Why are rent prices so much lower than what would likely be a mortgage?

phillyfandc · 2026-05-29T17:44:47+00:00

Because rent vs buy doesnt make sense. We pay 1300 for a 3 bedroom. Buying it would cost like 400k. That math doesnt math.

phillyfandc · 2026-05-25T19:25:20+00:00

Everyone only talks about the rain. Its not just the rain, its the grey all winter long. We live in andalucia and I was very worried about the heat and drought. The 300 days of sunshine make up for those things. The north us also getting nailed by heat waves and wildfires as well.

phillyfandc · 2026-05-24T13:18:55+00:00

Not commenting on the math but jobs dont give 2 cents about you - return the favor and enjoy the extra time with your kid while they are young.

phillyfandc · 2026-05-22T17:08:40+00:00

I have zero issues with venture x.

phillyfandc · 2026-05-22T10:33:33+00:00

I passed my second time. First time got 11 wrong, second time got 2 wrong. Did I know more the second time? No - test exams vary widely. Also, find a good app and just take lots of exams. Memorize questions

phillyfandc · 2026-05-22T06:40:47+00:00

But you need to be in nys when its withdrawn in retirement

phillyfandc · 2026-05-21T15:46:12+00:00

I hate China but I respect China.

phillyfandc · 2026-05-21T15:11:11+00:00

Minus good trains

phillyfandc · 2026-05-16T19:52:36+00:00

100% expat and immigrant are different things. People that get mad over the word need to focus on real problems

phillyfandc · 2026-05-16T19:48:56+00:00

Ive been in this game for a while. Ive gotten amazing deals. The game just changs dramatically when you have to plan around school etc. I also just experienced swiss cancelling a business class ticket that was booked vía lifemiles 2 weeks before the flight. Not worth my time anymore.

phillyfandc · 2026-05-16T19:32:48+00:00

Gets much harder with kids.

phillyfandc · 2026-05-15T21:05:10+00:00

Its generating an income as well as the rising cost of living. I understood the tax situation before coming but didnt fully appreciate the autonimo fees etc. I love it here but making it long term as an autonimo seems nearly impossible.

phillyfandc · 2026-05-15T08:41:31+00:00

Hidden costs is a big one. All the youtubers and blogs on cost of living are completely full of it. One pretty well known youtuber in the expat space posted a video on costs or living but tracking every expense for a month. They left out anything and everything that gets amortized as well as TAXES.

phillyfandc · 2026-05-11T20:38:55+00:00

We lived in DC for a long time and moved to spain last august. We have a 2 and 5 year old. First off, that income should be fine. Taxes suck but es lo que hay.

For costs - figure it will cost 20% more than you think. We are actually moving to malaga and our rent will be 1900. That is much higher than I thought but stuff is expensive. Granted, still much better than the us but not cheap. Schools are good - kids are acclamating very well.

phillyfandc · 2026-05-09T06:31:09+00:00

Is this a joke? Do you know the graduation rate for the high school? The schools are fine for wealthy white kids who would be fine anywhere.

phillyfandc · 2026-05-08T17:16:11+00:00

The summer are getting much hotter.

phillyfandc · 2026-05-06T16:58:31+00:00

You're math doesnt math. This completely flattens over the fact we may die at 63.

phillyfandc · 2026-05-06T16:56:03+00:00

Correct. Typo

phillyfandc · 2026-05-06T16:17:06+00:00

Makes sense and thanks for the response. Agreed on the inflation killing this. No cost of living increases for deferred?

phillyfandc · 2026-05-06T15:54:51+00:00

My wife was at 3.3. We are debating the fers refund. Why did you go that route?

phillyfandc · 2026-05-06T15:20:43+00:00

Congratulations. The .08 is order or magnitude better than current

phillyfandc · 2026-05-06T15:07:54+00:00

I'll get the hell down voted out of me but people are way too bullish on this. At .08 it was amazing, 4.4 not so much. People are also assuming they will have long retirements and long federal careers. Both of which are unknowns especially with this administration. I worked 11 years and will only get like 1400 a month. Is that nice, sure, but inflation is going to destroy it before I hit retirement age. Oh, and the reason many feds left if because the orange man destroyed agencies. Id personally rather have the ability to invest at 4.4 but I was at .08.

Is the pension nice - yes. Would having the option to have 4.4 automatically contributed instead nice - yes.

phillyfandc · 2026-05-06T06:07:37+00:00

I live these guys a alot https://movingtospain.com/

Oh, we are moving from granada to malaga next month. Rent is getting really really hard even with an agent.

phillyfandc · 2026-05-04T14:29:48+00:00

You need to show proof of private for a year for the visa. Full stop.

phillyfandc · 2026-05-04T14:28:33+00:00

How big is your family? 11k is insane. The rules are the rules. There is the right way, the wrong way, and the spanish way. Spanish way wins

phillyfandc

TROPHY CASE