Spain flagCost of Living Guide

Complete pricing for housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses in Spain

Spain offers an affordable cost of living in Europe, about 16% cheaper overall including rent than the Europe average, with consumer prices excluding rent also 16% below the regional benchmark and rent 14% lower. This makes it attractive for expats and digital nomads seeking Western European quality of life at a fraction of Northern Europe prices. Costs vary significantly by city, from under €1,000 monthly in smaller towns to over €2,000 in Madrid or Barcelona.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
€800-€1,200 (local food, public transport, modest housing in smaller cities like Lugo or Jaén)
Comfortable
€1,500-€2,200 (decent city-center housing, mix of home cooking and dining out, mid-sized cities like Málaga or Valencia)
Family of four
€3,500-€5,000 (expat housing, international schools €500-€1,000/child, imported groceries, car, larger cities)

Spain delivers excellent value for money, 16% cheaper overall than the Europe average while offering high quality of life. It's ideal for expats prioritizing affordability in a developed European setting.

Economic & Living Costs in Spain
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

10-20 €
Avg: 15 €

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant (3-course)

35-80 €
Avg: 57.5 €

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

8-12 €
Avg: 10 €

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

2-4.5 €
Avg: 3.25 €
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

600-1437.85 €
Avg: 1018.92 €

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

450-1096.26 €
Avg: 773.13 €

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

900-2500 €
Avg: 1700 €

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

735-1700 €
Avg: 1217.5 €
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

1.1-2.65 €
Avg: 1.88 €

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

4.41-10 €
Avg: 7.2 €

Monthly Transport Pass

20-50 €
Avg: 35 €

Gasoline (1L)

1.32-1.7 €
Avg: 1.51 €
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

85-220 €
Avg: 152.5 €

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

20-45 €
Avg: 32.5 €

Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data)

7-30 €
Avg: 18.5 €
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

0.87-1.4 €
Avg: 1.14 €

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

0.75-2.7 €
Avg: 1.73 €

Eggs (12)

1.8-4.1 €
Avg: 2.95 €

Local Cheese (1kg)

7-24 €
Avg: 15.5 €
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

28-60 €
Avg: 44 €

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

7-20 €
Avg: 13.5 €

Cinema Ticket

7-12 €
Avg: 9.5 €

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

300-818 €
Avg: 559 €
Last updated: 2026-04-03