Cost of Living in Spain 2025: Complete Budget Guide

Spain offers affordable living costs compared to most Western European countries and the USA. A single person can live comfortably in Spain on €1,500-€2,500/month ($1,630-$2,715), including rent, food, utilities, transportation, and entertainment. Couples need €2,500-€4,000/month, while families of four require €3,500-€5,500/month depending on location and lifestyle.

This guide provides detailed cost breakdowns for every aspect of living in Spain, from housing and groceries to healthcare and entertainment, helping you budget accurately for your move.

Quick Cost Overview: Spain vs. UK vs. USA

Expense	Spain	UK	USA	Savings vs. UK	Savings vs. USA
Rent (1-bed city center)	€900 ($977)	£1,200 ($1,548)	$1,800	30%	45%
Groceries (monthly)	€300 ($326)	£350 ($452)	$450	35%	40%
Utilities	€120 ($130)	€200 ($217)	$200	40%	35%
Public Transit (monthly)	€45 ($49)	£100 ($129)	$100	55%	50%
Restaurant Meal	€15 ($16)	£20 ($26)	$22	40%	35%
Healthcare (private)	€100 ($109)	£150 ($194)	$500	50%	80%
Internet (fiber)	€40 ($43)	£35 ($45)	$70	10%	40%
Total Monthly (single)	€1,800 ($1,955)	£2,500 ($3,225)	$3,200	45%	40%

Spain is 30-45% cheaper than the UK and USA overall, with the biggest savings in healthcare, dining out, and transportation.

Monthly Budget Examples

Budget Living (€1,200-€1,800/month for Single Person)

Monthly Breakdown:

• Rent: €500-€800 (studio or 1-bedroom, medium city or suburbs)
• Utilities: €80-€120 (electricity, water, gas)
• Groceries: €200-€300 (cooking at home)
• Transportation: €40-€60 (public transit pass)
• Phone + Internet: €50-€70
• Healthcare: €50-€100 (private insurance or public contribution)
• Entertainment: €100-€200 (dining out 2-3x/month, activities)
• Miscellaneous: €80-€150 (personal care, clothing, emergencies)

Lifestyle:

• Studio apartment in medium city or suburbs of major city
• Cook most meals at home
• Use public transportation
• Limited dining out and entertainment
• Basic private health insurance

Cities Where This Works:

• Seville, Granada, Málaga suburbs, Valencia suburbs
• Small cities: Cáceres, Salamanca, León
• Rural areas

Comfortable Living (€2,000-€3,000/month for Single Person)

Monthly Breakdown:

• Rent: €800-€1,200 (1-2 bedroom, good neighborhood in medium/large city)
• Utilities: €100-€150
• Groceries: €300-€450 (quality ingredients, occasional dining out)
• Transportation: €100-€200 (car ownership or public transit + occasional taxis/Uber)
• Phone + Internet: €60-€80
• Healthcare: €100-€150 (comprehensive private insurance)
• Entertainment: €400-€600 (dining out weekly, cinema, travel, hobbies)
• Gym/Fitness: €30-€50
• Miscellaneous: €110-€220 (personal care, clothing, emergencies)

Lifestyle:

• 1-2 bedroom apartment in good neighborhood
• Mix of home cooking and dining out (4-6 times/month)
• Car ownership or extensive public transit use
• Regular entertainment (cinema, concerts, weekend trips)
• Comprehensive health insurance

Cities Where This Works:

• Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Málaga
• Coastal cities: Alicante, San Sebastián

Luxury Living (€3,500-€5,000+/month for Single Person)

Monthly Breakdown:

• Rent: €1,500-€2,500 (2-3 bedroom, premium location, modern amenities)
• Utilities: €150-€250
• Groceries: €500-€700 (premium ingredients, organic, specialty items)
• Transportation: €300-€500 (car ownership + parking + occasional travel)
• Phone + Internet: €80-€120 (premium plans)
• Healthcare: €150-€300 (premium private insurance with international coverage)
• Entertainment: €800-€1,200 (frequent dining out, travel, events, hobbies)
• Gym/Fitness: €50-€150 (premium gym or personal training)
• Miscellaneous: €300-€500 (personal care, clothing, emergencies, savings)

Lifestyle:

• 2-3 bedroom apartment in premium neighborhood (Salamanca Madrid, Eixample Barcelona)
• Frequent dining out at quality restaurants
• Car ownership with parking
• Regular travel and entertainment
• Premium health insurance
• High-quality goods and services

Cities:

• Madrid (Salamanca, Chamberí), Barcelona (Eixample, Gràcia), Marbella

Housing Costs by City

Housing is the largest expense when living in Spain. Costs vary dramatically by city and neighborhood.

