Cost of living - Expat Magazine
Ever wondered how expensive it is to live in some of the most desirable European countries? Europe is home to a wealth of popular expat destinations for both EU citizens and those coming from further afield, but it can be hard to know just how much things like accommodation and transportation will cost. Below we present the average cost of living in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, France, Belgium, Italy, and Spain.
England
When an opportunity comes, you better grab it. This is exactly what Swapna from the United States and her family did several months ago when they moved to Surrey, England. Nowadays, they all enjoy a new lifestyle that may not resemble what they were used to back home but teaches them a whole lot about the world and themselves. Sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone to understand who you are and what matters to you in life.
France
Emily is an expat mum from the UK. She moved to Lyon three years ago with her husband who is of French origin but had never been to France before, and their two daughters. Between her remote parliamentary job and freelance journalism, Emily has a fulfilling family life. Emily shares her feelings about living in France with Expat.com.
Retiring abroad has become a trend, and it's not likely to go out of style anytime soon. Living costs, climate, quality of life, safety, accessible health care, and the need for adventure are only some of the reasons to retire abroad. Expat.com brings the best places to move and retire in 2017.
There are several ways to feel at ease in the new country you have decided to move to — finding a place that you can settle in and make it homey is maybe the predominant one.
Italy
Jessica comes from Florida. Following her studies, her Italian boyfriend proposed to her, and they got married in Italy. She has been living in Puglia for over five years, and is the happy mum of a little boy. She shares with Expat.com her exciting life as a navy wife and entrepreneur in one of Italy's best locations for a life close to the sea.
Belgium
Charlotte comes from London. Her partner's posting brought her to Belgium in January 2016. Since then, every day is an adventure. She shares her time between work and fun wanders among the cobbled streets of Brussels where there's always a new bar or restaurant waiting to be discovered. She shares with Expat.com her life in what she describes as being a very European city with a laidback lifestyle.
Italy
Who hasn't looked at Italy as the country of arts and architecture, family and food, of a powerful empire, and the center of the Renaissance? Rebecca, a Scottish expat in Veneto, is feeling totally at home in Italy, and makes the most of the uniqueness this country has to offer – full of history museums, off the beaten track villages waiting to be explored, and traditional cuisine. Italy inspires!
Switzerland
When Ashleigh met her lovely Swiss man, she didn't know what the future holds — a marriage, settlement in a new country, and a rewarding work life. Ashleigh and her husband are now living in Geneva, and as a first-time expat, she had a lot on her plate at the beginning. But almost two years after, the culture shock and feelings of loneliness have lightened, and Ashleigh enjoys the charms of Switzerland, plans a family, and can't be happier with her online projects.
China
Nicole was born in New Zealand but grew up in Australia. Following her studies, she started working as a journalist before her husband's posting in Hong Kong. After a few years, they moved to Xi'An in the center of China. Nicole talks to Expat.com about her life as an expat mom, an avid writer and blogger, and her passion for traveling.
Reunion Island
Catharine comes from the UK. She first visited Reunion Island in 1990 during an exchange year. After her graduation, she flew back and ever since, she has found another place to call home. She shares with Expat.com her love for the island's lifestyle, its natural landscapes, and the ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity.
As the new year starts, Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain have already announced a few measures that are likely to have an impact on the lives of expatriates – rising taxes, decreasing subsidies, new fees, among others. Expat.com gives you an insight into these measures if you are planning to move or you have already settled there.
Greece
Linda was born in New Zealand. Feeling an urge to move and see the rest of the world, she headed to Europe back in the 1970s. Her love for Greece led her to the Greek love of her life. Today they have two children and five grandchildren. She talks to Expat.com about her life as a retired Kiwi expat on the island of Poros, Greece, and the irresistable beauties of a country with so much history, sun, culture, and many apetizing flavours.
France
January is the month to make our resolutions, and hopefully stick to them – just like France did with its. The French Government has voted reforms that come into force immediately, and won't only impact the lives of French citizens, but also of expats in France. And if you are considering France as a future destination for your expat life, these changes may assist your decision. Here is an overview of what to expect in France in the new year.
Singapore
Milla is a mother to two — a 10-year old boy and an 8-year old girl. Originally from Finland, she moved to Singapore one and a half years ago when she decided to support her husband in his new job. Nowadays, she is a homemaker and an avid blogger.
Cambodia
Albeiro comes from Colombia. A digital communications specialist, he moved to Cambodia 16 years ago after joining a missionary group. Nowadays, he is a teacher in Kep Province, and enjoys archeology.
We hear that you have started working on your expat project. First you have to decide the country that best matches your needs, and then possibly the city that you would like to live in. Whether you are jumping off to this adventure alone or with your family, and regardless of your planned activity in the destination country — business, self-employment, retirement, leisure, etc. — an insight in the cost of living will boost your preparation levels. We are here to help you discover the most expensive cities in the world according to ECA International, a specialist in international mobility.
Philippines
Gary comes from Southern California. He retired in 2013 after serving in the US Army Signal Corps and occupying several corporate executive positions in the private sector for over 35 years. Nowadays, he is enjoying a relaxed lifestyle in Tagaytay, Philippines.
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