Job Discussion Forums

sunseeker32 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 16

Can anyone help with info on cost of living in Madrid? How much should I expect to pay for a good 2-bed apartment (not sharing)? What sort of money will I need to have a comfortable (ie not struggling) life with a child to support? Where are decent and reasonably priced parts of Madrid to live?

Would appreciate any advice asap.

Smile

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

It all depends on where you live, but you're looking at at least 600 Euros a month. Accommodation is generally cheaper in the south of the city. Have a look at segundamano.com and idealista.com for an idea of prices. The problem is that there's terrific demand for accommodation at the moment.
My net salary is 800 a month, but I'm not paid by the hour. You can earn a lot more. Shop around. You can charge between 15 and 20 Euros an hour for private classes.
I assume that you hold a European Union passport?

sunseeker32 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 16

Yes, am British.

Job is as primary teacher (am qualified) and is for 10 months though summer school is available for extra work.

Money is around 1200 per month - can I live comfortably on this?

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

I'd say 1200 a month's pretty good, but I'm a childless bachelor. Whether it would be adequate for a parent is another matter. Hopefully there are some TEFL parents in Madrid reading this who can give you an informed opinion.

gsbcn08080 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 73

It is a very good salary. Salaries for are pretty low in Spain and not only for teaching just in general .
I teach in a government school and get much less than that.

sunseeker32 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 16

I know salaries are much lower than her (UK) and am going for the quality of life, not the money. Just don't want that new found quality of life to be overshadowed by scraping around to buy groceries!

As I said, am a single parent with all the responsibility of putting the bread on table.

But thanks for your reassurances - it really helps. I'm really excited, nervous etc and it feels surreal at the moment. I'm sure we'll be happy in our new lives - just that I'm cautious as I have to consider my kid.

Any more advice about Madrid, areas to live, more opinions on rents etc would be welcome.

sunseeker32 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 16

gsbcn - I though state schools paid a lot more than private - but that it was almost impossible to get into them? Do you mind me asking how much you get, just for comparison?

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

It really depends on the landlord/lady.
You won't have to scrape around for groceries because prices here are lower than in the UK. Accommodation here is one thing you will find expensive.

sunseeker32 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 16

Thank you for your advice. Have had a look at the sites you recommended, but think it may be difficult to set up viewings before I arrive by web?

Would like to make a short trip at end of July to try to sort something for mid August move. Would this be too early? I'm told its best time to look when students have gone!

Finding it difficult to find something for less 700.

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

You need to be very quick because vacant properties are invariably snapped up almost immediately. There's no point calling landlords from the UK.
Better to come before August because that�s when the vast majority disappear on holiday.
700 sounds about right. As I said in a previous posting, the price of accommodation has gone through the roof in the last few years.

avahanian · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 123