Madrid (Capital)

Rental Prices:

• Studio: €700-€1,000/month (center), €500-€700 (suburbs)
• 1-Bedroom: €900-€1,400/month (center), €700-€1,000 (suburbs)
• 2-Bedroom: €1,200-€2,000/month (center), €900-€1,400 (suburbs)
• 3-Bedroom: €1,800-€3,000/month (center), €1,200-€2,000 (suburbs)

Purchase Prices:

• City Center: €4,000-€6,000/m² (€320,000-€480,000 for 80m² apartment)
• Suburbs: €2,500-€3,500/m² (€200,000-€280,000 for 80m²)

Premium Neighborhoods: Salamanca, Chamberí, Retiro (€5,000-€8,000/m²) Affordable Neighborhoods: Carabanchel, Vallecas, Villaverde (€1,800-€2,500/m²)

Learn more: Living in Madrid

Barcelona (Catalonia)

Rental Prices:

• Studio: €800-€1,200/month (center), €600-€900 (suburbs)
• 1-Bedroom: €1,000-€1,600/month (center), €800-€1,200 (suburbs)
• 2-Bedroom: €1,400-€2,200/month (center), €1,100-€1,600 (suburbs)
• 3-Bedroom: €2,000-€3,500/month (center), €1,500-€2,500 (suburbs)

Purchase Prices:

• City Center: €4,500-€7,000/m² (€360,000-€560,000 for 80m²)
• Suburbs: €3,000-€4,000/m² (€240,000-€320,000 for 80m²)

Premium Neighborhoods: Eixample, Gràcia, Sarrià (€6,000-€10,000/m²) Affordable Neighborhoods: Nou Barris, Sant Andreu (€2,500-€3,500/m²)

Learn more: Living in Barcelona Learn more: Barcelona Apartments for Rent

Valencia (Mediterranean Coast)

Rental Prices:

• Studio: €500-€800/month (center), €400-€600 (suburbs)
• 1-Bedroom: €700-€1,100/month (center), €550-€850 (suburbs)
• 2-Bedroom: €900-€1,400/month (center), €700-€1,100 (suburbs)
• 3-Bedroom: €1,200-€1,900/month (center), €900-€1,400 (suburbs)

Purchase Prices:

• City Center: €2,500-€3,500/m² (€200,000-€280,000 for 80m²)
• Suburbs: €1,800-€2,500/m² (€144,000-€200,000 for 80m²)

Valencia is 25-35% cheaper than Madrid/Barcelona with similar quality of life.

Learn more: Living in Valencia

Seville (Andalusia)

Rental Prices:

• Studio: €450-€700/month (center), €350-€550 (suburbs)
• 1-Bedroom: €600-€950/month (center), €500-€750 (suburbs)
• 2-Bedroom: €800-€1,300/month (center), €650-€1,000 (suburbs)
• 3-Bedroom: €1,100-€1,800/month (center), €850-€1,400 (suburbs)

Purchase Prices:

• City Center: €2,000-€3,000/m² (€160,000-€240,000 for 80m²)
• Suburbs: €1,500-€2,200/m² (€120,000-€176,000 for 80m²)

Seville is 35-45% cheaper than Madrid/Barcelona.

Málaga / Costa del Sol (Andalusia)

Rental Prices (Málaga City):

• Studio: €600-€900/month (center), €500-€700 (suburbs)
• 1-Bedroom: €800-€1,200/month (center), €650-€950 (suburbs)
• 2-Bedroom: €1,000-€1,600/month (center), €850-€1,300 (suburbs)

Coastal Towns (Marbella, Fuengirola, Estepona):

• 1-Bedroom: €800-€1,500/month (beachfront premium)
• 2-Bedroom: €1,200-€2,200/month

Purchase Prices:

• Málaga Center: €2,500-€3,800/m²
• Coastal Towns: €3,000-€6,000/m² (Marbella €4,000-€10,000/m²)

Alicante / Costa Blanca (Valencia Region)

Rental Prices:

• Studio: €500-€800/month
• 1-Bedroom: €650-€1,000/month
• 2-Bedroom: €850-€1,400/month

Purchase Prices:

• City Center: €1,800-€2,800/m²
• Coastal Areas: €2,000-€3,500/m²

Costa Blanca is very affordable compared to Costa del Sol.

