Average Wages in Spain 2024
Up to date monthly and annual average wages in Spain. See the currrent gross and net salaries in Spain and compare to other European countries.
My Dolce Casa Team
How Much is a House in Portugal in US Dollars? Here Are the Most and Least Expensive Cities to Buy a Home
The national average price of a 2,000-square-foot home in Portugal is $530,000, according to the latest My Dolce Casa real estate report. The average home price in Portugal has increased by about 6% in the past year, as the country has become one of the top homebuying destinations for Americans. In comparison, the U.S. median … Read more
Is Spain Ending Its Popular Golden Visa Program?
Spain has announced plans to end its golden visa program, which grants Spanish residency to foreigners who invest in real estate, starting from 2024. The decision comes as part of the government’s efforts to increase the availability of affordable housing for locals and ensure that housing is treated as a right and not just a … Read more
Germany House Prices 2024
The average price of a house for sale in Germany is $562,000, and the price to buy an apartment in Germany is on average $253,600 in 2024. The home price per square foot in Germany is $281, while the apartment price per square foot is $317. Home prices in Germany are higher than real estate … Read more
These 8 Countries in Europe Have a Higher Minimum Wage than the U.S.
When it comes to earning a living, the stark differences in minimum wage laws can be a deciding factor for people contemplating a move abroad. For Americans looking to work overseas, salary comparisons with European countries shed light on how much people earn in Europe versus the United States. My Dolce Casa‘s analysis of recently … Read more
Working Abroad: What Are Totalization Agreements?
A totalization agreement is a bilateral agreement between two countries that coordinates their social security programs to protect the benefits of people who have worked in both countries. These agreements are designed to address issues that arise when a worker splits their career between countries with different social security systems. The key aspects of totalization … Read more
Retiring in France: What is the Official Retirement Age in France?
The retirement age in France has recently undergone significant changes, being raised from 62 to 64 years of age, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s social and economic policy landscape. This adjustment has not only sparked considerable debate within France but also drawn attention to how retirement ages are set and adjusted in other … Read more
2024 Best Places to Live in Southern Europe
In 2024, Southern Europe showcases a fantastic list of best cities to live, where life is more than a picturesque postcard; it’s about community, innovation, and tradition. Every year, My Dolce Casa looks at the latest quality of life index from Numbeo, which includes costs, safety, environment, property prices and climate ratings, to see what … Read more
Expat Interview: What You Need to Know About Buying a Home in Italy as a Foreigner
Imola, an EU citizen from Budapest, Hungary recently bought an apartment in the beautiful region of Liguria, Italy. She agreed to share with My Dolce Casa the details of her experience and her advice for other expats aspiring to purchase property in Italy. How did you decide to purchase a home in Italy? I have … Read more
How Much Does It Cost to Rent in France?
The average monthly rent in France, in US dollars, for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,200 in 2024, while a three-bedroom house for rent costs on average $2,200 per month, nationally. In Euros, the monthly rent of an average apartment in France is €1,100, while a house for rent costs around €2,200 per month. Long-term rents … Read more
Moving to Portugal: Honest Answers to Common Silly Questions
So, you’re dreaming of a life where the Atlantic breeze mingles with the scent of fresh pastéis de nata. Portugal is calling you, and you have big expectations and so so many questions. Before you pack your bags, let’s sift through your FAQ list with a blend of humor and stark reality. Because, if we … Read more
What Is the Schengen Shuffle and What Are the Best Countries to Do It?
The “Schengen Shuffle” refers to a practice used by some travelers to navigate the visa restrictions in the Schengen Area of Europe. The Schengen Area is a zone comprising several European countries that have abolished passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders. For many non-European Union (EU) nationals, this means … Read more
Romania and Bulgaria Set to Join the European Schengen Area in 2024
Romania and Bulgaria are poised to join the European Schengen area for air and sea travel in March 2024, following a landmark agreement with Austria, the Romanian government announced earlier this month. The Romanian Interior Ministry confirmed that a “political agreement” was reached among the three countries, allowing for the expansion of the Schengen zone … Read more
Top Portuguese cities with the largest communities of American expats
The number of Americans living in Portugal has been increasing rapidly since the NHR tax incentive program and the Golden Visa were first introduced over a decade ago, reaching a total of 6,885 according to the latest statistics published in September 2023 by the Portuguese Strategies and Studies Office. Americans are intrigued and fascinated by … Read more
What home size can you buy in Portugal for $300,000?
Portugal is a small country that offers a diverse range of real estate options for foreigners looking to buy a home. When planning a home purchase in Portugal, understanding what your budget can buy can help you choose the right location to invest in. This article delves into what a budget of $300,000 can secure … Read more
Americans’ Interest in Moving to Europe Drops in 2023: The Most Popular Countries Are the Biggest Losers
Key takeaways: Interest in moving to Europe from the U.S. dwindled in 2023, as online searches for living abroad dropped by 14%. The United Kingdom, Germany and Portugal saw the sharpest drops in interest, more than 20%, compared to one year prior. Out of the top 15 most sought-after countries in Europe for Americans, only … Read more
Nice, France from January to December: What to expect every month of the year
Are you planning a visit or moving to Nice, France, and wondering what the weather is like and what events are taking place during your visit? Nice, France is a widely known tourist destination in the South of France and a great place to live, known for its sunny Mediterranean climate and upscale lifestyle filled … Read more
Barcelona from January to December: What’s the weather like and what to do each month
Planning a trip or a long stay in Barcelona, Spain, and wondering what Barcelona’s weather has in store for you? Let’s explore the climate and seasonal variations of this popular Mediterranean city, along with the best activities and places to see during each month, according to locals. Barcelona consistently ranks as one of the best … Read more
Madrid from January to December: What’s it like and what to do each month
Planning a visit or a longer stay in Madrid, Spain, and wondering if its hot and dry or cool and rainy? The weather in Madrid experiences some extreme temperatures in the Summer and Winter, with the hottest month being July at 89°F and the coldest being January at 37°F. The city is known for its … Read more
Weather in Lyon, France: What it’s like and what to do every month
Planning to check out the beautiful city of Lyon, France, and wondering what the weather will be like? Look no further. Lyon enjoys relatively warm temperatures throughout the year, with July being typically the hottest month, with an average high of 81°F (27°C), while January sees lows of around 32°F (0°C), according to timeanddate.com. In … Read more