Growing up in Germany, life in Spain seemed far away in many ways, but was extremely intriguing. From the mild Mediterranean climate and the significant cultural differences to the cost of living in Spain – the idea of moving my place of residence to the south of Europe has always fascinated me.
Spain is one of the best countries for food and it’s also one of the most affordable places to travel to and a great value destination for living.
A few years ago, I decided to take the plunge and officially moved to Alicante, Spain in order to live the Spanish dream for 12 whole months.
In this article, I will fill you in on everything I learned about the cost of living in Spain, plus useful tips if you are considering staying in the country for a while.
Visa Regulations For Living in Spain
The first thing you need to do when planning to set up a life in a foreign country (no matter the country) is figure out whether or not you are actually allowed to stay in the country, for how long, and on what visa.
For those of us who have a European residency, moving to Spain is a fairly uncomplicated process and only requires a change of registration regarding your place of residency. For those living outside of Europe, it is a different story depending on nationality. See the two paragraphs below.
After handing in a complete application folder at the local police station, you will soon receive your Certificate of Residence (NIE), which is not only a legal formality but also a very useful step to help with the varied costs of living in Spain. I will explain in more detail why the NIE is important later on.
For non-European residents who intend to stay longer than 3 months, applying for official residency is more complex, but not impossible.
In any case, it will be equally important if you wish to benefit from the low cost of living in Spain compared to other countries in the EU.
Finding Accommodation in Spain
You can only rent a place in Spain if you can prove that you are registered as a resident for the time of your contract, which is exactly why the NIE is important. There are some loopholes around this but I won’t recommend them in this post.
As for securing good accommodation, timing is very important. Finding a good apartment for a fair price will be almost impossible at the beginning of the summer (May – July), at least in any major city or popular coastal areas.
I can recommend waiting for the main wave of tourists to leave in September before starting to hunt down real estate offers.
Hunting is unfortunately the right expression, as taken from experience when I look back at my own apartment search.
Although websites like Fotocasa are quite useful for finding offers, the real work begins when contacting the owner or retailer in order to make a viewing appointment. In Spain, it is best to be persistent and call directly instead of writing E-mails.
Depending on your personal living standards, and which city you live in, you can find a small 2-bedroom apartment for about €550 – 650, or a spacious and modern flat for €850 a month.
Considering that the last option would likely come with several bedrooms and at least two bathrooms, an outside area like a balcony and a pretty good location, the cost of living in Spain in terms of accommodation is very affordable.
In about half of the cases, shorter long-term rents (we are talking one-year contracts) will come with furniture, which is very useful if you don’t have the budget to invest in the necessary basics like a bed, table, etc.
Some apartments would even entail a completely equipped kitchen and other additional extras that the owner or person before you might have left behind.
Note: Prices vary depending on where in Spain you are looking to rent. When living in Madrid or Barcelona, for example, the cost of accommodation is much higher. Less-populated (and less popular) cities will be cheaper.
For short stays (3 months or less), have a look at Airbnb for apartments.
Read More: A Guide to Barcelona For First Timers
Grocery Costs in Spain
In Spain, it is common to have at least two, sometimes three types of places to shop for your groceries in your local neighbourhood. My costs for living in Alicante were pretty much spot on with what Numbeo suggests.
1. The Corner Store
The first one, the little corner store will have a limited selection of items and is likely a bit more expensive, but most products will be local: fresh milk, eggs, regional vegetables and fruits.
This is what my bill for a quick stop at our local corner store would look like:
Whole milk (1 liter) €1.20
Cheese (200 g) €3.00
Meat (150 g) €2.50
Local eggs (10) €2.00
3 tomatoes €1.00
3 regional oranges €0.60
Loaf of white bread €1.50
Bottle of red wine €3.50
Single beer can €1.20
100 g chocolate bar €1.50
TOTAL: €18.00
Note: Don’t forget that most small shops in Spain close between 2:00 – 5.30 pm for their siesta!
2. The Supermarket Grocery Store
Spain has a number of franchise supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, Carrefour and some national brands like AlCampo or Más y Más. Shopping at either one of them won’t affect your general cost of living in Spain compared to other European countries.
Prices here are lower and the selection is bigger than in a general shop. Especially the white bread & cookies section, the fresh fish and meat section, and the wine section which is usually of disproportional size (like three aisles).