Bilbao (Basque Country)

Rental Prices:

• Studio: €550-€850/month
• 1-Bedroom: €750-€1,150/month
• 2-Bedroom: €1,000-€1,600/month

Purchase Prices: €3,000-€4,500/m²

Bilbao is mid-range pricing, similar to Valencia.

Small Cities (Granada, Salamanca, León, Cáceres)

Rental Prices:

• Studio: €300-€550/month
• 1-Bedroom: €400-€700/month
• 2-Bedroom: €550-€900/month

Purchase Prices: €1,200-€2,000/m²

Small cities offer the best value for budget-conscious expats.

Rural Spain

Rental Prices:

• 2-3 Bedroom House: €250-€600/month

Purchase Prices:

• Village House: €30,000-€100,000 (often needs renovation)
• Renovated House: €100,000-€200,000

Rural Spain is extremely affordable but requires a car and Spanish language skills.

Food and Groceries

Monthly Grocery Costs

Single Person:

• Budget: €150-€250/month (basic supermarkets, cooking at home)
• Comfortable: €250-€400/month (mix of supermarkets and quality ingredients)
• Premium: €400-€600/month (organic, specialty items, imported goods)

Couple:

• Budget: €300-€450/month
• Comfortable: €450-€700/month
• Premium: €700-€1,000/month

Family of 4:

• Budget: €500-€800/month
• Comfortable: €800-€1,200/month
• Premium: €1,200-€1,800/month

Typical Grocery Prices

Item	Price
Bread (loaf)	€1.00-€2.00
Milk (1 liter)	€0.80-€1.20
Eggs (12)	€2.00-€3.50
Chicken breast (1kg)	€6.00-€9.00
Rice (1kg)	€1.00-€2.00
Pasta (500g)	€0.80-€1.50
Tomatoes (1kg)	€1.50-€3.00
Potatoes (1kg)	€1.00-€2.00
Apples (1kg)	€1.50-€2.50
Olive oil (1L)	€4.00-€8.00
Wine (bottle)	€3.00-€8.00
Beer (6-pack)	€3.00-€6.00
Cheese (250g)	€2.50-€5.00

Supermarket Tiers:

• Budget: Mercadona, Lidl, Dia (cheapest)
• Mid-Range: Carrefour, Eroski, Alcampo
• Premium: El Corte Inglés, Sánchez Romero (expensive, imported goods)

Dining Out Costs

Restaurants:

• Menu del Día (weekday lunch special): €10-€15 (3 courses + drink)
• Casual restaurant (dinner): €15-€25 per person
• Mid-range restaurant: €25-€40 per person
• Fine dining: €50-€100+ per person

Cafés and Bars:

• Coffee (café con leche): €1.50-€2.50
• Beer (caña, small draft): €2.00-€3.50
• Wine (glass): €2.50-€5.00
• Tapas (small plate): €3.00-€7.00
• Pintxos (Basque tapas): €2.00-€4.00 each

Fast Food:

• McDonald’s meal: €8.00-€10.00
• Kebab: €5.00-€7.00
• Pizza (whole): €8.00-€15.00

Spain’s dining out is 30-50% cheaper than UK/USA, especially with Menu del Día lunch specials.

