This Brit family moved to Spain: they save €2,800/month

According to Spain’s National Statistics Institute, there are officially more than 307,000 British nationals living in Spain.

It’s not surprising. Spain’s warm weather, relaxed way of life and affordable cost of residence have made it a favorite destination for British tourists looking to escape the grey skies of the UK and its high living costs.

One family in Woking made this dream a realty.

They now pay just €830 a month for a spacious four-bedroom apartment

Ruben Diegz, his partner Lisa Perri, and their son moved from Britain to Maspalomas in Gran Canaria four years ago after the COVID epidemic.

The decision, they claim, has changed their lives. Ruben says, “It was an instant decision that changed my life, but I was sure it was right for me and our family.” The Sun.

The couple now lives in a spacious four-bedroom apartment with a garden and terrace for just €830 a month, a fraction of what they’d pay back home.

In London, even a single-room apartment can cost upwards of €2,400 per month, and in Woking, a house of similar size would cost nearly €2,800 more than what they pay in Gran Canaria.

She works for a airline, he runs an online business

Ruben: “People thought we’re crazy.” They couldn’t comprehend our motivation or even how we planned to do it. Now, however, the benefits of this program are clear.

Both Lisa and Ruben work for airlines, but they could also bring their respective jobs with them.

Beyond work, the real motivation for them was to provide a better life, one that is safer and more relaxing, for their son. Ruben: “I wanted to go to the park with our son without worrying about gangs or having to borrow money to pay for a meal.”

After the pandemic, the couple moved to their new home. In just a few weeks, the couple felt right at home. They are happy to be greeted by everyone on the street, and have a sense of warmth and community that is “just not there in London.”

Cost of living difference

The monthly bill is also significantly lower in comparison to the UK. Electricity — including air conditioning and water — comes to just over €70/month.

What is the difference between Internet and telephone? €33, and that includes two mobile lines.

Even their gym costs a mere €28 a month. Their car was more expensive in Britain but the petrol is cheaper, and traffic is easier.

In total, they estimate that they’re saving around €2,800 each month compared to what they spent in the UK. Moreover, they claim that they’re living better.

They go out to eat three times a week, enjoying full meals for two for under €50, and spend about €100 a week on groceries. When you move to Britain, you realize how expensive food is. Lisa says, “You start wondering why food is so costly back home.”

Their son’s thriving — and so are they

Their son attends a local international school for less than €600 per month, half the cost of nursery in the UK. Lisa is very happy with the school: “I would eat school lunches every day here if I could.”

The school offers a dual-language curriculum and their son has already become fluent in English and Spanish. It’s so much easier to take him to the beach to swim in the early evening or to have his friends over. “The locals are very focused on family.”

Ruben says, “Our roof is bigger than a typical British terraced garden.” They haven’t turned back, despite their fears or the scepticism from friends at home.

Continue reading about life in Spain.