Spain is an uber-popular ex-pat, retirement, and second-home destination. From the diverse range of properties on offer at varying budgets to the relaxed way of life, it’s easy to see the appeal. But what is the cost of living in Spain?
Despite offering developed infrastructure, a well-regarded health system, and an innovative food scene, Spain is actually one of the most affordable countries to settle in Western Europe. But the country also attracts affluent ex-pats, being one the places where a high-end life can be discovered and enjoyed on a lower-end budget, compared to other EU destinations
We explore that topic in detail below, with our comprehensive “Cost of living in Spain” guide, including regional fluctuations.
Paella Index
Counting money and monitoring food prices may not be the most enjoyable topics. To start off on a more intriguing note, let’s take a look at some curious information first.
Paella Index introduced by Bloomberg analyzes data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute, indicating the cost of ingredients for the beloved Mediterranean dish.
At the moment, the index shows that the cost of ingredients has increased by 15.6% in the past year. Specifically, the price of rice has jumped almost 20%, and olive oil has surged by 30.5%. This information can be useful for those who want to keep a close eye on the cost of living in Spain.
How much does it cost to live in Spain?
According to Numbeo, the average cost of living in Spain for a family of four is around €2,304 a month, excluding housing outgoings, and about €650 if you’re a single person. For reference, the cost of living in Spain is roughly 18% lower than in the United Kingdom, and rent is approximately 29% lower compared to the UK. Numbeo currently ranks Spain at number 53 in their “Cost of Living Index by country 2023”.
Housing
This depends on several factors: the region you live in, whether you have a mortgage, own a property outright, or rent, plus the size of your residence. For example, according to Statista, the cost of rent per square meter in Spain as of January 2022 was as follows:
- Catalonia: €13.7
- Community of Madrid: €13.7
- Basque Country: €12.2
- Balearics: €12.1
- Canary Islands: €10.4
- Navarre: €9.1
- Melilla: €9
- Andalucía: €8.9
- Cantabria: €8.3
- Aragon: €7.9
- Region of València: €7.9
- Asturias: €7.6
- Galicia: €7.4
- La Rioja: €6.9
- Castille and Leon: €6.9
- Murcia: €6.6
- Castile-La-Mancha: €5.9
- Extremadura: €5.5
According to Numbeo, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom city center apartment in Spain is €747 – 15th highest in Europe, out of 40 countries. For a one-bed outside of the center, the average is €608, for a three-bedroom in the center it’s €1,265, and for a three-bed outside of the center it’s €935.
Looking at a few cities: The average monthly rental cost for a furnished one-bedroom apartment in Barcelona as of the third quarter of 2022 was €1,495, €1,280 in Madrid, and €1,000 in València.
By comparison, according to Trading Economics, the average price per square meter for owning property in Spain was €1,740 in the second quarter of 2022. That figure varies by region, with areas like Madrid, Barcelona, and The Balearics coming in substantially higher.
Transport
According to Numbeo (in this section and below), you can expect to pay:
- One-way ticket, local transport: €1.45
- Monthly pass: €40
- Taxi: €1.15 per kilometer
- Gasoline: €1.65 per liter
Lifestyle costs
Let’s consider what you can expect to pay for some of the most common foods and sundries in a consumer basket.
- Milk: €0.85 per liter
- Loaf of fresh white bread: €1.05
- Rice (white): €1.20 per kilo
- Eggs: €2.15 per dozen
- Local cheese: €10.40 per kilo
- Chicken fillets: €6.50 per kilo
- Beef round: €10.85 per kilo
- Apples: €1.85 per kilo
- Bananas: €1.65 per kilo
- Oranges: €1.55 per kilo
- Tomatoes: €1.80 per kilo
- Potatoes: €1.25 per kilo
- Onions: €1.35 per kilo
- Lettuce: €0.95 per head
- Water: €0.65 per 1.5-liter bottle
- Bottle of mid-range wine: €5
- Domestic beer: €0.95 per 0.5-liter bottle
- Imported beer: €1.55 per 0.33-liter bottle
- Marlboro cigarettes: €5.00 per 20
And for the gym, it costs around €38 a month, to rent a tennis court for an hour at the weekend it’s €12.50 on average, and for the cinema, it’s about €8 per seat for an international release.
Medical costs
Private health insurance generally costs €100 to €200 a month, but there are plans available for as low as €50, if you spend time researching.
Cold medicine is priced at around €8, a box of antibiotics comes in at about €7, while a short visit to a private doctor is approximately €65.
