16 de May, 2024
Living in Spain has become increasingly easier, thanks to the variety of visas that the country offers to foreigners. The country has stood out as one of the most attractive destinations for expatriates in Europe, earning the title of the best country in Europe to live in according to the Expat Insider. The same study positions Spain as the country that offers the highest quality of life and leisure in the world, as well as being the European nation where expats find it easiest to make friends. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of the cost of living in Spain, from renting an apartment to expenses related to transportation and leisure.
Are you thinking about moving to Spain? Before packing your bags and embarking on this exciting journey, find out how much you will spend on housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and leisure. Get ready to be surprised by the affordability that this country offers, and learn how to make your dream come true without compromising your budget.
Realizing your goal of living in Europe or obtaining European citizenship can be simpler than you think. We offer personalized support to make the immigration process more accessible and uncomplicated.
For a family of 4 members (a couple and two children), a monthly household income of at least €3,900 is required.
Compared to other European countries, living in Spain is not expensive. Just to give you an idea, the average cost of living in France for a family of 4 is €5,000, and in Ireland, it’s around €6,200.
Currently, the gross minimum wage in Spain is €1,134, while the average salary is €1,814, according to the National Institute of Statistics (in 14 annual payments).
Another important index frequently used in Spain is the IPREM (Public Indicator of Multiple Effect Incomes). It is mainly used by the state to determine compensations, subsidies, scholarships, and other aids. In 2024, the IPREM is €600 per month and €7,100 per year.
To calculate the cost of living in Spain, you should consider a series of expenses. Rent, household bills (electricity, water, gas, condominium), food, transportation, healthcare, education, and leisure.
According to recent reports by the newspaper El País, the amount spent on rent corresponds to 40% of the income of Spanish families.
The average rental price in Spain varies depending on the location. On average, the cost of rent is around €13 per square meter. For exemple, one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost an average of €960 per month. In major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, prices tend to be higher.
| City | Rent price per m2 |
| Madrid | 19,20€ |
| Barcelona | 21.1€ |
| Valência | 13,90€ |
| Pontevedra | 8,20€ |
| Bilbao | 13,90€ |
| Salamanca | 9.10€ |
| City | Purchase cost per m2 |
| Madrid | 4.397€ |
| Barcelona | 4.363€ |
| Valência | 2.487€ |
| Pontevedra | 1.923€ |
| Bilbao | 3.290€ |
| Salamanca | 1.792€ |
| Category | Price (€) |
| Basic (Electricity, Gas, Water) | 131,50 |
| Monthly Mobile Phone Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 18,34 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 31,98 |
Among the cities with the lowest cost of living in Spain and an excellent quality of life are:
Other cities with the cheapest rentals are: Jaén, Teruel, Hesca, Soria, Cidad Real, Albacete, Cuenca, Toledo, Castellón de la Plana, Lugo, La Rioja, Palencia and Burgos.
Visit our article on the cheapest cities in Spain!
For those planning to move to Spain with children, one of the highest expenses will be education. The quality of public education in the country is well-recognized, and parents only need to cover the costs of meals and school supplies for the student. The annual investment averages around €1,000 per student.
On the other hand, private schools have higher monthly fees. The values vary considerably depending on the city and the reputation of the institution. On average, those responsible for the student can expect annual expenses in the range of €7,000.
| Educational Level/Type of School | Average Spend (per year) |
|---|---|
| Public pre-school (up to 6 years old) | 1,150€ |
| Private pre-school (up to 6 years old) | 6,250€ |
| Primary education in public schools | 1,140€ |
| Primary education in private schools | 6,630€ |
| Secondary education in public schools | 736€ |
| Secondary education in private schools | 5,560€ |
| Higher education in public university | 750€ |
| Higher education in private university | 6,220€ |
We’ve listed the main food costs in Spain below (in restaurants and markets).
| Category | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | 12.00 |
| Meal for 2 People at a Mid-range Restaurant | 50.00 |
| Milk (regular) (1 liter) | 1.04 |
| Fresh White Bread (500g) | 1.27 |
| White Rice (1kg) | 1.31 |
| Eggs (regular) (12 units) | 2.44 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 11.73 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 6.95 |
| Beef (1kg) (or Equivalent Red Meat) | 13.05 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 0.65 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-range) | 5.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | 1.03 |
| Pack of Cigarettes (20 units, Marlboro) | 5.25 |
| Category | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | 1.50€ |
| Monthly Pass / Public Transportation | 32€ |
| Gasoline | 1.61€ |
| Initial Taxi Fare (Normal Tariff) | 3.50 |
| 1km by Taxi (Normal Tariff) | 1.21 |
| Category | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Gym, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 40€ |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour on Weekend) | 13.25€ |
| Cinema | 8€ |
| Music Festival Entry | 50€ |
Also read: The Best Music Festivals in Spain
Spain is the country with the best healthcare in the world, according to the competitiveness index developed by the World Economic Forum. As a result, Spanish healthcare is above the average of European and North American countries.
The National Health System in Spain is accessible to the entire population, not only those who have Spanish citizenship but also foreigners with legal residence in the country and even foreigners from countries with bilateral agreements with Spain. However, to use the system, it is necessary to register with the INSS (Seguridad Social) or with Social Security (in the case of the unemployed and retirees).
Most primary healthcare services in the public network are free. However, there are some situations where patients may have to pay a certain co-payment. For example, consultations with specialists.
It is worth noting that all children (up to 15 years old) have free healthcare coverage, including dental care, psychological care, and psychiatric care.
Medicines are also subsidized by the government, and the amount of the “discount” to citizens varies from 40% to 90%.
Despite the quality of public healthcare, it is always advisable to maintain a private health insurance plan, in case you need specialty consultations urgently.
For those with private insurance, the cost of a consultation may be determined by the presence of co-payments, which usually range from €5 to €15 per consultation. In addition, there is the monthly payment of the insurance, which can range from €20 to €200, depending on the coverage and the number of insured persons.
On the other hand, for those without insurance, the cost of private healthcare is higher. In cities like Madrid and Barcelona, for example, the initial cost can be around €60, but it is common for this cost to exceed €100 per consultation, depending on the specialty and the prestige of the professional.
More than just sun and rich gastronomy, Spain offers a welcoming lifestyle, excellent infrastructure, great universities, and a rich historical heritage. At Atlantic Bridge, we understand that moving to a new country can be challenging but also exciting. That’s why we offer tailored services to make your move to Spain as smooth as possible. From visa and residency consulting to financial and real estate assistance, we are here to turn your dream into reality. Contact us today and take the first step towards a new life in Spain.
Author:
Silvia Resende
