Cost of Living in Spain Compared Globally (2025 Guide)

What if you could cut your living expenses in half without giving up sunshine, great food, or a high quality of life? That’s the reality for many expats discovering the true cost of living in Spain.

From sunny coastal towns to vibrant city centers, Spain delivers affordability without sacrificing comfort or quality. Whether you’re a digital nomad, retiree, or relocating with your family, knowing what to expect financially is key to making a smooth transition.

In this blog, you’ll get a detailed breakdown of the average cost of living in Spain, side-by-side comparisons with other countries, and insight into how your lifestyle, household size, and location can shape your monthly budget.

(Article Updated June 2025)

Average Cost of Living in Spain

Spain continues to rank as one of the most attractive countries for expats in Western Europe and the numbers back it up.

With a very high Quality of Life Index (186.76) and a low Cost of Living Index (48.28), Spain offers the rare combination of affordability and comfort.

The average cost of living in Spain is significantly lower than in many Western countries. This is one of the main reasons that Spain is an appealing option for expats seeking value without sacrificing comfort.

Spain is a large country, so your expenses will vary based on location, lifestyle, and household size, but it consistently ranks as one of the more affordable countries in Western Europe. Here’s a general overview of monthly costs for a moderate lifestyle in Spain:

Whether you’re living in a vibrant city like Valencia or a coastal town in Andalusia, Spain offers an excellent balance between affordability and quality of life.

Can foreigners relocate to Spain? Find out the different visa options for non-EU citizens and how our lawyers help.

Spain Cost of Living by City

Spain’s cost of living can vary depending on the city and region. While major urban centers like Madrid and Barcelona are pricier, many mid-sized and coastal cities offer excellent value for money with a high quality of life.

Here’s a snapshot of monthly costs in key Spanish cities for a single person living modestly but comfortably:

From the table above, it’s worth noting that Madrid and Barcelona offer the most amenities and job opportunities, but also come with the highest price tags. You may look at cities like Valencia, Seville, and Malaga if you want to strike a balance between cost, climate, and livability.

Smaller cities and rural areas offer even lower costs but may lack international schools or major transport links.

Understanding regional cost differences is crucial for planning a realistic budget and choosing the right destination for your lifestyle.

Cost of Living in Spain for Different Household Types

The cost of living in Spain varies not just by region, but also varies within each city, depending on the household type. Whether you’re relocating solo, with a partner, or as a family, here’s what to expect in terms of monthly expenses for a comfortable lifestyle.

To better understand the cost of living in Spain, it’s helpful to break down expenses by category. This gives expats and foreign residents a realistic idea of what they’ll spend monthly based on lifestyle and location.

No matter your household size, Spain offers a variety of living options, making it a flexible and attractive destination for expats.

Living Expenses in Spain by Category

To better understand the cost of living in Spain, it’s helpful to break down expenses by category. This gives expats and foreign residents a realistic idea of what they’ll spend monthly based on lifestyle and location.

Housing

Rent is typically the largest monthly expense for residents. In Spain, rental prices vary significantly by city and neighborhood:

• 1-bedroom apartment in city center: €700–€1,200.
• 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: €1,000–€1,800.
• Smaller towns and inland cities are often 30–50% cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona.

Buying property is also an option, but upfront costs (including taxes and fees) add around 10–15% to the purchase price.

Utilities

Utilities in Spain are relatively affordable compared to other European countries, but prices have fluctuated in recent years due to energy costs:

• Electricity, water, and gas: €100–€150/month for a medium-sized apartment.
• Internet (fiber): €25–€50/month.

Energy-efficient buildings and appliances can significantly reduce monthly bills.

Food and Groceries

Spain has one of the most affordable grocery markets in Western Europe:

• Monthly groceries for one person: €200–€300.
• Eating out at local restaurants: You can expect to pay €10–€15 for lunch menus, €30+ for dinner at mid-range restaurants.
• Local produce and seasonal food are widely available and cost-effective.

