Cost of Living in Spain

Written by Rebeka Meszaros Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Rebeka Meszaros

Rebeka is a professional content writer who specializes in marketing, business, travel, and expat tips. She enjoys sharing practical, down-to-earth advice, whether it's helping businesses better their marketing strategy or providing insights about living overseas. Rebeka adds a personal touch to her writing, ensuring that every piece connects with readers.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 9, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Spain is relatively affordable compared to other European countries. For a family of four, total monthly expenses including rent average around €4,014, while a single person can expect to spend about €1,671 (Source: Numbeo).

Let’s break down the expected cost of living in Spain, covering essentials like food, transportation, utilities, leisure, and childcare to help you plan your budget effectively.

How expensive is it to live in Spain?

Living in Spain is relatively affordable compared to other European countries, ranking 21st on the Cost of Living index. For a family of four, the total estimated monthly cost, including rent, is around €4,014. For a single person, it's about €1,671.

To put this into context, in Germany, the total monthly cost for a family of four is higher at €5,048, and for a single person, it's €1,880. The Netherlands is the most expensive of the three, with a family of four's total costs reaching €5,589, while a single person pays about €2,352. So, your Spain cost of living is lower compared to both Germany and the Netherlands (Source: Numbeo).

Most expensive city to live in Spain?

Madrid is the most expensive city to live in Spain, with total monthly costs of about €2,166. Barcelona follows closely with a total of €2,095, while Seville is the most affordable of the three, with total costs coming to around €1,615 (Source: Numbeo).

Cheapest city in Spain

The cheapest city to live in Spain is Alicante, with total monthly costs of around €1,517. Malaga is also quite affordable, with total costs of about €1,743. Other budget-friendly cities include Granada (€1,300), which is a great option for expats looking to save on living expenses (Source: Numbeo).

Cost of living in Spain vs the UK

When comparing Spain cost of living to the UK, the numbers show some notable differences. A family of four in Spain spends about €4,014 per month, which is lower than the €5,338 it costs in the UK. For single people, Spain is also more affordable, with an average monthly cost of €1,671, compared to €2,210 in the UK.

Rent plays a significant role in these differences. In Spain, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around €960, which is considerably lower than the UK's €1,249. For a three-bedroom apartment in the city center, Spain’s average rent is €1,503, again more affordable than the UK's €2,076. These differences in rent, along with lower overall living costs, make Spain a more affordable option for expats (Source: Numbeo).

(London is a separate case, with living costs that far exceed the UK national average and the Spanish average.)

Comparing the cost of some everyday groceries (Source: Numbeo):

Cost of living in Spain vs the US

The cost of living in Spain is generally lower than in the US when excluding rent, with a family of four spending about €4,014 per month in Spain, compared to €3,755 in the US. For a single person, the difference is also notable, with costs of €1,671 in Spain versus €1,055 in the US.

However, rent is significantly higher in the US, especially in city centers. A one-bedroom apartment in the US costs around €1,580, while in Spain, it's about €960. This makes the overall cost of living higher in the US. Including rent, a family of four in the US might spend around €6,419 per month, while in Spain, it would be about €5,517.

Comparison of everyday groceries (Source: Numbeo):

Rent per month

The average monthly rent in Spain varies depending on the size of the property and its location (Source: Numbeo):

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in city center: €960
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of center: €715
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in city center: €1,503
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of center: €1,058

For expats moving to Spain, it's good to know that the rental market is growing fast. Rental listings have gone up by 12.7% since 2022, especially in capital cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Long-term rental prices are also increasing as demand rises. The rental market is expected to grow by 1.66% each year until 2027. Big cities tend to be more expensive, while smaller towns and rural areas offer more affordable options (Source: Hostify).

How to find an apartment in Spain

Renting in Spain as an expat is pretty straightforward once you know the basics. First, you’ll need a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), a Spanish bank account, and proof of income to rent most places. Popular housing options include shared apartments, private rentals, or even homestays if you want to immerse yourself in local culture. Websites like Idealista, Fotocasa, and Pisos.com are some of the best for finding apartments. Always visit the property in person before signing a lease to avoid scams, and try to use WhatsApp or call the landlord directly for quicker responses, as messaging through the website often leads to delays.

Contracts in Spain are typically for at least 12 months, and landlords will usually ask for one or two months’ rent as a security deposit (called a "fianza"). Keep in mind that utilities might not be included, so clarify this before signing. Rent is generally paid monthly, and in bigger cities like Madrid or Barcelona, prices can be higher, while smaller cities or rural areas offer more affordable options. To avoid extra fees, look for listings without inmobiliarias (real estate agents), who often charge an extra month’s rent as a fee. For expat tips and listings, expat groups on Facebook can be a good resource. Lastly, you can also use Spotahome for more long-term rental options with video tours.

