Cost of Living in Spain

Download our Moving to Spain Guide (PDF)

The cost of living in Spain has risen in recent years, and the average Spanish salary hasn’t entirely kept pace. That said, expats earning good salaries and retirees with stable incomes can typically enjoy a high quality of life. Those on a budget will find plenty of ways to keep costs manageable.

Madrid and Barcelona are Spain’s most expensive cities, with costs quite similar between them. Even so, Spain’s largest urban centres are more affordable than other major European cities such as Geneva, Berlin, and Milan.

The quality of life in Spain is alluring. The country is relatively large and varies enormously – culturally, climatically, and economically – from region to region. That said, common to most of Spain is a welcoming society, decent infrastructure, and the opportunity for somewhat affordable living expenses.

Cost of accommodation in Spain

Generally speaking, the closer the accommodation in Spain is to the coast or city centre, the pricier it will be. This is particularly true of the Mediterranean coastline. This trend is due to a passion for Spanish beaches shared by locals and foreigners alike.

Short-term summer rentals for any coastal property can be among some of Spain’s most expensive real estate, while long-term leases are usually cheaper.

Needless to say, the sky is the limit for high-quality accommodation in prestigious locations. That said, there are also some exceptional bargains to be found. Utilities like electricity, water, and Wi-Fi are also often charged to the tenant’s account, so this is another expense you’ll have to budget for.

Accommodation in Spain

Cost of transport in Spain

Public transport in Spain is moderately priced, with buses providing an excellent, low-cost way of getting around the country. The rail network also provides good value for money. Although costlier than normal trains, the high-speed AVE network allows expats to travel between different parts of the country quickly.

While getting a taxi can be quite costly, you can use ride-sharing and carpool apps to find the best route and rate to suit you.

Getting Around in Spain

Cost of groceries in Spain

The cost of supermarket food in Spain is similar to prices found in countries like the UK. Food is surprisingly expensive relative to average Spanish wages. The inverse is true when eating out, a pursuit that can be of tremendous value.

Those looking for budget options can visit an Alcampo supermarket, and Supermercados Dani, Tifer, and Más Ahorro are other competitively priced options. If you have more room in your budget and are looking for organic and speciality products, check out shops like Sánchez Romero and Suma.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Spain

You will find eating out in Spain affordable if you take advantage of restaurants that offer an economical menú del día (menu of the day), which is usually a generous three-course lunchtime meal. Similarly, alcoholic drinks are fairly cheap, which isn’t surprising given the vast quantities of wine that Spain produces.

Spain also offers free and low-cost outdoor activities. The country boasts many gorgeous beaches that are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, surfing, and boating.

Lifestyle in Madrid
Lifestyle in Barcelona

Cost of education in Spain

Expats can send their children to state schools in Spain at no cost, as long as they have registered for their certificate of residence at their local town hall.

Private schooling is available, with fees varying wildly depending on the specific school concerned, its location and the language and curriculum it teaches. For example, an English-language private school in the centre of Madrid will be more expensive than a Spanish-language private school in the provinces.

Many expats choose to send their children to international schools in Madrid or other urban centres. This allows students to continue studying their home country’s curriculum and removes the challenges presented by the language barrier. Some international schools in Spain charge high fees, so expats planning to pursue this option should ensure their budget can accommodate this.

Education and Schools in Spain

Cost of healthcare in Spain

Spain’s healthcare system is highly regarded globally for its effectiveness and almost universal coverage. The public healthcare system, known as the National Health System (SNS), provides quality medical services to over 95 percent of the population. This system is characterised by well-trained medical personnel and an extensive network of hospitals and medical centres.

Despite the high standard of care, the system has challenges. Longer waiting times for specialist appointments and certain procedures can be a source of frustration. This has led to the popularity of private health insurance, which offers an alternative if you’re seeking faster access to non-urgent and elective procedures. Private health insurance plans vary in cost, but they allow individuals to supplement the public system and mitigate wait times.

Healthcare and Health Insurance in Spain