Utilities and Home Costs

Monthly Utility Costs

Electricity + Gas:

• Studio/1-Bedroom: €60-€100/month
• 2-Bedroom: €80-€150/month
• 3-Bedroom: €100-€200/month

Factors Affecting Costs:

• Summer (air conditioning): €120-€250/month (hot regions)
• Winter (heating): €100-€200/month (cold regions)
• Energy-efficient apartment: €60-€100/month year-round

Water:

• €20-€40/month (apartment)
• €30-€60/month (house)

Internet + Phone:

• Basic fiber (300 Mbps): €30-€40/month
• Fiber + mobile bundle: €40-€60/month (includes 1-2 mobile lines)
• Premium (600-1000 Mbps): €50-€80/month

Popular Providers:

• Movistar Fusión: €40-€60/month (fiber + mobile)
• Vodafone: €35-€55/month
• Orange: €35-€50/month

Community Fees (Apartment Buildings):

• €30-€150/month depending on amenities (pool, elevator, doorman)

Total Monthly Utilities (2-bedroom apartment):

• Basic: €120-€200/month (electricity, water, internet)
• With A/C in summer: €180-€300/month

Learn more: Remote Work in Spain (for internet quality info)

Transportation Costs

Public Transportation

Monthly Transit Passes:

• Madrid: €54.60 (Zone A, unlimited metro/bus)
• Barcelona: €40.00 (single zone, T-Usual)
• Valencia: €43.50 (unlimited metro/bus)
• Seville: €38.85 (unlimited bus/metro)
• Málaga: €44.00 (unlimited bus/metro)
• Bilbao: €37.50 (unlimited metro/bus)

Single Tickets:

• €1.50-€2.50 per trip

Spain’s public transit is 50-60% cheaper than UK/USA and well-developed in major cities.

Car Ownership

Car Purchase:

• New car (compact): €15,000-€25,000
• Used car (3-5 years old): €8,000-€15,000
• Used car (10+ years old): €2,000-€6,000

Monthly Car Costs:

• Car payment (if financed): €200-€400/month
• Insurance: €35-€80/month (€420-€960/year)
• Fuel: €100-€200/month (depends on usage)
• Parking (city center): €80-€200/month
• Road tax (annual, divide by 12): €10-€20/month
• Maintenance: €50-€100/month (average)

Total: €475-€1,000/month for car ownership

Fuel Prices:

• Gasoline: €1.50-€1.70/liter
• Diesel: €1.40-€1.60/liter

Tolls (Autopistas):

• €0.10-€0.15/km
• Madrid-Barcelona (620km): ~€30-€40

Car ownership in cities is often unnecessary due to excellent public transit. Rural areas require a car.

Taxis and Rideshare

Taxi:

• Base fare: €2.50-€4.00
• Per km: €1.00-€1.50
• Airport to city center: €20-€40 (major cities)

Uber/Cabify:

• Similar to taxi prices in Spain (heavily regulated)
• Available in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga, Seville

Flights (Domestic and Europe)

Domestic Flights:

• Madrid-Barcelona: €30-€100 (1 hour, frequent)
• Madrid-Málaga: €25-€80 (1 hour)
• Barcelona-Seville: €40-€120 (1.5 hours)

Flights to Europe:

• Spain-London: €30-€100 (2-3 hours)
• Spain-Paris: €40-€120 (2 hours)
• Spain-Berlin: €50-€150 (2.5 hours)

Budget Airlines: Ryanair, Vueling, easyJet (very cheap, watch baggage fees)

Healthcare Costs

Public Healthcare

If you work in Spain or pay into Social Security:

• Free (or €3-€10 copay for prescriptions)

If you don’t work (retirees, non-workers):

• Convenio Especial: €60-€157/month (based on age)
• Covers all public healthcare services

Quality: Spain ranked #7 globally by WHO. Comparable to UK’s NHS.

Learn more: Spanish Healthcare Guide

Private Health Insurance

Monthly Premiums:

• Age 20-40: €50-€80/month
• Age 40-60: €80-€120/month
• Age 60-75: €120-€200/month
• Age 75+: €200-€350/month

Recommended Insurers:

• Sanitas: €60-€150/month
• Adeslas: €50-€140/month
• ASISA: €55-€145/month
• Cigna Global: €150-€400/month (international coverage)

Dental (separate):

• €15-€30/month for dental insurance
• Or pay per visit: €50-€150 for routine cleaning/checkup

Healthcare in Spain is 60-80% cheaper than USA and comparable to UK.