We're happy to assist and can offer you a quote or connect you with our trusted providers who have helped many of our users secure housing in Spain. Whether you're searching for short-term rentals or long-term apartments, we have dependable connections to simplify your search.

Utilities

A big part of your Spain cost of living is your monthly utilities (Source: Numbeo):

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: €133
• Mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data: €18
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data): €32

To save on utilities in Spain, take advantage of off-peak electricity rates by running appliances during cheaper hours (12 am-6 am on weekdays, all day on weekends). Providers like Iberdrola and Endesa offer these rates. Consider switching to green energy providers like Energy Nordic for cost-effective options. Bundle your internet and mobile services through companies like Movistar or Avatel to lower costs, and use water-saving devices to reduce consumption.

Public transport

For expats in Spain, public transport is easy to use and affordable. Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia have extensive metro systems, and RENFE offers high-speed AVE trains connecting major cities like Seville and Barcelona. For buses, ALSA is great for both city and intercity travel. If you're staying in a bike-friendly city like Seville, consider renting a bike for short trips. Also, Iberia and Vueling offer domestic flights for quick travel between cities. Make sure to check if public transport cards are available for added savings.

• One-way ticket for local transport: €1.50
• Regular monthly pass: €30
• Starting fare for a taxi ride: €3.50
• An hour of waiting time in a taxi: €1.20
• Gasoline: €1.60 per liter

Food

When grocery shopping in Spain, a few key things can help you save time and money. Most supermarkets, like Mercadona and Carrefour, are closed on Sundays, so plan ahead. Always bring your own bags, as they charge for plastic ones. For the best deals, check out discount chains like Lidl and Aldi. Local markets, such as Mercado Central in Valencia, offer fresh, local produce at lower prices than supermarkets, and visiting these can help you save on fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood. Shopping at off-peak times and choosing local or seasonal products can also help you keep your Spain cost of living down.

Groceries in Spain cost around (Source: N26):

• For a single person: €200-€300
• For a couple: €400-€600
• For a family of four: €600-€800

Here are some average prices for eating out (Source: Numbeo):

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €13
• Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant (three-course): €50
• McMeal at McDonald's (or equivalent combo meal): €9
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught): €3
• Cappuccino (regular): €1.90
• Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle): €2
• Water (0.33 liter bottle): €1.50

Mobile phone plan

To set up a mobile plan in Spain, prepaid plans offer flexibility, while contracts are better for long-term stays, usually requiring an 18-24 month commitment. To get started, you'll need your passport or NIE number.

Major providers:

• Movistar – Best coverage in Spain. Contract plans start from €15 to €40/month.
• Vodafone – Excellent international roaming options. Plans start at €20/month.
• Orange – Good data packages, with plans between €10 and €35/month.

Budget options:

• Lobster – English-speaking support, ideal for expats. Plans range from €12 to €24/month.
• Yoigo – Prepaid plans start at around €10/month.

eSIMs:

• If your phone supports eSIM, Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange offer them, usually with a small activation fee (around €5).

Childcare

In Spain, childcare options include public, private, and international nurseries, with subsidies available for low-income families, which can help significantly reduce the cost of living in Spain. Public nurseries are more affordable but have limited spots, and there is a selection process based on a point system. Private nurseries offer more flexibility with extended hours.

Types of childcare and prices (Source: Coming to Spain):

• Public daycare (Guarderías públicas): €100-€300 per month, with additional costs for meals (around €10 per day).
• Private daycare: €450-€900 per month, excluding meals and other fees.
• International nurseries: Typically cost more, with fees ranging from €700 to €1,500 per month.
• After-school care (Aula Matinal): €70-€150 per month, depending on the region.
• Nannies: €8-€15 per hour, depending on experience and location.

On average for a year (Source: Numbeo):

• Preschool (or kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child: €424
• International primary school, yearly for 1 child: €8,059

Gym

In Spain, gym contracts generally come in two types: monthly plans for flexibility or annual contracts with discounts. Monthly memberships are easier to cancel, while yearly ones often save you money. Some budget gyms even offer no-contract memberships where you can leave anytime.

Major gym brands and monthly prices:

• Basic-Fit: €19.99-€29.99
• McFIT: €29.90
• VivaGym: €25-€40
• AltaFit: €30-€45
• Metropolitan: €70-€120
• Holmes Place: €90-€150+
• Fitness club, monthly fee for 1 adult (average): €39