Cost of Living in Lanzarote
“How much money would we need to live on in Lanzarote?” This is a question we are asked frequently.. and one to which there is no stock answer. It really does depend on your personal circumstances… and how much you want to get out and about, either eating and drinking, or going shopping for pleasure etc.
But the following guide might be useful for you as a starting point. We are basing this on a couple with no children or pets… but we’ll throw in some supplementary costs too. This should be seen as no more than a general guide… and remember that the resorts will be a little more expensive than outside of those – simply because of inflated touristic prices.
- Renting a home in Lanzarote – as this goes to press… there are some bargains to be had. In Playa Blanca for example you can get a 3 bedroomed villa for about 900 euros per month. This cost is slightly lower in the other two main resorts… cheaper still inland.
- Electricity bills – you are currently looking at around 50 euros per month for general usage. But if you have a pool, pool heater, or airconditioning, then expect this to rise.
- Water bills in Lanzarote – often this is included in the cost of your rent… but if you own your home, then you are responsible for this. Generally this is around 30 euros per month – but again this can rise if you have a pool… or are watering your garden regularly. Remember that if you are a resident, you can get a discount on your water rates
- Telephone bills/ ADSL – We pay around 75 euros per month for ours with Telefonica. Landline calls are of course free… but that price also includes a few mobile calls too. To save money on mobile calls or phoning abroad – we highly recommend using a service such as Skype from your computer.
- Eating at home – allow about 400 euros per month… and you’ll be eating well. Shopping around for bargains is a good idea too – as you can save yourself more money this way. We like to do our main shopping in Hiperdino as we are in Playa Blanca… but we find that the fruterias and carnecerias can provide better quality foodstuffs and at great prices too. Ropers is one shop you should definitely have on your visit list for fresh meat, frozen meat, fresh and frozen vegetables and more.
- Eating out – again this depends where you are eating. You can get a good menu del dia of 3 courses for less than 10 euros. A meal out for 2 with 2 courses and a bottle of wine averages at about 55 – 60 euros per couple. A large beer is an average of 2.50 euros in Playa Blanca, 2.50 in Puerto del Carmen, and 2 euros in Costa Teguise. Of course there are bargains to be had too
- Ensuring a small car fully comp with full no claims should be around 200 euros per year.
- Healthcare – this is free if you use the state system… but private healthcare costs can really vary.
1500 euros per month per couple is extremely tight… but doable. If you double that figure, you will be living quite comfortably.
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8 Responses to Cost of Living in Lanzarote
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Hi Lee. It’s much easier to get a job when you’re actually here, as they tend to have an immediate start date. Also, people tend to emply people… as opposed to a CV based engagement.
As regards to how much money you would need – that’s like asking how long is a piece of string. If it’s just you, then you’d probably be needing about 1200 a month for rent, food, and general expenses. I’d suggest having a couple of months worth under your belt so that you’re not feeling under too much pressure.
Areas are dependant upon you, and what work you are experienced in. If you’re looking at bar/restaurant work… then Puerto del Carmen is the largest and busiest area.
Good luck!
Elle xx
Hi, I am thinking about moving to Lanzarote.
I am only 21.
I need help knowing how easy it is to get a job, how much money i would need to save before i come, the best places for me to work and live, etc etc.
Thanks
Lee
Ah – I’m with you now! Yes… there are places that do a shared ownership deal here. I know that Sun Park Apartments were doing that, for example. 4 people (or 4 groups of people) all buy the property together… and then get 1/4 of the time to stay there each year. Similar to timeshare, but you actually physically OWN your percentage of the home rasther than owning weeks.
Most independant properties are freehold here – but apartments are generally leasehold.
Glad to hear you’ll get good legal advice – it’s well worth the money spent.
Good luck – and do yell if you need anything. You can also chat to Alan and me privately via info@lanzaroterelocation.co.uk if you would prefer.
Elle xx
Thank you for your quick response,
In regards to owned property within a complex I know that sometimes companies look for investors to help with reducing capital debt so offer a property (usually apartments) at an attractive price but restrict how many weeks the owner can stay in the property per year. The owner gets an income when someone stays in the proeprty but the complex gets to deduct commisson, maintenance fees, Admin fees, community charges and so on.
Maybe I asked the wrong question! In England you get properties sold either leasehold or freehold. Is this the same or similiar in Lanzarote. If we find a property we like we will of course get good legal advice as I have seen to many people lose good money.
Thank you again for your response.
James & Debbie
Hello there James & Debbie – and thank you for your kind words about the website – we are very pleased that you have found it useful… as well as easy to navigate.
Regarding the equivalent of Council Tax – yes, this is normally paid by the property owner. I have heard of some tenants paying it, but it is unusual to be fair. The amount is decided by the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall). I think it is based on plot size and value of the property – but please don’t quote me on that, as I’m not entirely sure.
Other yearly costs (apart from utilities of course) are things like “Basura” which is a cost for having your bins collected… but quite often you will find that is combined with community fees anyway.
I’m sorry – I don’t understand what you mean about properties being restricted to the time you can spend in them – could you elbaorate for me?
Mobile phone companies have oodles of deals all the time. I’d allow about €30 – €40 per month including some calls – but do shop around. It’s not always about the best price however – as so often the signal can dictate whether you can even use a particular company. For example, in our house we wouldn’t have Orange or Movistar… as the signal is next to zero here (we’re at the base of a mountain) so before you commit to a contract… get someone to come round with their mobile and check the signal for you. It would be awful if you’d signed up for 18 months… but then had to walk 200 yards from your house in order to make a phone call, or couldn’t receive any either.
Petrol is around €0.86 at the moment, with diesel coming in a little lower. Consistently the lowest priced petrol is surprisingly at the petrol station in the airport – but you’ll find that the price doesn’t vary too much (not like it does in Blighty anyway).
Good luck with your move, and do not hesitate to yell if you need anything!
Elle (and Alan, and the dogs) xxxx
Hi Allan & Elle,
Before I put my questions to you I just wanted to say that I have checked several sites in regards to relocating to Lanzarote and those that just deal with Lanzarote and yours is the most informative and well laid out that I have seen so far. Navigating it is so easy.
My partner and I have been thinking about moving to Lanzarote for a couple of years now. I lived and worked in the British Virgin Islands for 12 years and my partner worked in Tenerife for nearly two years so we both understand island life to an extent.
My first question relates to council tax or whatever you call it in Lanzarote. If you rent somewhere does the Landlord pay it or is it paid by the Tenant! How is it calculated! bandings like in the UK! We are looking to rent something small like a one or two bedroom apartment initially until we find something we want to buy.
In terms of yearly costs on property that is owned is council tax the only charge to pay apart from a communal charge on a complex!
Can all properties on Lanzarote be occupied by the owner year round or can some be restricted to the amount of time you can stay in it.
I see that the cost of telephone bills/ADSL is around 75 Euros per month. Do you know what an average package would cost is in regards to mobiles or can you get a complete package!
What is the current price for a Litre of petrol and diesel!
Thank you in advance for any help you can give us
Regards
James & Debbie
Hi Jackie. Yes you would get free healthcare as long as you are paying into the State system. I do… as I pay my monthly amount.
Hope that helps!
Elle xx
When you say healthcare is free is this if you are working or retirement age. I am 57 would I get free heralth care