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Cost of Living in Spain
Living Expenses and Conditions in Spain (2025)
You may have heard that living in Spain is expensive, or perhaps you’ve heard the opposite. Regardless of the opinions others may have about life in Spain, if you are considering moving there, it is essential to research your potential living costs. How much money do you think you’ll need for a comfortable life in Spain?
Compared to major global cities like New York, the cost of living in Spain is at least 43% cheaper. Generally, if you are fluent in Spanish and can establish effective communication with locals, life in Spain can be affordable, exciting, and enjoyable. However, your lifestyle choices will ultimately determine your living expenses.
Imagine living in Spain—sipping cool drinks under the Mediterranean sun, enjoying delicious tapas, and embracing the relaxed lifestyle for which Spaniards are known. Keep reading to explore what it really costs to live in Spain.
Is the Cost of Living in Spain High?
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Spain’s per capita income is $3,000 lower than the global average, approximately €28,800.
Lower-than-global-average salaries, combined with higher unemployment rates compared to other European countries, indicate that the cost of living in Spain remains highly affordable. People from all over the world choose Spain for its excellent climate, incredible food, rich culture, and, of course, lower living costs. Spain is not an overly expensive country to live in, especially for those who earn higher wages than the local average, such as Northern Europeans, North Americans, and Australians.
The guidelines and comparisons presented throughout this article are general estimates. Depending on your lifestyle and activities, actual expenses may vary.
Comparing the Cost of Living in Spain to Major Global Cities
Looking at Spain’s cost of living compared to other major global cities, it quickly becomes evident that living expenses in Spanish cities are significantly lower than in cities like London, Los Angeles, Brussels, or Munich. The table below provides a more detailed comparison:
| Spanish Cities | New York | London | Los Angeles | Munich | Brussels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid | 43% cheaper | 39% cheaper | 34% cheaper | 14% cheaper | 5% cheaper |
| Barcelona | 44% cheaper | 41% cheaper | 35% cheaper | 17% cheaper | 8% cheaper |
| Valencia | 50% cheaper | 46% cheaper | 41% cheaper | 24% cheaper | 16% cheaper |
| Seville | 55% cheaper | 52% cheaper | 48% cheaper | 32% cheaper | 25% cheaper |
Comparing the Cost of Living in Different Spanish Cities
One of the best tools for evaluating the cost of living in Spain’s different cities is Numbeo. If you’ve chosen a specific city in Spain for living, studying, or working but lack detailed cost information, Numbeo can provide useful insights. Below is a breakdown of estimated expenses in various Spanish cities:
| Expense Item | Barcelona (€) | Madrid (€) | Valencia (€) | Bilbao (€) | Malaga (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Phone Plan | 18 | 16 | 14 | 20 | 20 |
| Internet | 35 | 29 | 25 | 34 | 29 |
| Public Transport Ticket | 2.40 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.27 | 1.40 |
| Childcare (Kindergarten) | 502 | 462 | 438 | 447 | 350 |
| Gym Membership (Monthly) | 46 | 38 | 36 | 46 | 40 |
| Meal for Two in a Restaurant | 60 | 50 | 45 | 60 | 50 |
Food Costs in Spain
Food is a significant portion of living expenses, so when budgeting for life in Spain, it’s essential to consider grocery prices based on your lifestyle and preferences.
Spain has a strong and independent agricultural industry, producing many local products in bulk, such as cheese. Many daily necessities, like milk and bread, cost less than €1. Below is a list of estimated grocery prices in Spain, where the average monthly grocery cost ranges between €200 and €300.
| Grocery Item | Estimated Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 liter) | 0.79 |
| White Bread | 1.00 |
| Rice (1 kg) | 1.04 |
| Eggs (12 pieces) | 1.93 |
| Cheese (1 kg) | 9.96 |
| Chicken Breast (1 kg) | 6.05 |
| Apples (1 kg) | 1.75 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | 1.58 |
Dining Out in Spain
If you enjoy dining out, rest assured that Spain offers plenty of affordable options. Below are estimated meal prices:
| Meal Type | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Meal in an Inexpensive Restaurant | 10 |
| Fast Food Combo (e.g., McDonald’s) | 7.50 |
For fine dining, expect to pay around €40 per person at an upscale restaurant.
Property Prices in Spain
According to Statista, the average cost of property in Spain reached €2,809 per square meter in 2023. Despite high mortgage rates, foreign buyers, particularly from the UK and Northern Europe, continue to invest in Spanish real estate.
Comparison of Property Prices in Spanish Cities
| City | Price per m² (City Center) | Price per m² (Outside City Center) |
|---|---|---|
| Palma de Mallorca | €4,100 | €2,650 |
| Madrid | €3,997 | €2,474 |
| Malaga | €3,571 | €2,291 |
| Barcelona | €5,244 | €3,447 |
| Bilbao | €3,707 | €2,799 |
| Seville | €3,296 | €1,985 |
| Valencia | €2,118 | €1,262 |
Transportation Costs in Spain
Spain has an excellent public transportation system, with metro networks in major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and Valencia. Intercity buses and high-speed trains also make commuting affordable.
| Transportation Type | Estimated Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Monthly Public Transport Pass | 35 – 45 |
| Taxi Start Fare (Day) | 3.50 |
| Additional Taxi Fare (per km) | 1.10 |
| High-Speed Train Ticket | 128.50 |
| 1 Liter of Gasoline | 1.66 |
Taxes in Spain
If you live in Spain for more than 183 days per year, you are required to pay taxes. The minimum income to file a tax return is €22,000 per year. If you earn less than this, you are not required to file a return unless you have self-employment income exceeding €1,000 annually.
Entertainment & Leisure Costs in Spain
| Activity | Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Movie Ticket (English) | 7 |
| Live Music Event | 28 |
| Escape Room | 60 |
| Kids’ Taekwondo Classes (2 sessions/week) | 60 |
| Mini Golf | 4 |
| Gym or Swimming Pool Membership | 50 |
| Painting Class (3 hours) | 25 |
| Yoga on the Beach | 12.50 |
| Photography Exhibition | 15 |
| International Music Festival | 125 |
Conclusion
Spain remains an affordable place to live compared to other major cities worldwide. A family of four requires a minimum annual budget of around €23,000 for a comfortable life. Before making the decision to move, carefully research all aspects of living expenses, including housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and entertainment.
