Living in Majorca as a Retiree: What to Expect

Living in Mallorca as a retiree is no longer just a fantasy or aspiration for many Europeans; it has become a popular trend. A considerable number of retirees from England and Europe have already made a move to Majorca. In this article, we will explore whether the cost of living in Mallorca is high for retirees. For more comprehensive information on the expenses of living on this Balearic Island and comparing living costs in the UK versus Mallorca, please refer to the article titled The Cost of Living in Mallorca - Prices 2023 and Comparison with the UK.

Contents:

1. Pros and cons of living in Majorca
2. Life expectancy in Majorca (Spain) and the UK
3. The cost of living in Majorca
4. Where retirees live in Mallorca
5. Staying in Majorca in winter times
6. Wrapping it up
7. TOP-5 reasons why people choose to live in Mallorca on retirement

Pros and cons of living in Majorca

Over 150 million individuals over 60+ reside in Europe, many willing to pay a premium for a luxurious holiday experience.

Several European countries allocated funds during the pandemic to cover retirees’ seaside vacations partially or fully.

British citizens consider Mallorca the top summer vacation destination.

To better comprehend why European and English retirees choose Mallorca as a permanent or seasonal residence, let's examine the advantages and disadvantages of living on this island.

The benefits of living in Mallorca for pensioners:

The disadvantages of living in Majorca for pensioners:

Many direct flights from most cities in Europe and England The flight time is only 2 hours. A wide choice of ferries for crossing the car itself. The beaches, clean sea and lack of industry promote longevity. A large selection of beautiful residences is available for pensioners. The average life expectancy in Mallorca is 1 years longer than the average. Cheaper food, fuel, electricity costs and insurance Many establishments, shops and restaurants are aimed at British and European citizens. Even entire settlements, such as Paguera or Santaniy The quality of the products is one of the best in Europe. A considerable distance from Europe's eastern borders, which is of particular importance these days. The average monthly expense for a pensioner in Mallorca is 350 euros. Plenty of opportunities to keep fit: Golf, Tennis, Swimming Pool, Yachting, Cycling, Hiking etc.

During the winter months, Mallorca can be cool and humid. Most flats and houses in Majorca do not have central heating. You will have to heat it with a fireplace or low-consumption electric radiators. There will be additional costs for private health insurance as compulsory insurance is only sometimes sufficient. Mallorca never gets snow. Therefore, you will have to leave the island for the Christmas holidays. Plane tickets are higher than usual during this period. In winter, many establishments and restaurants stop working. Or they cut their opening hours in half. In August, temperatures are often above 40%, and the UV index is at 9 -10 During the summer months, there are a lot of tourists. A table at the restaurant needs to be booked a few days in advance. Before buying a property in Majorca, find out what major events and festivals occur in the area. Noise can get in the way of enjoying your holiday. You will have to organise the move itself. Take into account the financial costs and personal actions.

Life expectancy in Majorca (Spain) and the UK 

Retirees make a clear choice for health and longevity by staying in Mallorca. At the same time, the cost of living here is lower and cheaper, making it possible to choose new hobbies not previously available.

The cost of living in Majorca

To accurately estimate the cost of living for pensioners in Majorca, it's important to consider their basic expenses, such as food and daily necessities, petrol, restaurants, medicine, and more.

In a previous article, we shared data on the cost of living in Mallorca, including the prices of the most popular items compared to major UK cities like London, Birmingham, and Glasgow, using data from the Numbeo analytical portal.

On average, monthly consumption in Mallorca is at least 40% lower than in any major UK city.

Medical expenses are also a crucial factor for pensioners, and many who move to Majorca opt for private medical insurance. The cost of such insurance is often much lower than its UK counterpart.

Commodity or item of expenditure	Majorca	UK
Private health insurance	from 37.60 €/mes	from 135 €/mes

In addition to health insurance, the second cost item is the medication itself.

Drug Name	Majorca	UK
IBUPROFENO 400MG 20 COMPRIMIDOS	3,9 €	4,5 €
Strepsils 24 pastillas	5,15 €	5,81 €
Frenadol (Lemsip Max Cold & Flu16 Capsules)	4,39 €	5,01 €
PARACETAMOL 500 MG, 20 COMPRIMIDOS	0,65 €	0,7 €
DICLOFENACO KERN PHARMA 10 MG/G GEL TOPICO 60 G	4,04 €	10,6 €
Acetylsalicylsäure 500 MG 20 COMPRIMIDOS	2,50 €	4,6 €
IMODIUM akut lingual - 12 st.	9,95 €	8,3 €

Based on the table presented, it is evident that the retail prices of most medicines in Mallorca are lower than the UK average. If a particular medication is not available on the market, you can ask your doctor for a prescription. Several pharmacies in Mallorca offer prescription drugs at significant discounts of up to 50% or even 80% off the price.

In summary, living in Mallorca means a lower risk of illness, which in turn leads to lower medical costs.

Where retirees live in Mallorca

Living in Mallorca as a retiree has become a popular trend rather than just a distant dream. Numerous British citizens of retirement age have already made Majorca their permanent residence. The UK government and businesses in Mallorca are responding positively to this trend.

