Cost of Living in Spain

Updated: December 01, 2024

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

Markets

Transportation

Childcare

Clothing

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment

Salaries

Spain

restaurant 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 $

store 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 $

commute 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 $

mark_as_unread 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 $

kitesurfing 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 $

child_friendly 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 $

checkroom 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 $

night_shelter 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 $

home 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 $

account_balance_wallet 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 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 11.46 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 47.75 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 0.78 USD, a loaf of bread 0.99 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.98 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 1.34 USD and a monthly pass around 38.2 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 118.6 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 36.28 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 11.58 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 344.19 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 6889.54 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 68.85 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 65.38 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 703.64 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 578.27 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 3093.88 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 1862.38 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 1600.55 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 2.25% annually.

Warnings & Dangers in Spain

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

There are no threats of natural disasters, apart from an occasional avalanche which can only be a threat when skiing in the Pyrenees.

OVERALL RISK: LOW

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.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

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.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

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.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

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).

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

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.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

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 TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

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.

Cost of Living in Spain

Spain

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing