Why cost of living is a game-changer
For families and retirees planning a move abroad, cost of living is often the deciding factor. Housing, groceries, healthcare, and leisure can make a big difference in your budget.
So how does Spain compare to the Netherlands and the UK? The answer explains why more expats are choosing regions like Castellón.
🏠 Housing costs
- UK (Manchester/London suburbs): average 3-bedroom house = £250,000–400,000.
- Netherlands (Randstad area): €350,000–500,000 for a family home.
- Spain (Castellón): 3-bedroom apartment or small villa from €100,000–150,000.
👉 Housing is the biggest saving for expats in Spain.
🛒 Groceries & daily expenses
- Bread: Spain €0.80 | UK £1.20 | Netherlands €1.40
- Milk (1L): Spain €0.90 | UK £1.05 | Netherlands €1.20
- Eating out: Spain €12 menu del día | UK £20 lunch menu | Netherlands €18 average meal
💶 Utilities & transport
- Electricity/gas: Spain €90–120/month | UK £200+ | Netherlands €250+
- Petrol: Spain €1.65/L | UK £1.70/L | Netherlands €2.10/L
- Public transport: Spain €40/month pass | UK £150 | Netherlands €100+
🏥 Healthcare & insurance
- Spain: €60–120/month private insurance per adult.
- UK: NHS free but private costs very high.
- Netherlands: mandatory insurance €120–150/month per adult.
🌞 Lifestyle & leisure
- Gym: Spain €25–35/month | UK £50+ | Netherlands €40+
- Golf membership: Spain from €80/month | UK £150+ | Netherlands €200+
- Cinema ticket: Spain €7 | UK £12 | Netherlands €10.
✅ Summary: Why expats save in Spain
- Housing = 50–70% cheaper.
- Utilities, healthcare, and lifestyle also significantly cheaper.
- Food similar but eating out much more affordable.
👉 For a Dutch or British pensioner, living in Castellón means a higher quality of life for half the cost.
✨ Conclusion
Spain doesn’t just offer sunshine—it offers financial freedom. Families and retirees from the Netherlands and the UK are moving not only for the lifestyle, but because their money goes further.
📩 Newsletter
👉 Want to know more about the real cost of living in Spain?
📩 Join our free newsletter here and get practical tips directly to your inbox.