Cost of Living in Spain (2024)

Seville is often considered the most budget-friendly city in Spain. In fact, the entire Andalusia region is known for its lower living costs compared to other parts of the country.

Healthcare in Spain is free for citizens and permanent residents. For those who don't qualify for free public healthcare, affordable private health insurance is available, with plans ranging from €30 to €50 per month.

Public education in Spain is free and mandatory for children up to the age of 16.

Attending a public university in Spain is quite affordable, with annual fees ranging from €680 to €1,280. Private universities, however, can be more expensive, costing between €5,500 and €18,000 per year.

U.S. citizens can enter and live in Spain for up to 90 days without a visa. For long-term stays, a visa is required. The cost of living in Spain is generally lower than in most U.S. cities, making it an attractive option for relocation.

Living in Spain is generally cheaper than in the UK. Rents are about 30% lower, groceries are around 15% cheaper, and the overall Consumer Price Index is over 21% lower in Spain compared to the UK.

San Sebastian is often considered the most expensive city in Spain in terms of living costs and real estate prices.

Both Madrid and Barcelona have higher living costs compared to other Spanish cities. However, food and services in Madrid may be slightly more expensive than in Barcelona.

Purchasing real estate worth €500,000 or more qualifies you for a Golden Visa, which allows you to live in Spain legally. After living in the country for ten years, you may be eligible for Spanish citizenship. Refer to our Spain Golden Visa guide for more information.

Your monthly budget in Spain will depend on various factors. On average, the cost of living ranges from €820 to €1,100 per person per month. Note that the minimum wage in Spain is €1,167 gross per month.

Yes, Spain is generally cheaper than the UK. While some costs are similar, such as water bills, other expenses like telecommunications packages, food, and transportation are more affordable in Spain. Additionally, fuel is less expensive in Spain, especially diesel.

The amount needed for retirement in Spain depends on your chosen location, but a yearly budget of €20,000 is a reasonable estimate. Spain offers many free outdoor leisure activities, such as walking along the coast, hiking, and exploring nature.

Eating out in Spain is affordable, with set menus available for around €10, including a starter, main course, drink, and dessert. Fast food options are available for €6 to €8, but dining at local restaurants is often a better experience for a similar cost.

The cost of living in Spain is generally lower than in the USA. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in Madrid, one of Spain's most expensive cities, costs around €1,034.15 ($1,129.86) per month, while a similar apartment in Los Angeles costs about €2,616.31 ($2,858.45) per month on average. There are also differences in other living expenses, such as entertainment costs, with an average cinema ticket costing €10.99 ($12) in the US compared to €8 ($8.74) in Spain. One of the most significant differences is in real estate prices, with an average price per square meter in the city center at €3,182.27 ($3,476.79) in Spain compared to €4,146.49 ($4,530.24) in the US.

Rent prices in Spain vary depending on the city you choose to live in. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around €734.83 ($802.84) per month, while a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs about €603.18 ($659) per month. These prices are generally lower than in countries like the US, Germany, the UK, and Australia.

Food prices in Spanish supermarkets are relatively low, primarily because Spain is a major producer of fruits and vegetables. This means that fresh products are widely available at low prices in Spanish supermarkets. In addition, farmers' markets are common and abundant, which can further reduce grocery expenses.