The Exact Cost of Living in Spain (2024)
“What’s the cost of living in Spain?” There isn’t a straightforward answer because it’ll depend on the city you choose to live in and your lifestyle choices.
As a Spaniard, I know exactly the daily costs of living in Spain, and yes, they’ve increased in the last few years, but you can still find ways to save money.
If you want to discover whether Spain is an expensive or cheap place for expats or digital nomads, what the prices are like in different parts of Spain, and specific advice on moving to Spain and the costs that this involves, this blog will give you answers to your questions.
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How much does it cost to live in Spain?
The average cost of living in Spain is 2,000 euros per month since the average salary in Spain is €2,250 gross per month. However, the cost of living in Spain will differ depending on your lifestyle and your chosen Spanish destination.
For example, living in a lesser-known small town is much more budget-friendly than living in a big city like Barcelona.
Therefore, it’s very important you research the city or town you plan to move to before taking the step of moving there. Although you can always change location, the process of moving is sometimes stressful and expensive.
If you are wondering about the price differences between some of the biggest and most popular expat destinations, let’s look at them.
Cost of living in Madrid
If you dream about moving to a cosmopolitan city, Madrid ticks off all the boxes. It’s a great place to live because there are always things going on (like concerts, theatre performances, traditional events at Easter and Christmas and much more).
The main disadvantage of living in Madrid is the rent prices. Madrid is considered the most expensive place to live in Spain.
Anyone moving to Madrid on a budget may want to consider moving to the outskirts or a nearby city.
Price examples in Madrid:
- Accommodation: €1,020 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
- Transport: €54.58 for a monthly pass
Cost of living in Barcelona
Barcelona is a fantastic destination to visit and live in. Who doesn’t like being surrounded by impressive buildings, a vibrant atmosphere, great traditions, events, and culture?
Although there are many reasons that make you want to choose Barcelona as your home base, one of the downsides of living in Barcelona is that it is the second most expensive city to live in Spain.
However, if you compare Barcelona with some European destinations and the UK, you’ll realise that the cost of living in Barcelona isn’t that expensive.
Price examples in Barcelona:
- Accommodation: €1,015 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
- Transport: €40.00 for a monthly pass
Cost of living in Alicante
Alicante is a popular choice among expat families. The city has it all: beaches, museums, parks and plenty of nearby towns (like Calpe and Altea) to explore on the weekends.
Housing in Alicante city and Costa Brava continue to be cheaper than in other European countries, so there’s no doubt why many families buy properties here too.
In addition to all these pros of living in Alicante, let’s not forget the weather! Alicante enjoys plenty of beautiful sunny and dry days.
Price examples in Alicante:
- Accommodation: €670 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
- Transport: €37.50 for a monthly pass
Cost of living in Andalucia
Andalucia is one of the most populated counties in Spain, and there’s no doubt why many people choose the south of Spain as their home base. Its beautiful sunny weather, diverse and delicious food, friendly people and culture are reasons to choose Andalucia.
Another good thing about moving to an Andalusian city or town is that the cost of living is lower than in other parts of Spain.
Having said that, this doesn’t mean everywhere in Andalucia is cheap. The cost of living in Costa del Sol vs Costa Tropical can be very different.
Marbella, located on Costa del Sol, is probably the most expensive town in the region. Its luxurious lifestyle, proximity to the coast and popularity among famous people have made this town quite expensive.
Some popular destinations to live in Andalucia for expats are Seville, Malaga and Costa del Sol, Granada and Cadiz. Despite Seville being the capital of Andalucia, the cost of living in Seville isn’t as expensive as in towns like Marbella or Benahavis.
Price examples in Andalucia:
- Accommodation: €645.92 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
- Transport: €35.00 for a monthly pass
Cost of living in the Spanish islands
Living in the Spanish islands is a dream for many people. The crystal clear sea, stunning landscapes, and laid-back lifestyle instantly make you want to move there.
It’s important to know that the cost of living in Majorca differs from that in Tenerife. The Balearic Islands are generally more expensive than the Canary Islands.