Entertainment and Lifestyle

Gym and Fitness

Monthly Gym Membership:

• Budget gyms: €20-€35/month (BasicFit, McFit)
• Mid-range gyms: €35-€60/month (Fitness19, Metropolitan)
• Premium gyms: €60-€120/month (Holmes Place, DIR)

Yoga/Pilates studios: €50-€90/month (unlimited classes)

Outdoor activities (free):

• Beaches, hiking trails, public parks

Social Activities

Cinema:

• €8-€12 per ticket
• Día del Espectador (cheap day): €5-€7 (usually Wednesday)

Theater/Concert:

• €20-€60 per ticket (varies widely)

Nightlife:

• Beer (bar): €2.50-€4.00
• Cocktail: €8-€12
• Nightclub entry: €10-€20 (often includes 1 drink)

Sports Events:

• La Liga football match: €30-€150 (depends on teams)
• Local football: €10-€30

Hobbies and Activities

Language classes:

• €150-€300/month (20 hours group classes)
• €20-€30/hour (private tutor)

Cooking classes:

• €40-€80 per class

Day trips and travel:

• €100-€300/month (weekend trips within Spain)

Taxes and Government Fees

Income Tax

If you’re a Spanish tax resident (183+ days/year):

• 19% on first €12,450
• 24% on €12,451-€20,200
• 30% on €20,201-€35,200
• 37% on €35,201-€60,000
• 45% on €60,001+

Learn more: Spanish Taxes for Expats

Social Security Contributions (If Working)

Employees:

• ~6.35% of gross salary (employer pays additional ~29.9%)

Self-Employed (Autónomo):

• €80/month (first year, Tarifa Plana)
• €294/month (second year)
• €317-€600/month (after 2 years, based on income)

Learn more: Autónomo Guide

Property Taxes (If Owning)

IBI (Property Tax):

• €200-€1,000/year depending on property value and location

Wealth Tax:

• 0.2-3.5% on assets over €700,000 (varies by region)

Education Costs (for Families)

Public Schools

Free for residents (ages 3-18)

• But: Mostly taught in Spanish (or regional language: Catalan, Basque)
• Some English as a second language

Private Spanish Schools

€300-€800/month per child

• Better facilities, smaller class sizes
• Taught in Spanish
• Some bilingual programs (Spanish-English)

International Schools

€8,000-€25,000/year per child (€650-€2,100/month)

• Taught in English (or other languages)
• Follow UK, American, or IB curriculum
• Very expensive but necessary if child doesn’t speak Spanish

Major Cities with International Schools:

• Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga, Alicante, Seville

Education is free in Spain (public schools), but international schools are expensive.

Childcare Costs

Public Daycare (Escuela Infantil):

• €100-€300/month (subsidized for residents, income-based)

Private Daycare:

• €300-€600/month

Babysitter:

• €8-€12/hour

Pet Ownership Costs

Veterinary Care:

• Routine checkup: €30-€60
• Vaccinations: €30-€50/year
• Spay/neuter: €80-€200

Pet Insurance:

• €15-€40/month

Pet Food:

• €30-€80/month (depends on size and quality)

Grooming:

• €30-€60 per session

Cost of Living by Lifestyle: Full Examples

Single Person (Budget, €1,500/month)

• Housing: €600 (1-bedroom, small city)
• Utilities: €100
• Groceries: €250
• Transportation: €45 (public transit)
• Phone/Internet: €60
• Healthcare: €80 (private insurance)
• Entertainment: €150
• Miscellaneous: €115
• Savings: €100

Total: €1,500/month

Lifestyle: Basic but comfortable. Cooking at home, limited dining out, public transit, small city.

Single Person (Comfortable, €2,500/month)

• Housing: €1,000 (1-bedroom, Valencia/Seville)
• Utilities: €130
• Groceries: €350
• Transportation: €150 (car or public transit + taxis)
• Phone/Internet: €70
• Healthcare: €120 (good private insurance)
• Dining Out: €300 (weekly restaurant visits)
• Entertainment: €250 (cinema, events, hobbies)
• Gym: €40
• Miscellaneous: €90

Total: €2,500/month

Lifestyle: Comfortable urban living. Regular dining out, good apartment, car or flexible transport, active social life.