Transport

Public transportation in Spain is efficient and cost-friendly, especially in major cities:

• Public transport passes (monthly): €25–€60.
• Intercity train (eg, Madrid–Barcelona): €40–€100 (depending on time and ticket type).
• Owning a car comes with a number of added expenses besides the cost of the car, including fuel, insurance, and maintenance.

Many urban residents don’t need a car thanks to walkable cities and solid public transit.

Healthcare

Spain offers a mix of public and private healthcare:

• Public healthcare is free or low-cost as long as you are registered with Social Security.
• Private health insurance: €50–€120/month per person for quality coverage.

Many expats opt for private coverage to reduce wait times or access English-speaking doctors.

Education

Families relocating to Spain should plan for educational costs, especially if choosing private or international schools:

• Public schools: Free, but classes are in Spanish or Catalan.
• Private/international schools: €4,000–€10,000+ per year, depending on the city and school.
• University fees (public): €1,000–€2,500/year for EU citizens; fees for non-EU residents may be higher.

International schooling is often the preferred route for expat families, particularly in larger cities.

Spain’s cost of living remains accessible, with excellent value in healthcare, food, and transport. The key variable is housing, where you live often determines your overall budget. 

Exploring visa options in Spain? Get trusted legal support for your move abroad.

Cost of Living in Spain vs Other Countries

When compared to other developed nations, Spain consistently ranks as one of the most affordable countries in which to live. Below are key comparisons across housing, healthcare, and day-to-day living costs.

Spain Cost of Living vs Non-EU Countries

Takeaway: Spain is often 40–60% more affordable than many English-speaking countries—especially when it comes to rent and recurring monthly costs.

Spain Cost of Living vs EU Countries

Takeaway: Spain is more affordable than Germany and France, with living costs similar to Portugal and Greece but with broader infrastructure and lifestyle options.

In short, Spain offers a sweet spot between Western European quality of life and Mediterranean affordability. For foreign families, retirees, and remote workers, it often provides better value for money than English-speaking countries or central EU nations. 

What Influences The Cost of Living in Spain?

The cost of living in Spain can vary significantly, with many factors coming into play. Understanding these factors can help expats and foreign families plan more accurately based on where and how they intend to live.

Urban vs Rural Living

Living in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia comes with higher rental prices, dining costs, and general expenses. As is the case in most countries, rural towns and smaller inland cities offer:

• Lower rent and utility costs.
• Cheaper local produce and dining.
• A slower pace of life with fewer daily expenses.

Rural living can reduce overall costs by 20–40% compared to major cities.

North vs South

The southern regions of Spain, Andalusia, Murcia, and Extremadura, tend to be more affordable than the north. Key distinctions include:

• Housing: Lower in the south, especially outside tourist zones.
• Utilities: Cheaper in warmer areas due to lower heating needs.
• Groceries: Prices tend to be consistent across the country.

Northern cities like Bilbao and San Sebastián have a higher cost of living, mainly influenced by greater purchasing power, higher wages, and cultural preferences.

Lifestyle Choices

Your personal lifestyle will be one of the biggest factors in your monthly expenses. For example:

• Eating out frequently adds up, even with Spain’s affordable tapas culture.
• Owning a car increases fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs.
• Private healthcare or schooling costs more than public options.
• Choosing tourist-heavy areas will generally mean higher rent and services.

Ultimately, Spain can accommodate a range of budgets. Whether you live modestly in a coastal village or enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle in the city, your choices directly shape your cost of living.

Ready to Kickstart Your Spanish Journey Lexidy?

Spain’s cost of living isn’t just affordable, it’s empowering. It gives expats, digital nomads, retirees, and families the chance to enjoy more freedom, more time, and more life for less. Whether it’s the healthcare, the pace, or the sunshine that’s calling you, knowing the real numbers behind the lifestyle helps you plan wisely and live boldly.

Thinking of making the move? Or already here and navigating your next steps? From visas to tax strategy to real estate support, Lexidy’s legal team is here to make your relocation smooth, secure, and cost-efficient. Fill out the form below to get your free consultation!