every Expat Needs to Know Before Moving

Enjoying the Podcast? Leave Us a Review!

We know life is busy, but if you’ve been loving the podcast, we’d really appreciate it if you could take just a minute to leave us a review.

Tell us:

✔️ What’s been your favorite episode?

✔️ What’s the most helpful tip you’ve learned?

✔️ What do you want to hear more about?

Every review helps us reach more people just like you who are dreaming of a new life in Spain.

Just head over to Apple Podcasts, hit the rating, and drop us a quick review.

Thinking about buying property in Spain?

Chances are you’re asking the same questions Warner and Sandra hear every single day from international buyers.

In this episode of The Costa Property Podcast, they go quick-fire through the 10 most common questions foreign buyers ask about Spain with honest, unfiltered answers you won’t find on Google.

They answer questions like:

• What an NIE number is and why you can’t buy without one.
• How much of a mortgage foreigners can actually get?
• Whether you should rent before buying or go all in straight away.
• The hidden 10 - 13% costs most buyers forget to budget for.
• How can the 2025 tourist license rules affect your rental income
• And the final question: Does Warner have any regrets about moving to Spain?

This isn’t a surface-level FAQ. It’s straight answers, insider tips, and the kind of local knowledge that can save you time, money, and stress when buying on the Costa del Sol!

Whether you’re searching for a holiday home, planning a relocation, or investing on the Costa del Sol, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to take your next step.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Free Budget Calculator – See the true cost of buying in Spain
• Free Buyer’s Guide – Your step-by-step guide to buying in Spain.

Ready to buy and want clear advice?

Book a Property Consultation with WL Costa Properties.

Want to keep in the loop?

If you want honest, expert advice about relocating or buying property on the Costa del Sol, be sure to Follow us on Instagram or visit WL Costa Properties for insights on life in Spain

Related Episodes

• #64 From Offer to Keys: Exactly What Happens When You Buy a Property in Spain (Step by Step)
• #68 What You Really Get for Your Money in Benalmádena: Prices, Property & Location Deep Dive

Enjoying the Podcast? Leave Us a Review!

We know life is busy, but if you’ve been loving the podcast, we’d really appreciate it if you could take just a minute to leave us a review.

Tell us:

✔️ What’s been your favorite episode?

✔️ What’s the most helpful tip you’ve learned?

✔️ What do you want to hear more about?

Every review helps us reach more people just like you who are dreaming of a new life in Spain.

Just head over to Apple Podcasts, hit the rating, and drop us a quick review.

If you’re British and dreaming of relocating to Spain, it can feel like Brexit has slammed the door shut.

Headlines, forums, and conflicting Facebook comments often paint a picture of impossible red tape and endless paperwork.

But the truth is very different.

In this episode, Sandra is joined by Melanie Radford from My Lawyer in Spain, one of the country’s most trusted legal experts on relocation. Together they dismantle the myths, walk through the facts, and explain exactly what’s still possible for UK citizens in 2025.

From visa options to new legislation, Melanie breaks down what has really changed since Brexit and what you must plan for if Spain is your dream destination.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The real picture in 2025: what’s changed since Brexit (and what hasn’t)
• Step-by-step advice on the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) including timelines, paperwork, and the latest renewal rules
• How to time your visa application and property purchase
• Who should consider the Digital Nomad Visa, Golden Visa, or Self-Employed Visa and what each actually involves
• The truth about Spanish “red tape”
• Common mistakes Brits make when applying for a visa alone and how to avoid them
• How EU spouses can support non-EU partners to gain residency rights

If you’re overwhelmed by bureaucracy, afraid of missing deadlines, or simply confused about which visa is right for you, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a clear way forward.

Resources & Links

My Lawyer in Spain: Book a consultation with Melanie and her team

Looking to buy on the Costa del Sol?

• Download WL Costa Properties’ free Buyer’s Guide
• Ready to buy and want clear advice? Book a Property Consultation with WL Costa Properties.

Want to keep in the loop?

If you want honest, expert advice about relocating or buying property on the Costa del Sol, be sure to Follow us on Instagram or visit WL Costa Properties for insights on life in Spain

Related Episodes

• #53 NIE, TIE, Residency? The Essential Guide to Spanish Paperwork (Without the Confusion)
• #46 Spain is Scrapping the Golden Visa in 2025 – What This Means for You

Enjoying the Podcast? Leave Us a Review!

We know life is busy, but if you’ve been loving the podcast, we’d really appreciate it if you could take just a minute to leave us a review.

Tell us:

✔️ What’s been your favorite episode?

✔️ What’s the most helpful tip you’ve learned?

✔️ What do you want to hear more about?

Every review helps us reach more people just like you who are dreaming of a new life in Spain.

Just head over to Apple Podcasts, hit the rating, and drop us a quick review.