There are already property developments on the island specifically designed for retirees. These are gated residential complexes located in upscale areas in the southwest region of Mallorca. The idea behind these residential complexes is to provide rental luxury apartments in newly constructed buildings exclusively for UK retirees.

Spa complex. Wellness treatments. Round-the-clock, trained staff. Access to a swimming pool. Training sessions with a trainer. Choice of full-board meals. Medical check-up. Exfoliation. Massage. Yoga. Mesotherapy. Pilates.

These properties usually overlook the sea or directly on the golf course. Renting a room in such a luxury retirement hotel starts at €1,500 per month.

However, many UK retirees do not have to contemplate renting a property in Mallorca, as they have already purchased or are planning to purchase a house on the island. Apartments located in a gated complex by the sea are often deemed the most desirable option. These apartments come equipped with communal amenities such as a swimming pool, garden area, gym, winter pool, private parking, and professional staff services to manage the complex. The starting price is around 300,000 euros.

Fincas, which are country houses, are also a sought-after purchase in Mallorca. These properties are located away from the tourist crowds and are surrounded by the island's natural beauty. They can serve as personal holiday homes or generate additional income as holiday rentals. The starting price for a Finca in Mallorca is €400,000.

People who wish to make Mallorca their permanent home can consider buying a house on the island. A house for sale in the southwest region of Mallorca, located directly by the sea, can be found for around €330,000.

View the entire Mallorca real estate catalogue!

Staying in Majorca in winter times

As we have said before, some central European countries budgeted for partial or complete subsidies during the pandemic to cover the costs of pensioners' holidays at sea. These days, such subsidies are an even bigger issue in the UK. This is because the effects of the coronavirus have been compounded by the European energy crisis.

Against this backdrop, for example, Marija Linnhoff, president of the Association of Independent Travel Agencies (VUSR), proposed at a recent meeting to subsidise long trips for German pensioners to warmer countries during the winter. Linnhoff argues for the threat of a boycott of gas supplies to European countries.

In an interview with Mallorca Zeitung, she said: "The price of such a trip to Mallorca is currently around €1,300 per person. That's 50 days in a good mid-range hotel in Mallorca with half board and flights. If you have your accommodation in Mallorca, the accommodation for the same period will be €950 per person".

Frau Marija Linnhoff proposes to subsidise 30% to 60% of this amount which would save on gas consumption. Ensure that UK pensioners can spend the winter in Mallorca to recuperate and live in a warmer climate.

However, it is worth noting that pension benefits will be fully maintained for British citizens as Mallorca is also part of the EU. 

Wrapping it up  

After reading this article, it is clear that living in Mallorca can be much more cost-effective than living in the UK. However, it's important to note that the largest expense when living in Mallorca is often renting a property, with expats spending up to 22% of their monthly budget on rent.

Despite this, other costs of living in Mallorca are relatively low. The average monthly expenses on the island are at least 20% lower than in any major UK city, and the cost per square meter is 50% lower.

Furthermore, living in Mallorca means you will need fewer clothes and shoes, and the great environment and sea air can contribute to good health. Illness can be costly, so living in Mallorca can offer a chance to spend ample time in the sun, which in turn can lift your spirits and potentially prolong your life. 

Ultimately, deciding to retire in Mallorca or the UK will depend on personal preferences and circumstances. Some retirees may value the warm climate and relaxed lifestyle of Mallorca. In contrast, others may prefer to stay in the UK for its infrastructure, healthcare, and social connections. It's essential to carefully consider all the factors and thoroughly research before deciding. 

TOP-5 reasons why people choose to live in Mallorca on retirement 

1.    Climate: Mallorca's warm and sunny climate is attractive to many retirees. The island enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers, which can be particularly appealing to those looking to escape cold and rainy weather. 

2.    Natural Beauty: Mallorca is known for its stunning natural scenery, including beautiful beaches, mountains, and rural areas. Retirees who enjoy spending time outdoors and appreciate natural beauty may find Mallorca particularly appealing. 

3.    Affordable Cost of Living: Compared to other popular retirement destinations, the cost of living in Mallorca can be relatively affordable, particularly in terms of housing costs. This can make it an attractive option for retirees looking to stretch their retirement savings. 

4.    Lifestyle: Mallorca has a relaxed and easy-going lifestyle that can be particularly attractive to retirees. The island has a rich cultural heritage and offers a variety of activities, including outdoor sports, arts and culture, and dining experiences. 

5.    Health and Wellness: Mallorca strongly focuses on health and wellness, with many spas, wellness centres, and health-oriented communities. Retirees prioritising their health and fitness may find Mallorca a desirable option. 

If you're considering buying, selling, or renting a property in Mallorca, the Mallorca Property team is an excellent resource to turn to. Our team members have firsthand experience living in the area; many have even relocated their families to Mallorca from the UK and Europe. This means we can offer you valuable insights and advice on what living in the region is like. 

Whether you're looking for information on the local real estate market, want to arrange a property transaction, or simply have questions about what it's like to live in Mallorca, the Mallorca Property team is always available to help. Get in touch with us today and see how we can assist you.

Further Articles to Read

1.    Mallorca Property Prices Report

2.     Cost of Living Comparison between Mallorca and the UK

3.     Best Markets in Mallorca

4.    A Guide to moving to Mallorca