Childcare
You can expect to pay the following for childcare:
- Private preschool (full day): €365 per month per child
- International primary school: €7,425 a year per child
Utility bills
Here, the monthly cost of living in Spain is as follows:
- Utilities: €129 (85-square-meter apartment)
- Prepaid mobile: €0.15 per minute
- Broadband: €36 (60 megabits per second or more, unlimited data)
Entertainment and socializing
For restaurants and drinks, average prices are:
- Inexpensive meal: €12 per person
- Mid-range meal: €50 for two people, three courses
- Combo McDonald’s meal: €8
- Domestic beer: €2.50 per 0.5-liter draught
- Imported beer: €3 per 0.33-liter bottle
- Regular cappuccino: €1.75
- Coke: €1.85 per 0.33-liter bottle
- Water: €1.25 per 0.33-liter bottle
Clothing and shoes
The average you can expect to pay for fashion items is:
- Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 or similar): €72
- Summer dress from a chain store (Zara, H&M): €29.50
- Pair of mid-range Nike running shoes: €70
- Pair of men’s leather shoes: €85
Cost of sending money home
Here, you can use a bank or a currency broker. Exchange rates and fees vary by financial institution and broker, so it’s best to carry out research. Banks generally charge up to 3-4% more.
Cost of living in Spain vs other countries
When it comes to the cost of living in Spain compared to other places, we’ve put together some figures.
Cost of living in Spain vs the USA
According to Numbeo (in this section and below), the estimated average cost of living is as follows:
- USA is more expensive than the average cost of living in Spain
- Family of four: €3,360 monthly, excluding rent
- Single person: €943 monthly, excluding rent
Cost of living in Spain vs the UK
- UK is more expensive than Spain
- Family of four: €2,735 monthly, excluding rent
- Single person: €794 monthly, excluding rent
Cost of living in Spain vs Canada
- Canada is more expensive than Spain
- Family of four: €3,047 monthly, excluding rent
- Single person: €848 monthly, excluding rent
Cost of living in Spain vs India
- India is less expensive than Spain
- Family of four: €1,019 monthly, excluding rent
- Single person: €290 monthly, excluding rent
Cost of living in Spain vs Ireland
- Ireland is more expensive than Spain
- Family of four: €3,246 monthly, excluding rent
- Single person: €918 monthly, excluding rent
Cost of living in Spain vs Portugal
- Portugal is less expensive than Spain
- Family of four: €2,022 monthly, excluding rent
- Single person: €575 monthly, excluding rent
Cost of living in Spain vs South Africa
- South Africa is less expensive than Spain
- Family of four: €1,732 monthly, excluding rent
- Single person: €498 monthly, excluding rent
Cost of living in Spain by location
The average cost of living in Spain varies substantially by region. Below, we outline figures, as per Numbeo.
Madrid
The cost of living in Madrid, Spain is:
- More expensive than the Spanish average
- Family of four: €2,530 monthly, excluding rent
- Single person: €722 monthly, excluding rent
Barcelona
The cost of living in Barcelona, Spain is:
- More expensive than the Spanish average
- Family of four: €2,638 monthly, excluding rent
- Single person: €748 monthly, excluding rent
València
The cost of living in València, Spain is:
- Slightly more expensive than the Spanish average
- Family of four: €2,317 monthly, excluding rent
- Single person: €655 monthly, excluding rent
Seville
The cost of living in Seville, Spain is:
- Slightly less than the Spanish average
- Family of four: €2,264 monthly, excluding rent
- Single person: €639 monthly, excluding rent
Málaga
The cost of living in Málaga, Spain is:
- Slightly less than the Spanish average
- Family of four: €2,230 monthly, excluding rent
- Single person: €634 monthly, excluding rent
Marbella
The cost of living in Marbella, Spain, is:
- More expensive than the Spanish average
- Family of four: €2,646 monthly, excluding rent
- Single person: €732 monthly, excluding rent
Alicante
The cost of living in Alicante, Spain is:
- Slightly less expensive than the Spanish average
- Family of four: €2,214 monthly, excluding rent
- Single person: €630 monthly, excluding rent
Granada
The cost of living in Granada, Spain is:
- Slightly less expensive than the Spanish average
- Family of four: €2,269 monthly, excluding rent
- Single person: €636 monthly, excluding rent
Spain: Average Listing Price in Prime Locations
Community of Madrid $5,914/sqm Balearic Islands $5,700/sqm Andalusia $4,500/sqm Catalonia $3,900/sqm Basque Country $3,800/sqm
Average salary in Spain
Research by the OECD shows the average income in Spain is less than the global figure: around €24,950, compared to €28,015 worldwide. However, because the cost of living in Spain tends to be less than in other European countries, that’s not an issue.
Can you live on 1000 Euros a month in Spain?
It’s possible to live on €1,000 a month if you reside in a region with below-average rent and property prices, such as Extremadura, Castile-La-Mancha, or Murcia. Otherwise, €1,000 is a bit low. Ultimately, it depends on the area you choose and your lifestyle.
Find your perfect place to live in Spain
If you’re looking for a Spanish property, we’re on hand to help. Our best-in-class selection of homes in Spain features a varied mix of dwellings across the scenic country, from water-facing apartments in Málaga and architectural gems in Marbella to traditional houses in Alicante and city-center residences in the capital.
Housing Market in SpainThe real estate market in Spain showcases an average listing price of $1,200,000, with a price range spanning from $490,000 to $70,000,000. The average price per square meter stands at $4,015/sqm.
The regions of Andalusia, Catalonia, the Valencian Community, the Community of Madrid, and the Balearic Islands emerge as highly sought-after destinations among second-home buyers.
