If you've ever considered moving to Spain, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Spain?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Spain and whether the reported $1785 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $1600.55.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
11.46 $ |
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
47.75 $ |
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
7.64 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
2.39 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.87 $ |
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
1.63 $ |
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.73 $ |
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
1.17 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.78 $ |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
0.99 $ |
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.12 $ |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
1.98 $ |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
9.79 $ |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
6.03 $ |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
10.1 $ |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
1.72 $ |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.57 $ |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
1.41 $ |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
1.66 $ |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.15 $ |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.25 $ |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.91 $ |
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.62 $ |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
4.78 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
0.88 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.49 $ |
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
4.78 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
1.34 $ |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
38.2 $ |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
3.34 $ |
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.05 $ |
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
19.4 $ |
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.57 $ |
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
21011.63 $ |
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
21163.02 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
118.6 $ |
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
0.16 $ |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
34.64 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
36.28 $ |
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
11.58 $ |
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
7.64 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
344.19 $ |
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
6889.54 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
68.85 $ |
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
27.69 $ |
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
65.38 $ |
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
81.17 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
703.64 $ |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
578.27 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1189.35 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
891.11 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
3093.88 $ |
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
1862.38 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
1600.55 $ |
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
2.25 % |
|
There are no threats of natural disasters, apart from an occasional avalanche which can only be a threat when skiing in the Pyrenees.
Spain is very safe to visit. Apart from the pickpockets, which are common in this country, tourists should encounter no other problems. Use your common sense and your trip should go smoothly.
Transportation in Spain is very safe and reliable, even though taxi drivers might try to overcharge their services or demand a tip. Also, be careful on public transport, as it's the place where pickpockets operate.
Spain is filled with tourists, and naturally, it attracts a bunch of pickpockets so watch out in crowded places such as bus and train stations. There is even a message played on repeat at stations, reminding you to be wary of pickpockets. Be careful when carrying your valuables and never leave them out of your sight.
Do not fear mugging or kidnapping in Spain, since it is a rare occurrence here. Still, do not accept any unsolicited help or drinks from anyone you don't know (even though drink spiking is also not an issue in this country).
There haven't been recent terrorist attacks in Spain, but in the light of recent events in this part of Europe, they shouldn't be ruled out, so you should remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
There are a couple of ways to get scammed in Spain. You should avoid gypsy women offering you some rosemary: they will read your future and ask for some money or pick your pockets with the help of another gypsy woman. Be wary of "trileros" and their "shell game" where you might get ripped off or stolen from. Always check the bill twice in restaurants and bars since the staff may try to overcharge you or charge for something you did not order.
Women traveling alone should have no problems in Spain. You should use your common sense, and be careful at night, avoid desert and poorly lit streets, and finding yourself alone with strange people in abandoned areas. Apart from that, you should have no safety problems in Spain.
Most countries do not need a visa to enter Spain for any stays shorter than 90 days. Any longer than that, you will have to obtain a visa. Also, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your planned date of return. However, if you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Euro is the official currency in Spain. ATMs are widely available throughout the country, and credit cards accepted in most establishments such as hotels and restaurants. Allow yourself a budget of around 150e per day, including accommodation
Spain has three different climate zones, due to its size, but tourists can expect a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The vast central part of the state has a more continental climate with a bit colder winters.
Spain's busiest airport is Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas located just 9 km from Madrid's financial district and 13 km northeast of Plaza Mayor de Madrid, which is Madrid's historic center.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Spain, since it covers not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.