Cost of Living in Spain 2025: The Complete Guide for Expats

The cost of living in Spain is affordable. A single person can expect to live comfortably with an average monthly income of about €1,200 and €1,500, which is much cheaper than in many places in Europe and the U.S. In perspective, it is around 30 to 40% cheaper than living in major US cities like New York and significantly less expensive than places like London or Paris, where monthly expenses can easily exceed €2,000. Madrid and Barcelona have higher prices, but many coastal towns and inland cities have a more relaxed lifestyle at a fraction of the cost.

This article will look at the true cost of living in Spain, covering housing, utilities, healthcare, transportation, and more! This is what to expect:

• How much is the cost of living in Spain?
• How much does housing cost in Spain?
• What are the food prices in Spain?
• How much do utilities cost in Spain?
• Cost of Transport in Spain
• Healthcare Costs in Spain
• Childcare costs in Spain
• Cost of Living in Spain vs USA
• Cost of Living in Spain vs UK
• How can you move to Spain?

How much is the cost of living in Spain?

The cost of living in Spain is around €900 to €1,500 per month for a single person, excluding rent, while a family of four might need around €2,882, including rent, depending on the city and lifestyle. Big cities like Madrid and Barcelona are more expensive, while smaller towns and rural areas are cheaper and still allow for a comfortable lifestyle.

Spain ranks 48.6 on Numbeo’s index, which compares prices for goods and services such as housing, food, transportation, and entertainment across countries. This makes Spain more affordable than many Western European nations and around 25% cheaper than the U.S. Additionally, Spain also ranks globally in the top five spots for Quality of Life Index by Global Citizen Solutions, primarily because of its sunny climate, relaxed lifestyle, welcoming communities, and affordable living. This has made the country one of the best choices for retirees, as it also ranks third on the Global Citizen Solutions (GCS) Global Retirement Report, which evaluates factors like citizenship and mobility, economics, taxes, quality of life, and safety.

How much does housing cost in Spain?

Housing costs in Spain depend on where you live. In big cities like Madrid and Barcelona, renting a 100 m² apartment costs between €1,500 and €2,500 per month in the city centre. Beach areas like the Costa del Sol are often more expensive. Smaller towns and inland places are cheaper, with rents sometimes under €1,000. Buying property in Spain also depends on the location, but the city centers can cost around €3,000 to €4,500 per square meter.

Luckily, Spain is diverse, so there are more affordable coastal cities like Alicante and Murcia, where average rental prices are as low as €600–€900. Inland cities like Granada and Seville sometimes charge under €600 for a decent apartment. For the best value and to save money, look beyond the big cities to regional coastal and inland historic towns, which offer a good quality of life at lower prices.

Average property and rental prices in Spain

What are the food prices in Spain?

Food in Spain is affordable. Couples can find themselves spending about €250 per month on groceries, and families around €600. However, prices depend on the store, as other larger supermarkets will have more discounts. Local markets are common throughout Spain and are popular for fresh, quality produce at reasonable prices, and shopping at these markets is also a great way to connect with the community, especially for those thinking of living in Spain long term. Eating out is also less expensive than in the U.S., especially with the menu del dia, a three-course lunch costing around €10 to €15. Spain is also known for its tapas bars, which provide a low-cost way to enjoy many different dishes, while high-end restaurants are more expensive.

Below are some of the average Spanish food prices:

How much do utilities cost in Spain?

Utilities in Spain cost between €100 and €150 per month for a standard apartment. This includes electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage services. Due to heating or air conditioning use, costs can be higher in larger homes or during extreme weather months.

Here is a look at the cost of basic utilities in Spain.

Cost of Transport in Spain

Spain has a well-developed transport system that includes buses, trains, and metros in many cities. Public transport is reliable and affordable, so it’s advisable to use it whether you are there on holiday or for day-to-day needs. A single bus or metro ticket usually costs around €1.50 to €2.50, while monthly passes range from €40 to €60, depending on the city. For longer distances, Spain has high-speed trains that connect major cities quickly but are more expensive. Many people also use bicycles or walk in smaller towns, but those who want to drive, gasoline costs about €1.59, and car insurance can add up to €500-€1,000 per year.

These are the current costs according to Numbeo:

Healthcare Costs in Spain

Spain has a public healthcare system called the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS) that provides universal coverage, mostly free at the point of use. It is funded through taxes, so residents can access doctors, hospitals, and emergency care without paying directly for most services. However, some out-of-pocket expenses may apply to prescriptions or dental care. Many expats also choose private health insurance for faster access or additional services, which can cost between €50 and €100 per month, depending on the plan.

These are some of the costs to look out for when navigating healthcare in Spain:

• Prescription co-pays usually range from €1 to €5 per medication.
• Dental and specialist services may have additional fees.
• Private health insurance costs between €50 and €100 per month.
• Private doctor visits without insurance cost €50 to €150 per appointment.

Childcare costs in Spain

Spain has public, private, and international childcare and education options. Public schools are free and run by the government, while private and international schools charge fees. Childcare costs differ significantly. Public daycare is low-cost or free for many families, while private daycare can cost between €300 and €700 per month, depending on the location and services. International primary school fees can get to up to €8,750 per year for one child. Nonetheless, education is compulsory for those aged 6 to 16, and the quality of education in Spain is excellent, as the country ranks 19th on the Global Educational Report by Global Citizen Solutions.

Cost of Living in Spain vs USA

The cost of living in Spain is lower than in the US, especially for housing, food, and healthcare. On average, living expenses in Spain can be 30-40% cheaper than in major US cities. Spain offers affordable public services and lower prices for everyday goods, which makes it attractive for those looking for a more budget-friendly lifestyle and better quality of life.

Here are some of the price differences between Spain and the US.

Cost of Living in Spain vs UK

The cost of living in Spain is also lower than in the UK, especially in areas like rent, groceries, and dining out. For example, renting a one-bedroom apartment in Madrid can cost around €900 per month, while in London it often exceeds £1,500. Utilities and transportation are also cheaper in Spain, and fresh local food markets help reduce grocery bills. Spain is a country with an affordable lifestyle that does not require sacrificing quality of life.

How can you move to Spain?

If the quality of life and low cost of living have convinced you to move to Spain, you’ll be glad to know several visa options are available. The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa is designed for retirees who have enough passive income and do not plan to work in Spain. The Spain Digital Nomad Visa suits expats who work remotely for companies outside Spain but want to live in the country. Another option is the Spanish Highly Qualified Professional Visa, which is aimed at skilled workers with specialized expertise who have a job offer from a Spanish company. These visas allow expats to live and enjoy life in Spain legally.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.