Regardless of the cost of living, the Spanish islands are popular destinations for expats and digital nomads. Some of the favourites are Palma de Mallorca, Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
Price examples in the Spanish islands:
- Accommodation: between €650 and €800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
- Transport: € 40.00 for a monthly pass
General costs of living in Spain
Rent
Rent in Spain is above 50 per cent cheaper than in the US and much cheaper than in the UK.
Renting in Spain is seen as cheap for many expats and digital nomads, but it’s essential to know that the monthly cost will also depend on the city and area you decide to live in.
The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is 740 euros, but you can find cheaper rent. For example, Cordoba is one of the cheapest cities to live in Spain, and you can find a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre for 590 euros per month.
Utilities
Whether you buy or rent in Spain, setting up your utilities is one of the first things to do.
Like in many European countries, you can choose from different electricity, gas, and Internet providers. The options will be bigger or smaller depending on the area you plan to live.
You don’t have much choice regarding water as you’ll have to sign up with the local supplier.
If you rent in Spain, be aware that some landlords don’t include the utilities in the monthly rent, so this is something you want to check before signing a contract. If the rent doesn’t include utilities, you can either continue with the previous connections or sign up with another supplier.
Food
Food used to be one of the cheapest expenses in Spain. However, supermarkets have increased the price of certain products due to the recent inflation.
The best way to save money on food is by looking at and comparing prices and buying food at different supermarkets.
There are supermarkets you’ll only find in some areas of Spain, but if you look at the biggest supermarkets in the whole country, Supeco, Mercadona, and Carrefour offer competitive prices and offers.
If you’re wondering how much Spaniards spend on food per month on average, a couple spends between 300 and 350 euros.
This number can be higher depending on your food choices and if you eat out several times a month.
Leisure
Leisure in Spain doesn’t have to be expensive at all. Many outdoor activities don’t involve spending money or little money. For example, going on hikes, visiting the parks and gardens, going to the beach, cycling, etc.
If you love eating out, Spain is a wonderful country to eat good food at affordable prices. Many tapas or pintxos bars (if you go to the north of Spain) have low prices, so you can often enjoy a few tapas and a drink with friends instead of having food at a fancy restaurant.
If you’re a big fan of going to the cinema and theatre, you’ll notice that prices aren’t much different to other European countries. You often pay 7 to 9 euros to watch a film in the cinema and between 20 and 40 euros to go to the theatre or watch a local singer.
Other hidden costs of living in Spain
Healthcare
Unlike countries like the US, Spain offers a public healthcare system in which you don’t need to pay for doctor appointments, surgeries and other medical interventions.
However, you still need to pay for prescribed medication and dentist appointments.
The downside of healthcare in Spain is that it’s very saturated, and if you need surgery or an urgent appointment with a specialist, this can take quite some time. This is the reason why many people opt for private healthcare.
Healthcare for digital nomads
If Spain is your first destination in your digital nomad journey, getting travel medical insurance is very important.
SafetyWing offers flexible and affordable travel medical insurance available in 180 countries, including Spain, and you can purchase it while already travelling.
Some of the best things about SafetyWing are that this travel insurance is made for nomads by nomads, and you receive 24/7 support if needed.
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance includes medical assistance as well as travel coverage for travel delays, lost checked luggage and natural disasters, among other circumstances.
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Education
Essential education is free in Spain. Most schools and high schools are public, and students get free education from primary until A-levels, but you can also find private and international schools.
Regardless of the type of school you choose, studying in Spain has hidden costs – from buying textbooks and notebooks to pencils, rulers and other school equipment.
Higher education and university courses have a fee. However, residents in Spain can apply for scholarships if they have and/or their family has a low income.
Tips for reducing the cost of living in Spain
- Avoid living in popular areas. City centres and resort towns are always more expensive than the outskirts and smaller towns.
- Buy from the local convenience or “souvenir” shop, known as “el chino”, because most of these shops are owned by Chinese nationals. Here you can find anything from cleaning products and tools to stationary, and the good thing about them is that you can often find cheaper items than in big supermarkets.
