Originally published at: Cost of Living in Spain | GoVisaFree
Living in Span is a desire of many expats, remote workers, and digital nomads. Thanks to its famous lifestyle, food, and beaches, Spain stands out as one of the most popular countries in Europe.
If you’re one of those who is ready to pack and move to Spain, we’ve got you covered. We’ve prepared this guide on the cost of living in Spain to give you an introduction so you can be prepared. We’ve also added sections where we compare Spain’s cost of living with other countries.
Is It Expensive To Live in Spain?
Spain is not an expensive country in general. Even if there are many differences across its regions, you can get food and entertainment at a very low cost. This is especially true if you have an income from Northern Europe, North America, Australia, etc.
However, when compared to the cost of living in Portugal, its immediate neighbor, Spain is more expensive.
Barcelona, Spain
Purchasing Power in Spain
The rise in inflation has lowered the purchasing power in Spain. Still, when compared to Italy and Portugal, the purchasing power in Spain is higher. However, it’s still lower than in France.
- Local purchasing power in Spain is 25.35 percent higher than in Italy
- Local purchasing power in Spain is 8.46 percent lower than in France
- Local purchasing power in Spain is 63.43 percent higher than in Portugal
When compared to the US, local purchasing power in Spain is 28.79 percent lower.
Living Costs in Spain
The section below gives you a quick rundown of the most common expenses. This is based on data from a number of sources, such as Numbeo and Expatistan.
Accommodation
No matter where you reside in the world, rent is likely to be your highest expense. In Spain, this is no different.
However, the amount you spend will be entirely determined by the place and living circumstances. Living alone in Madrid’s city center, for example, will be substantially more expensive than sharing a flat outside of the city center or in the countryside. You can expect to pay between €600 and €900 per month in average-sized Spanish cities.
Here is a quick table that shows the average rents in different parts of the country:
|
1 bdrm. apart. in the center |
1 bdrm. apart. off-center |
|
| Barcelona | €967 | €775 |
| Madrid | €990 | €780 |
| Valencia | €680 | €550 |
| Seville | €670 | €520 |
| Alicante | €680 | €530 |
Buying a House in Spain
You can even buy a house in Spain if you’re financially prepared. The average price of an apartment in Barcelona is €4,558 and €4,308 in Madrid per m², as per the data we’ve collected from Idealista in April 2022.
Purchasing a home can qualify you for a Spain Golden Visa, which offers you residency in the country
Food
When it comes to the cost of living in Spain, food shopping is considered to be relatively inexpensive. Your budget will, of course, be influenced by your lifestyle and tastes. Supermarkets such as Dia, Carrefour, Lidl, and Mercadona offer weekly shopping for around €60.
You can also purchase fresh, local produce from your local fruit shops and bakeries. Also, don’t miss Spain’s fresh food markets!
See the below table for average prices for common groceries:
| Item | Price |
| Milk (1 liter) | €0.79 |
| White Bread | €1 |
| Rice (1kg) | €1.04 |
| Eggs (12) | €1.93 |
| Cheese (1kg) | €9.96 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | €6.05 |
| Apples (1kg) | €1.75 |
| Banana (1kg) | €1.58 |
| Bottle of Wine | €5 |
| Domestic Beer | €0.89 |
Eating Out
In Spain, eating out can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. Local tapas bars and coffee shops can charge as little as €6 for a snack and a drink, while trendy locations in posh neighborhoods will set you back a few hundred euros for a full supper. It all depends on your way of living.
Utility Bills and Internet
These costs vary depending on the season and how you live. The average gas/electricity/water bill in an apartment is €100, and the average internet bill is around €40, depending on the internet provider.
Public Transportation
Spain’s public transportation system is broad, well-organized, and simple to use, allowing you to save time and money. Subways, buses, trains, and boats are all options for getting around. One-way bus ticket costs around €1.50.
Note that eco-friendly transportation options are very popular in Spain. So you can rent a bike, e-scooter, or e-moto to save money and help the environment.
Leisure and Entertainment
Spain is a vibrant country with a diverse choice of events and activities. From movies to museums and art galleries, there’s something for everyone. Museum entry fees vary from €3 to €15 but you can also benefit from free entrance hours for some specific museums, such as Prado.
Nightlife in Spain is very active and you’ll find bars and clubs on every corner, especially in big cities. For some famous nightclubs, the entry fee is €20. Drinks at bars start from €6 and can go up to €20.
Are you a gym rat? If yes, expect to pay around €30 for monthly gym memberships.
Healthcare Costs
Spain is proud of its well-developed and easily accessible healthcare system. Spain’s healthcare system is regarded as one of the greatest in the world, providing its residents with access to both private and public healthcare.
You will be able to use the public healthcare system if you are working in Spain, either under the Spain freelance visa scheme or as an employee of a company. Citizens of other EU countries can also benefit from public healthcare services if their stay is a temporary one.
SafetyWing Digital Nomad Insurance is a good option if you want to have travel medical insurance. It’s a popular insurance plan among digital nomads who are looking for flexible plans at lower prices.
How Does Cost of Living in Spain Compare to Other Countries?
We’ve thought a cost comparison to other countries might be useful so there you have it!
Living Costs in Spain vs. the US
- Consumer prices in Spain are 24.67 percent lower than in the US (excluding rent)
- Consumer prices including rent in Spain are 32.66 percent lower than in the US
- Rent prices in Spain are 46.31 percent lower than in the US
- Restaurant Prices in Spain are 21.36% lower than in the US
- Groceries Prices in Spain are 36.66% lower than in the US
Living Costs in Spain vs. Australia
- Consumer prices in Spain are 34.11 percent lower than in Australia (excluding rent)
- Consumer prices including rent in Spain are 36.31 percent lower than in Australia
- Rent prices in Spain are 41.03 percent lower than in Australia
- Restaurant prices in Spain are 28.13 percent lower than in Australia
- Groceries prices in Spain are 44.05% lower than in Australia
Living Costs in Spain vs. the UK
- Consumer prices in Spain are 20.42 percent lower than in the UK (excluding rent)
- Consumer prices including rent in Spain are 23.93 percent lower than in the UK
- Rent prices in Spain are 31.21 percent lower than in the UK
- Restaurant prices in Spain are 25.47 percent lower than in the UK
- Groceries prices in Spain are 18.07 percent lower than in the UK
The Bottom Line
There you have it! Now that you have a general understanding of living expenses in Spain, it might be time to plan your move. Spain is a wonderful country where people enjoy life, music, and food. You can rest assured it’ll open new doors for you on your journey as a digital nomad…
Have you ever visited Spain? Have you ever thought of living there? Let us know…
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