Couple (Comfortable, €3,500/month)

• Housing: €1,200 (2-bedroom, Madrid/Barcelona suburbs)
• Utilities: €150
• Groceries: €600
• Transportation: €200 (public transit for both + occasional taxis)
• Phone/Internet: €80
• Healthcare: €200 (private insurance for 2)
• Dining Out: €500
• Entertainment: €400
• Gym: €70 (both)
• Miscellaneous: €100

Total: €3,500/month

Lifestyle: Comfortable city living for two. Regular dining out, good neighborhood, active social life.

Family of 4 (Comfortable, €4,500/month)

• Housing: €1,600 (3-bedroom, major city suburbs)
• Utilities: €180
• Groceries: €900
• Transportation: €300 (car ownership)
• Phone/Internet: €90
• Healthcare: €300 (private insurance for 4)
• Education: €400 (private Spanish school for 1 child, public for other)
• Childcare: €200 (part-time)
• Dining Out: €350
• Entertainment: €300
• Miscellaneous: €180

Total: €4,500/month

Lifestyle: Comfortable family life. 3-bedroom apartment, car, private school for 1 child, regular activities.

Family of 4 (Luxury, €7,000/month)

• Housing: €2,500 (4-bedroom, premium neighborhood)
• Utilities: €250
• Groceries: €1,200
• Transportation: €600 (2 cars)
• Phone/Internet: €120
• Healthcare: €500 (premium private insurance for 4)
• Education: €1,500 (international school for 2 children)
• Childcare: €400 (full-time nanny)
• Dining Out: €600
• Entertainment: €600
• Travel: €400
• Miscellaneous: €330

Total: €7,000/month

Lifestyle: Luxury family living. Premium location, international schools, nanny, frequent travel.

Money-Saving Tips for Spain

1. Use Menu del Día for Lunch

Save 50-60% on dining out by eating the €10-€15 weekday lunch special (3 courses + drink) instead of ordering à la carte.

2. Shop at Budget Supermarkets

Mercadona, Lidl, and Día are 20-40% cheaper than El Corte Inglés or specialty stores.

3. Use Public Transportation

Avoid car ownership in cities. Save €400-€800/month by using metro/bus passes (€40-€55/month).

4. Join Public Healthcare

After your first year, switch from private insurance (€100-€200/month) to public healthcare (€60-€157/month for non-workers).

5. Buy Property Instead of Renting Long-Term

If staying 5+ years, buying is often cheaper than renting with Spain’s low property prices (€2,000-€4,000/m² in most cities).

6. Learn Spanish

Spanish language skills save money by accessing Spanish landlords (cheaper rent), Spanish services, and avoiding overpriced expat-focused businesses.

7. Use Spanish Mobile Providers

Avoid international roaming plans. Spanish SIM cards cost €10-€30/month (vs. €50-€100 for international plans).

8. Cook at Home with Fresh Ingredients

Spain’s fresh food is extremely cheap (tomatoes €2/kg, bread €1, olive oil €5/L). Cooking at home is 60-70% cheaper than dining out.

9. Take Advantage of Free Activities

Spain offers countless free activities:

• Beaches (no entry fees)
• Hiking trails
• Public parks and plazas
• Free museum days (check schedules)
• Outdoor festivals and events

10. Use Low-Cost Airlines for Travel

Ryanair and Vueling offer €20-€50 flights across Europe. Book 2-3 months ahead for best prices.

Cost of Living by Region Summary

Most Expensive:

1. Barcelona: €2,500-€4,000/month (single person)
2. Madrid: €2,200-€3,800/month
3. San Sebastián: €2,000-€3,500/month
4. Marbella: €2,000-€3,500/month

Mid-Range: 5. Valencia: €1,800-€3,000/month 6. Málaga: €1,700-€2,900/month 7. Bilbao: €1,800-€3,000/month 8. Alicante: €1,600-€2,700/month 9. Seville: €1,600-€2,700/month

Most Affordable: 10. Granada: €1,400-€2,400/month 11. Salamanca: €1,300-€2,200/month 12. Murcia: €1,300-€2,200/month 13. Cáceres: €1,200-€2,000/month 14. Rural Spain: €1,000-€1,800/month

Is Spain Affordable? Final Verdict

Yes, Spain is significantly more affordable than most Western countries:

• 30-40% cheaper than UK
• 40-50% cheaper than USA
• 20-30% cheaper than France or Germany
• Similar cost to Portugal or Greece

