Spain is a fantastic Mediterranean country that attracts thousands of expats every year. Its advantages include great weather, delicious cuisine, rich culture and a laid-back lifestyle. Despite its high standard of living, Spain is considered one of the the cheapest countries in Western Europe, and its cost of living is lower than in 52% countries in the world.
Is it expensive to live in Spain? Life here is generally quite inexpensive.
- For a comfortable stay families of two people required budget from 1800 to 2500€ per month.
- In rural areas or outside large cities, these costs are approximately 1300–1800€ per month.
We offer a complete breakdown of the main costs for those planning to move.
1. Housing: Renting and buying real estate
Affordable housing is one of the main advantages of moving to Spain.
Rental cost
Rental prices vary significantly by region. The most expensive regions are Barcelona, Madrid, Palma de Mallorca and San Sebastian.
| City/Region | Type of accommodation | Average monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona / Valencia | Furnished two-room apartment | 1200€ – 2000€ |
| Madrid (center) | One-room apartment | 1500€ |
| Madrid (outside the center) | One-room apartment | €900 – €1100 (or €950) |
| Valencia (center) | One-room apartment | €600 – €750 |
| Seville | One-room apartment (center) | 500€ |
| Alicante / Malaga (center) | One-room apartments | €600 – €850 |
| Small towns | One-room apartment | €500 – €800 |
For a family of three or four looking for a two-bedroom apartment, rent could cost: in Valencia 1800–2000€ per month; in a suburb of Alicante (such as San Juan) 1700–1800€; and in small towns (Torrevieja, Gandia) 700–1000€.
Rent a separate rooms in large cities ranges from 300 to 700€.
Buying real estate
The average cost of one square meter of housing in the country is from 2500 to 3500€.
- In Madrid and Barcelona, prices are much higher: 4500 – 6500€ per square meter.
- In Barcelona, a new two-bedroom apartment starts from 250 000€.
- In smaller cities such as Murcia and Granada, the cost of a one-bedroom apartment can be around 90 000€.
Utilities and communications
Basic utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage collection and building maintenance) for an apartment of 85 m² cost on average 100–150€ per month.
It is worth considering that in the summer the electricity bill increases due to frequent use of air conditioning, and in the winter - due to heating. On average, one square meter of housing costs from 1.1 to 1.5 euros in utility costs.
An all-inclusive tariff plan (telephone, Internet, TV) costs approximately 20–50€ per month. High-speed unlimited cable Internet will cost about 40€ per month.
2. Food and restaurant expenses
Food prices in Spain are relatively low. The country has a strong agricultural industry, making it easy to stick to a budget.
Grocery cart
Average budget for purchasing products for families of two people constitutes 200–300€ per month. For families of four this amount can reach 600–800€, or €150–180 per week (depending on habits).
Examples of prices for basic products:
- Milk (1 l): 1,05€
- Bread: 1,06€
- 12 eggs: 2,95€
- Cheese (1 kg): 14€ (or local cheese 12.03€)
- Olive oil (1 liter): 4€
- Beef (1 kg): 13,90€
- Bananas (1 kg): 1,17€
Eating out
Eating out is also quite affordable:
- Menu of the Day (menu of the day) costs on average 10–15€It includes a first and main course, a drink (which can be wine or beer), bread, and dessert or coffee.
- Dinner for two in a mid-range establishment costs from 40€ or close to 70–80€ (for a good dinner with a glass of wine).
- Lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant will cost around 100€.
- Cappuccino – 1,65€, a cup of coffee in a cafe – 1.50–2€.
- A bottle of beer – 2,5€, a bottle of wine – 5€.
3. Transportation costs
The transport infrastructure in Spain is well developed, including buses, trams and metro (in large cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia).
Public transport
Transportation costs are quite reasonable:
- One-way ticket: 1.50–4€ (depending on the city).
- Monthly pass: 35–45€ or from 20€ (depending on the number of zones).
- A metro ride in Valencia can cost 40–50 cents if you have a ticket.
- Ticket for the high-speed train Madrid - Barcelona: 65–128€ (it is recommended to book in advance to save money).
Bicycles are also a popular form of transport. Rental with an annual subscription in Madrid costs up to 25€ (plus €0.50 for every half hour), and in Barcelona – 50€ (plus €0.35 for every half hour).
Private car
The costs of owning your own car include fuel, insurance, registration, and maintenance.
- The cost of fuel (gasoline) is approximately 1.35–1.9€ per liter.
- The average monthly car maintenance will cost about 150€.
- Annual insurance can range from 300 to 600€.
- Annual vehicle tax: 50–150€ (electric vehicles are exempt from this tax).
4. Healthcare and education
Medicine
Spain is known for its affordable and high-quality healthcare system. Public health system there are free of charge for citizens and permanent residents whose employers pay social security contributions.
The main advantage of state insurance is discounts on medicines in pharmacies that can reach 40–90%However, the disadvantage is the long queues for consultations or surgeries, sometimes you have to wait weeks or even months.
Private health insurance provides faster access to specialists. The cost of private insurance is 40–70€ per month for one person. Private insurance may cover 80–90% of treatment costs.
In the article Health insurance in Spain: types, conditions, prices and tips you will find more information about medicine in Spain.
Education
Public kindergartens and schools in Spain free. Parents only pay for meals, and you can get compensation or benefits. Education in public schools is conducted in Spanish.
- Semi-private (Catholic) schools: have mixed financing. The cost is from 80 to 400€ per month per child, and this amount already includes meals, clubs, and school uniforms. These schools are also called colegio concertado.
- Private (international) schools: the cost of tuition, including meals and additional expenses, is from 500 to 1000€ per month per child. This is often cheaper than in many other European countries.
5. Additional expenses and entertainment
Spain offers many opportunities for active recreation, and the holiday atmosphere is felt even in small towns.
- Fitness club membership: approximately 20–40€ per month.
- Tennis court rental: 11€ per hour.
- Two movie tickets: 16€ (or one ticket 8–10€).
- Two tickets to the theater: 52€.
- Entertainment in general: from 50 to 100€ per month.
- Cocktail at the bar: from 5 to 12€.
In summer, the main points of attraction are the beaches (almost all municipal and free) and seasonal outdoor pools. Entrance to the pool can cost 3–4€.
6. Final budget (Indicative calculations)
Approximate monthly budgets for 2025 for a comfortable life:
| Category | Monthly budget (approximate) |
|---|---|
| One person in a big city | 1500–1800€ |
| Family of four in a big city | 3000–3500€ |
| One person in a small town/rural area | 1200–1500€ |
| Family of four (minimum budget, small town) | From 1750€ |
Spain is an ideal country to move to, combining a low cost of living, a good climate, a rich culture and career prospects.