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@Mark36

I was a big fan of Catalonia, a region that has a lot to recommend it. With Barcelona, the spectacular Pyrenees, and the many delightful coastal villages/towns (and beaches) of the Costa Brava. Tarragona is not as well-known as its larger neighbour, but it's a lovely city/location, and should be a good choice.

Cost-wise, I doubt it's hugely different from elsewhere in Spain, although it should be cheaper than Barcelona, especially for property.

I suggest Idealista for looking at pricing/availability of local apartments. And Numbeo is a site that does cost comparisons.

We have a large 3 bed apartment too, although we are now down Alicante way on the (equally fab) Costa Blanca. Most of our bills are pretty small, and certainly council tax (IBI) is not a big deal. The only one we have to watch is the electric bill. Spain is pretty hot in summer, so I think AC is necessary for most people. And even though winters are mild, you probably need a bit of heating too. We have a flat in an older block (70s) which has typical Spanish construction with zero insulation, so them euros just fly out through the walls/windows. If you have a modern flat with proper double glazing and insulation then your bill will be a lot more reasonable.

Thanks Gwyn

The Numbeo website is great, really helpful.

Just for your information.  The most  recent utility bills we paid for a small but modern apartment in Madrid was about  €70 pm. That includes water, gas and electricity. Admittedly,  that was for September and October,  so we didn't use the heating or A/C.

The place is well insulated and there are only 2 occupants.

July and August may be higher.

Likewise  December, January and February

Thanks Ed.

Numbeo suggests around €120 a

month on utilities. And €3300 a month total although that may be based on 1 person rather than a family.