I'm trying to get a budget going for my trip to Madrid in September. I will be staying at least one year. I can't remember for the life of me how much food in the supermarket costs. I'm a student, so its not like I'm cooking for a family. I was thinking 30 euros a week for groceries (this doesn't include eating out) would be sufficient. What do people think? Also, I'm trying to get an estimate on how much would be a good amount to budget for weekly spending and monthly movil costs. I would be getting a contract phone instead of a prepaid calling phone. I know these things vary per person. I'm really just looking for a safe in between estimate. If anyone has any info or maybe a good website that has this information please let me know. Thanks!

I second that motion! Jess and I definitely need budgeting help, even after our hour planning convo yesterday! Especially with groceries!! Help us!!! Besos, Joy

quote:

"... maybe a good website that has this information please let me know."

Hmmmmmmm, don't quite know how to interpret that one... is this not a good site for this information

Ok ladies, there are quite a few threads already on the board about cost of living and such in Spain. GO GET EM!!!

Saludos,
jer....

Hi folks,

I came across this site a while ago.

www.ciao.es

It's pretty much like epionions.com It rates about everything in Spain, including supermarkets. I'm not sure if there are links to actual prices of goods to give you some ballpark knowledge. It's worth a shot.

hahahahahah, Sorry Jer, didn't mean to imply that this isn't THE best site on Spain. Other lowlier sites more specifically geared towards just budgeting is I think what Jess meant. hahaha. You rock, never forget it!

Sorry Jer! Of course this is a good site for this information. Thats why I asked! What I meant, was that sometimes there are sites that specifically outline costs for someones time abroad. Ever since this euro higher than dollar thing I really just wanted to have my costs outlined. I will search the board though. Thanks!

I am planning on budgeting at LEAST $800.00 a month and if I am overbudget, well so be it. I will have to live frugal and make the most of my budget. I also save money by making 2 or 3 meals at the time. I have nothing against leftovers. I also plan on taking advantage of the men�s del d�a when I get there.

I wanted a one bedroom, but if I can get a studio at a good price, I am on it.

It's not like I will be going out every night either. I will spend in moderation.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Shawn

quote:

I also plan on taking advantage of the men�s del d�a when I get there.

It�s good to keep that cost factor in mind, but it�s still cheaper to eat at home than always eat the men�s del d�a.

I estimate that chico and I spend in the ball park of 150€ a month on grocery shopping (that is for two adults)... which includes everything from shampoo to cleaning supplies, not to mention food stuffs. We like to treat ourselves a few times a month to a good salmon steak, shrimp cocktail or a great cut of meat, so we don�t exactly live "economically" when it comes to grocery shopping.

We rarely go out to dinner (once a month at best) and I eat lunch at home everyday. Sometimes he�s home for lunch too.... so that should give you a good idea on some general budgeting.

With regards to mobile phone use...I try to keep my spending between 20-30€ a month and I used a pre-paid plan since the contracts don�t offer that much of a savings due to the times of the day that I use the phone. However, I do have a "fijo" (land line) phone to fall back on and only use the mobile when it�s necessary (generally business calls)...rarely to chat...except to PIM! I also send SMS as much as possible instead of making the call. My carrier is Movistar, so it has one of the more expensive rates...but also much better coverage.

Hope that helps!

Something else that you should consider is a monthly bono de transportes which is good for metro, bus (and I think train--Cercan�as). That sure beats single ticket purchases. If you don�t want to spring for the bono, make sure to buy the metro bus ticket instead of single tickes. Never buy a single ticket on the metro if you can avoid it. The metrobus is a ten trip ticket and it comes out much more cheaper!

Chica,

I don't plan on eating out everyday, just on certain days (maybe twice a week). When I say that I make 2 or 3 meals, those are pots of soup that I can heat when I go home. I really plan on saving money and making things work out for me.

I know how to budget and I plan on eating at home a lot to save money and stocking up on things that can make quick meals. I plan on going vegetarian when I get there, not straight, but you never know. Wait a minute, did I say straight? :jeje:

Thanks again for the advice.

Bisous,

Shawn

OK girls,

As a somewhat "pija" girl who likes to go out and shop at least once a month, I suggest 1,000 a month. This does INCLUDE rent. I live on less than that, but I have definately made some sacrifices in my living style i.e. not buying my beloved MAC makeup just for the hell of it, and eating way too much pasta just cause it's cheap. I also consider this money for my cell phone too. And I may talk more than others. If you are staying here for a year I recommend getting a contract, but some people may disagree.

That's just my opinion. I like a somewhat nice lifestyle and my rent is a little higher than average, but still a lot less than the US.

Sedusa,

WOW!!! That's a lot for a budget.

I can do much less than that, including rent, but if you are used to living a lifestyle that requires you to have that budget, as you have said, that's fine.

I am used to living frugal in the US and saving money, so I will carry those tactics with me to Spain.

Hope to meet you once I get there.

Shawn

Maybe planning before the trip is best done in "Dollars", but once there I'd do it in Euros because that's what you will be spending. At that point you can factor in the conversion rate and understand how much of your bank account you are draining, and adjust your budget accordingly.

Great advice, Paul. But we also have to remember that the advice given here is very SUBJECTIVE. Everyone has their own way of living, THANK GOD! Some have more expensive tastes, while others save more and live on less.

Either way, thinking in Euros once the person gets there is top notch advice. I have to think in Euros and do my budget the same way.

Thanks again,

Shawn

Redwood, I think your 800 to live by yourself is a bit low. Its going to be hard to find a place (that's nice ) for less than 600euros. I'd look into sharing a place if I were you.

For those of you for grocery concerns... What I do from time to time to get a general idea- and yes its El corte ingles so yes, its expensive (I just think other chains like Dia or Champion or Al campo are cheaper) you can go to the El Corte ingles website they have supermarket shopping and it will bring you lists of items in categoires and you can see what the prices are. Take your regular shopping list, pretend you're going to do it online and see what the total is. You can price compare as to which products do the same but may save you money etc. Again, keep in mind you'll actually spend a bit less considering that El corte ingles has pretty much got the market on high prices (not to mention for those planning on going, its entertaining, and gives you something to pass some time when your mind is wandering to Spain anyway! And you're learning something from it! )

Espe3,

I disagree and here's why. I've seen studios for 450.00 - 550.00 Euros and I REFUSE to live with anyone. If I can get a studio at the price range listed above, I will be fine. Have you seen prices of studios lately? I was on line just this morning and saw quite a few within the price range listed above.

Groceries won't cost me that much, for I will keep my kitchen stocked with the following:

Pasta integral
Tuna
Tomatoe Sauce
Olives
Brown Rice
Soy Milk
Cereal
Cheese
Frozen and fresh vegetables
Oatmeal
Cream of Wheat
Okra
Beans

With these in my kitchen and stocked up, I will have more than enough to eat. I make big pots of soup and eat off of those for DAYS.

800.00 Euros is more than enough FOR ME. Remember that I said this is SUBJECTIVE. I've lived in Spain for 10 months learned hot to manage the PESETA and know how to manage an EURO.

Shawn