I know I wanted to know about cost before I came, so here is an idea: I kept a budget of about $200 a month and most people I know, did not go much over $350 a month unless they really like to shop, go out etc... (Currency conversion fluxuated b/w 182-196 ptas to dollar this year).

Average cost

1. Saturday nights in the plaza and dancing:

600 pesetas to share a bottle of alcohol between 3-4 people (includes 1/5 liquor, 2 litre soda and the glasses)

500 pesetas club entrance (maybe more if you are a guy)

350 pesetas pack of cigarettes

500 pesetas drink inside club

250 pesetas coffee & churros in the morning.

2.200 pesetas total

-Cup of coffee: between 100 and 200 pesetas

-Beer: pint of brand name beer at O´Connel´s Irish pub-450 pesetas

Glass of Cruzcampo (local beer) 150 to200 pesetas

40 oz Cruzcampo 175 to 250 pesetas.

Candy: at candy stores 5 to 25 pesetas a piece, or more for other items.

Clothing: it varies depending on the store. A good deal is 2000 pesetas for a pair of pants ($10-11)

Movies. 475 to 600 pesetas depending on the day.

It is not the daily coffee, beer, etc that gets you, it´s the shopping, Either way is a lot cheaper than the US.

Also, I bought a handmade guitar from in Algodonales (pueblo blanco) for about $250, which included the case. It is bottom of the line and still excellent. (Raychel O´Hare, NW Cádiz Program, 2000-2001)