Living in Spain Costs and FAQ

The Cost of Living in Spain by Person

Here is a breakdown of the average cost of living in Spain, without rent, and the average costs in big cities like Madrid, compared to smaller coastal cities like Malaga. Figures are based on data from Numbeo.

In terms of the cost of living compared to other developed countries around the world, here are some examples, excluding rent:

Spanish Real Estate

Rent prices in Spain

You’ll find that rental prices in Spain will vary depending on the city as well as the location. Central areas of all the major cities will command higher prices. Even small towns like Marbella, which are popular among tourists and many expats, can be expensive due to supply and demand. In any case, finding an affordable place to rent in some of the best cities to live in Spain if you look around and choose wisely.

Madrid

The largest city in Spain has some of the highest rental prices in the country, but compared to other capital cities like London, Paris, and Munich, rental prices are much lower. You can expect to pay the following prices for rent:

• One-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,034.15 ($1,129.86)
• One-bedroom apartment outside of the center: €789.06 ($862.09)
• Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,763.47 ($1,926.68)
• Three-bedroom apartment outside of the center: €1,271.88 ($1,389.59)

Barcelona

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, averaging eight million annual visitors, Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and the most expensive city for rent in the country; you can expect to pay the following prices for rent:

• One-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,059.59 ($1,157.65)
• One-bedroom apartment outside of the center: €836.09 ($913.47)
• Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,774.14 ($1,938.33)
• Three-bedroom apartment outside of the center: €1,318.65 ($1,440.69)

Malaga

Malaga is the southern hub of Spain that brings the big city vibe to the Costa del Sol. Although it offers a similar level of infrastructure and services that you’ll find in both Madrid and Barcelona, it’s one of the cheapest cities in Spain. You can expect to pay the following prices for rent:

• One-bedroom apartment in the city center: €780.31 ($852.53)
• One-bedroom apartment outside of the center: €595.62 ($650.74)
• Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,325.00 ($1,447.63)
• Three-bedroom apartment outside of the center: €1,025.00 ($1,119.86)

Buying property in Spain

Buying property in Spain can be a lucrative investment. Not only can you gain Spanish residency if you buy a property in Spain for at least €500,000 ($546,000) via the Spain Golden Visa, but you can also receive high returns on investment by renting out your property.

Spain has a booming and consistent tourism industry, particularly in coastal regions, with no shortage of demand for short-term rentals.

Below is an estimation of Spanish property prices per meter squared for some of the most popular tourist destinations and cities that many expats choose to live in:

Depending on your country, the Spanish real estate market can offer a lot for your money. Here is a comparison of the prices for real estate in Spain compared to other developed countries:

The Cost of Food in Spain

Because of its optimal climate and stretches of land dedicated to its strong agricultural industry, Spain is a major producer of fruits and vegetables in Europe. You can therefore find a wide range of locally produced fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, tomatoes, artichokes, asparagus, salads, and condiments like olive oil, at low prices.

Below is the average price of everyday groceries in Spain:

The Cost of Utilities in Spain

The utility prices in Spain are reasonably low due to its temperate climate, eliminating the need for central heating or air conditioning throughout the summer and winter–although this largely depends on where in the country you live. Inflation has caused a sharp rise in the cost of utilities. Based on current estimates from Numbeo, the average monthly costs for essential utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection) are between €85 ($92.87) and €225 ($245.82) per month.

The Cost of Eating Out in Spain

If there is one thing you’ll never run out of in Spain, it is its vast selection of restaurants and bars providing delicious food and drinks. Whether you enjoy tapas, fresh seafood, paellas, or international cuisines like Thai and Indian food, it is widely available in Spain – and affordable.

On average, a meal in an inexpensive restaurant amounts to €12 ($13.11), while the average three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant costs €50 ($54.63). A local beer, accompanied by free tapas or pincho, costs around €2.50 ($2.73).

The Cost of Transport in Spain

Owning a car in Spain is very convenient, but the public transportation system is excellent and works well throughout Spain. Trains, buses, and metros serve most of Spain’s cities, and in many towns, it is possible to buy a monthly transport pass or a ten-ride ticket for buses and the metro.

Based on figures from Number, an average one-way ticket on public transportation in major Spanish cities costs around €1.50 ($1.64), while a monthly pass costs about €39 ($42.61). For vehicle ownership, the average price for one liter of fuel is €1.66 ($1.81), and car insurance costs between €300 ($327.76) to €400 ($437.02) for an annual comprehensive plan.

The Cost of Healthcare in Spain

Spain’s highly-rated public healthcare system ranks as one of the best in the world. All Spanish citizens and permanent residents have access to a free and efficient public healthcare system. However, private health insurance is also available and budget-friendly in Spain, giving you access to various healthcare options.

Based on quotes from several prominent private insurance companies in Spain, like Sanitas, Adeslas, and Axa, a reasonable estimate for a middle-aged expat’s average annual healthcare policy would be between €100 ($109.25) to €200 ($218.51). If you’re a foreign retiree in Spain, you can save money by qualifying for a public healthcare program called ‘Convenio Especial.’ This is a nationalized healthcare program that you pay a monthly fee for, which is as follows:

• €60 ($65.55) for persons under 65 years of age
• €157 ($171.53) for persons over 65 years of age

The Costs of Studying in Spain

Spain has both public and private universities. It’s one of the cheapest countries for international students to live and study in, with highly affordable tuition fees and living expenses compared to countries like the UK and the US. An international student can expect to pay between €750 and €2,500 in annual tuition fees for Bachelor’s degrees at public universities. A Bachelor’s degree in a private university can cost between €5,000 ($5,462.74) and €20,000 ($2,1850) per school year.

To learn more about how to get Spanish residency via investment, take a look at our Spain Golden Visa ultimate guide by local experts.