What is the cost of living looking like abroad?

It’s no secret that the cost of living varies dramatically between countries. For instance, every country that has joined the EU has seen it’s cost of living rise quite dramatically…but then they have also seen their standard of living rise too so I suppose it’s a case of swings and roundabouts.

When you decided to emigrate I am sure that you looked at costs, including those to buy property and to move, but did you factor in the day to day cost of living? This can make quite a difference in your life style, to where you live and how you live. It would take more space than I have here to discuss each and every country in detail, but I have a few pointers that you may like to think about.

Food
In many countries, such France and Portugal for instance, although food can be costly in the main cities it is usually much cheaper in more rural areas. You may also find that there you will be able to buy fresh produce locally, which will dramatically reduce the bills. My colleague Alexis, who has a home in France, visits the local weekly market to buy fruit and vegetables and says that the savings are quite dramatic. However it bears remembering that in, say, Greece, the islands - although many are rural - are sometimes more expensive as goods have to be shipped in. These are the things that you need to find out in advance and factor into your plans before you buy.

Utilities
The costs will vary, depending on the size of your home, how many people live there and where you are located. There may, however, be more than one provider and perhaps a comparison exercise would throw up a cheaper provider. A word to the wise here: my son has a far cheaper telephone line than mine, but there is always a problem with it…what’s the use of that? Best case scenario is that you chat to a local.

Schooling
If you are moving within the EU you may find that free State schooling is available. But how good is it? And do you need to live in a more expensive or a rural area to access a better school? In South Africa for instance there are only a handful of State run schools that are rated as acceptable…and private schools really cost. This is the sort of thing that a good estate agent can give you the low-down on.

Health
EU countries have a State health care system that residents can use and that EU visitors can access for emergency health care if they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Other countries vary so you need to do your research here. Otherwise you need to pay for healthcare and this can prove very expensive.

Transport
Each and every country has a different transport scheme (or not…be warned!) and costs vary tremendously. You need to check this out carefully. In South Africa for instance there is virtually no public transport system at all. Plus it is not safe to walk…problem! Also, if one partner works and one cares for the children then you need two cars…and this cost needs to be factored in. Plus the registration, insurance, fuel, garaging thereof…

So you can see that ‘cost of living’ actually means the cost of living YOUR life. There may well be some things that are non-negotiable but there may be other things that you can compromise on in order to exchange your present life for one that you perceive to be better. The point is that you need to do your sums and take all the factors into account before deciding exactly where you are going to put your roots down.

To buy a copy of the Emigration Guide go to: http://www.EmigrationGuide.com/guide.htm

Kim Brown
The Overseas Guides Company
Visit my website at: http://www.emigrationguide.com/