- Take advantage of “menú del día” if you regularly have lunch out. Whether you love eating out or can’t stop home to have lunch, these menus are ideal for workers. You usually get a starter, a main course, dessert, and a drink for less than 15 euros.
- Compare the different types of transport. If you live near the city centre, you may not need to use public transport on a regular basis. However, if you need to travel to work, study or for any other reasons, compare the different types of transport in your city.
- Open a Spanish bank account. You’ll need a Spanish bank account if you plan to work in Spain. However, having a Spanish bank account is good to avoid losing money with transactions and currency exchange rates.
- Visit attractions and museums when they offer free entry. Many attractions and museums offer free entry at specific times and dates. It’s worth checking their website to know when you can enter for free. Generally, attraction tickets aren’t expensive in many parts of Spain, but it’ll help you save a bit of money you can spend on something else.
Why move to Spain?
Its incredible historic buildings and attractions and leisure activities, laid-back lifestyle, delicious food and affordable cost of living make Spain a very attractive country to move abroad to.
Pros and cons of moving to Spain
Pros of moving to Spain
- Diversity of landscapes. You’ll enjoy lush green forests, breathtaking cliffs, arid areas, and volcanos.
- Rich in history and culture. If you love immersing yourself in a new culture and learning about its past, Spain is a great country to live in.
- Delicious gastronomy. No matter what area of Spain you plan to move to, you’ll discover that there is more than paella and tortilla de patatas. Each region has traditional dishes that are worth trying.
- Affordable cost of living. Despite the increase in prices of most goods, Spain is an inexpensive country to live in. This doesn’t mean there aren’t expensive areas or everything is cheaper than in countries like the UK or US.
Cons of moving to Spain
- Slow bureaucracy. You may be waiting longer than expected if you need paperwork, a permit, or a certificate. Things go slow; the earlier you request or fill in your documentation, the better.
- Lateness. Spaniards tend to be very relaxed about arranging plans, and many of them arrive late to places. If you make Spanish friends, don’t be surprised if they often turn up late and have an excuse, even if the reason doesn’t make much sense.
- Extreme heat. This will depend on the city you’re moving to. However, Spain, especially the south and centre of Spain, is hot during the summer. If you struggle with high temperatures, you need to know this.
Frequently asked questions about the cost of living in Spain
Is living in Spain expensive?
Spain isn’t an expensive country in comparison to other Western European countries as well as the UK and US.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Spain?
The cheapest cities to live in Spain are:
– Cordoba
– Malaga
– Granada
– Logroño
– Murcia
Is the cost of living in Spain less than in the UK?
Yes, although the cost of living in Spain has increased in the last year, life in Spain is cheaper than in the UK, especially when it comes to rent, food and transport.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Spain?
You need a minimum of 950 euros per month to live comfortably in Spain.
Conclusion of the cost of living in Spain
Spain is fantastic and one of the cheapest European countries to move to. Not only is it affordable, but it has great attractions, lifestyle and culture.
If you have any questions or want advice on moving to Spain, reach me on my email at cristina[at]mylittleworldoftravelling.com or leave a comment below. I’m always happy to help.
Cristina xx
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⭐ Mini Guide to Living Abroad
Should I get expat travel insurance?
ABSOLUTELY! — For your peace of mind, get your expat travel insurance with SafetyWing!
How do I get a job in Spain as an expat?
You can find work in Spain via job boards, word of mouth, or agencies. If you plan to work remotely, look for jobs on websites like FlexJobs.com. They offer 100% remote roles.
What’s the best way to open a bank account in Spain?
I’ve been using La Caixa Bank for many years. However, I love visiting other countries and spending some time there. So I found Wise, which offers free global accounts. It’s super convenient, and you won’t have to open accounts everywhere you move! You’re also guaranteed the cheapest money transfers.
How do you make friends in Spain?
I highly recommend using Facebook to connect with people. There are many Facebook Groups for expats in each city. Also, you can use Meetup.com. It’s free to join, and you can meet people who share a similar hobby as you!
What’s the best way to learn Spanish?
Go to language exchanges, use apps like Duolingo or sign up for online lessons in Preply. They’ll help you learn some Spanish before moving.
