Canarian cost of living goes up
THE Canary Islands residents will have to tighten their belts even more, as it looks like making ends meet from now on will cost on average 100 euros more for a family of four, every month.
After the tax increase that took effect on July 1st, the shopping bill is approximately 32 euros more expensive, because the tax which applies to staples has risen from 2% to 3%. Add to this the increase in gasoline (7%), electric bills (3.95%), the phone (7%), tobacco (0.5%), butane (6%), alcoholic beverages (0.5%), low alcohol beer (2%) and clothing (1%).
So, to feed a couple with two children each month costs about 325 euros, then add other expenses, such as hygiene products, tobacco or drink. Added together, families will find, by late July, that the shopping cart has gone up by about 35 euros.
Then add to that the cost of keeping a car on the road, at an average of five euros more every time you fill up. Given that the average household has two vehicles and uses roughly two tanks a week, the fuel bill will be 40 euros more expensive per month.
And as if this were not enough, the burden of balancing the books at home is increased by the fact that the phone, which until now had no tax levy in the archipelago, now charges 7% tax.
Taxes paid on butane also rise by 6%, so a bottle, which until now cost just under 16 euros, is up to 16.45 euros. Another euro per month, if a family consumes at least two bottles.
As icing on the cake, the electricity bill is not immune to the rise. The bill for a household of four is 100 euros, which will be almost four euros higher.
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