Biggest Savings:

• Healthcare: 70-80% cheaper than USA
• Dining out: 40-50% cheaper than UK/USA
• Public transit: 50-60% cheaper
• Fresh food: 30% cheaper

Similar Costs:

• Housing in Madrid/Barcelona (comparable to mid-tier UK/USA cities)
• Technology and electronics
• Cars and fuel

What’s More Expensive:

• International schools (€8,000-€25,000/year)
• Imported goods (electronics, non-EU products)
• Heating/cooling in extreme climates

Next Steps: Budgeting for Your Move

Immediate Actions:

1. Calculate your monthly budget using the examples above
2. Research housing costs in your target city
3. Compare your current expenses to Spanish costs
4. Budget for moving costs (€15,000-€25,000 total)
5. Save 3-6 months of living expenses as emergency fund

Resources:

• Moving to Spain Guide
• Finding Housing in Spain
• Opening a Bank Account
• Spanish Taxes Guide

Need Help? Consider hiring:

• Relocation Agents for housing search and setup
• Financial Advisors for budgeting and tax planning

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much money do I need per month to live in Spain?

€1,500-€2,500/month for a single person living comfortably, €2,500-€4,000/month for a couple, and €3,500-€5,500/month for a family of four. Budget varies significantly by city (Madrid/Barcelona more expensive, small cities much cheaper).

Is Spain cheaper than the UK?

Yes, Spain is 30-40% cheaper than the UK on average. Biggest savings: healthcare (50% cheaper), dining out (40% cheaper), utilities (40% cheaper), and public transit (55% cheaper). Housing in Madrid/Barcelona is similar to mid-tier UK cities.

Is Spain cheaper than the USA?

Yes, Spain is 40-50% cheaper than the USA on average. Biggest savings: healthcare (80% cheaper), dining out (35% cheaper), and public transit (50% cheaper). Housing in major Spanish cities is 30-45% cheaper than major US cities.

What is the cost of housing in Spain?

Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: €500-€800/month (small cities), €700-€1,400/month (Madrid/Barcelona), €600-€1,000/month (Valencia/Seville). Property purchase: €1,500-€3,000/m² (small cities), €3,000-€6,000/m² (Madrid/Barcelona center).

How much do groceries cost in Spain?

€200-€400/month for a single person, €400-€700/month for a couple, €700-€1,200/month for a family of four. Shopping at budget supermarkets (Mercadona, Lidl) saves 20-40% compared to premium stores.

Is healthcare expensive in Spain?

No. Public healthcare is free if you work (or €60-€157/month for non-workers). Private health insurance costs €50-€200/month depending on age. Healthcare is 60-80% cheaper than the USA and comparable to UK NHS.

Do I need a car in Spain?

Not in major cities (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville) which have excellent public transit (€40-€55/month for unlimited pass). Rural areas require a car. Car ownership costs €400-€1,000/month (including payment, insurance, fuel, parking).

How much does it cost to eat out in Spain?

Menu del Día (3-course lunch): €10-€15. Casual dinner: €15-€25 per person. Mid-range restaurant: €25-€40 per person. Coffee: €1.50-€2.50. Beer: €2.00-€3.50. Spain is 40% cheaper for dining out than UK/USA.

What are utility costs in Spain?

€80-€150/month for a 1-2 bedroom apartment (electricity, water, gas, internet). Add €40-€100/month in summer for air conditioning in hot regions. Community fees (apartments): €30-€150/month.

What’s the cheapest city to live in Spain?

Granada, Salamanca, Murcia, Cáceres, and rural areas are the cheapest (€1,200-€2,000/month for comfortable living). Madrid and Barcelona are the most expensive (€2,200-€4,000/month).

Can I live in Spain on $2,000/month?

Yes, in small cities or rural areas. €2,000/month ($2,170) provides comfortable living in Valencia, Seville, or Granada (including rent, food, transportation, entertainment). Madrid/Barcelona require €2,500-€3,000/month for similar lifestyle.

How much does internet cost in Spain?

€30-€40/month for 300 Mbps fiber. €40-€60/month for fiber + mobile bundle (1-2 lines). Spain has excellent fiber internet infrastructure (300-600 Mbps standard).

Learn more: Remote Work in Spain