Cost of Living in Spain

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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.

The cost of living in Spain has risen in recent years, while the average Spanish salary hasn’t entirely kept pace. That said, if you earn a good salary or are a retiree with a stable income, you can typically enjoy a high quality of life. Plus, those on a budget will find plenty of ways to keep costs manageable.

Barcelona is the most expensive city in Spain, followed by the country’s capital, Madrid. Even so, Spain’s largest urban centres remain more affordable than other major European cities such as Geneva, Berlin, and Milan.

Cost of accommodation in Spain

Generally speaking, the closer a property 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 for 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 equal to prices found in a country such as 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.

Expats looking for budget options can visit an Alcampo supermarket near them, while Supermercados Dani, Tifer, and Más Ahorro are other competitively priced options. Those who have more room in their budgets and are looking for organic and speciality products can check out stores like Sánchez Romero and Suma.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Spain

Expats who take advantage of restaurants that offer an economical menú del día (menu of the day), which is usually a generous three-course lunchtime meal, will find eating out affordable. Similarly, alcoholic drinks are fairly cheap, which isn’t surprising given the vast quantities of wine 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 Certificado de Empadronamiento (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. An English-language private school in the centre of Madrid will, for example, 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.

Getting an Empadronamiento in Spain
Education and Schools in Spain
International Schools in Madrid

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 for those 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