Food Description EURO PRICE RANGE
Milk (1 liter) €0.73-1.20
Loaf of fresh white bread (500g) €0.80-1.30
White rice (1kg) €0.70-1.80
Eggs (regular) (10) €1.00-2.00
Local cheese (1kg) €3.00-10.00
Chicken breasts (1kg) €6.00-8.00
Beef round (1kg) €5.00-20.00
Apples (1kg) €0.80-2.00
Bananas (1kg) €1.05-1.50
Oranges (1kg) €0.65-1.20
Tomatoes (1kg) €0.80-1.80
Potatoes (1kg) €0.80-2.00
Onions (1kg) €0.40-2.00
Lettuce (1 head) €0.99-1.20
Also good to know:
Bottle of wine €2.50
Single beer can €0.60
Chocolate bar (100 g) €0.80
Coffee (250 g) €2.00
Note: The bigger the selection, the wider the price range between high quality and lower price category. Especially when it comes to buying fresh fish, meats, fruits and vegetables.
I recommend watching out for regional and seasonal goods instead of imported products. It will pay off in price and quality!
3. The Local Farmers’ Market
Not every town will have a local farmers’ market, yet they are quite common and popular amongst locals no matter where in Spain you have decided to settle.
For fresh foods, this is my first choice when buying vegetables, fish, olives, and fruit, and especially when buying tomatoes, oranges, peaches and other products that are in season.
Prices at the local market will be even cheaper than in the grocery store. Plus, you’re supporting regional agriculture AND the difference in taste is incredible.
Shopping at a weekly farmers’ market is not only important to reduce your cost of living in Spain, but it is also the best way to start life as a local by meeting neighbours and having a chat with your future go-to butcher.
Going Out in Spain
The best way to enjoy an affordable evening out in Spain is to head to a cozy little tapas bar — this is one of the most romantic things to do in Barcelona or any city in Spain.
This is where you’ll find delicious patatas bravas (oven baked potatoes with spicy red sauce) and boquerones en vinagre (salty fish in vinegar) with a cool caña (small beer on tap).
In Spain, letting your cash balance decide whether or not you can afford to go out does not work quite as well as in other parts of Europe. Why? Because more often than not, going out is as cheap as eating at home.
The drink around the corner (wine or beer) costs between €1 and €2 and will often be served with something to snack on, like simple finger foods, potato chips or salty nuts.
If your hunger is not overwhelming, order one or two homemade tapas or a sandwich for €3-5, and you’re set for dinner.
Of course, this is not really going out. Should you plan a romantic date or evening with friends you can expect the following average prices:
Meal, inexpensive restaurant €12.00
Meal for 2 people, mid-range restaurant €30-45.00
Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught) €1.50-3.00
Imported beer (0.33 liter bottle) €3
Cappuccino (regular) €1.70
Croissant €1
Bocadillo (toasted baguette with ham, cheese or tomato) €4
Water (0.5 liter bottle) €1.50
Special Food Deals
Paella Lunch: If you are looking for something special, like a traditional Spanish paella for lunch, you are looking at about €15-20 per meal and person. However, paellas are usually served in massive portions and can be shared between more people (the price has to be paid for a minimum of 2 people).
Breakfast and lunch deals. These are amazing and also a reason for the low-cost of living in Spain. Breakfast Deal: Coffee + bocadillo or croissant + fresh orange juice = €3-5.00
Lunch Deal: One drink + starter + main + desert or coffee = €10-12
Going to the Doctor in Spain
Nobody plans on having to go to the doctor, but if you decide to move your place of residency to Spain for a while, you might not get around it.
The public health care system in Spain is rated one of the best ones in the world and is indeed quite remarkable. You will benefit from free health care services if you are one of the following:
- resident in Spain and work in employment or self-employment and pay social security contributions
- resident in Spain and receiving certain state benefits
- resident in Spain and recently divorced or separated from a partner registered with social security
- a child resident in Spain
- a pregnant woman who is resident in Spain
- under 26 and studying in Spain
- a state pensioner
- staying temporarily in Spain and have an EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card)
Depending on the city district you are living in, you will be referred to a certain public health care centre, which will be your go-to doctor until you relocate your apartment. Your house doctor here has to forward you to any specialist or hospital if needed, unless there is a serious emergency.
For any consultancy or treatment at a private clinic (which is also quite common, so make sure to ask), you will have to pay for yourself. It’s always a wise idea to have travel insurance. Check out Safety Wing for a free quote.
Cost of Transportation in Spain
Most people in Spain own their own vehicle and it does not cost too much to buy a car. Some websites sell decent second-hand vehicles for €1,500 – 2,000.
The other option is to rent a car for a day or two whenever needed, which is also very affordable. Fuel prices are €1.90/liter.
The public transport in some areas of Spain is not as advanced as in other European countries, but in comparison to Canada or the United States it is still amazing.
Between major cities like Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia, high-speed trains run several times a day and tickets will cost between €30 and €150, depending on the distance of the journey.
Busses are a good option for medium distance travel (for example offered by ALSA) and cheaper than trains, but also less comfortable.
If you decide to move to a major Spanish city, you can also count on local busses, trams and underground systems to get from A to B. Watch out for monthly or multiple ride tickets, they will save you money and time.
Barcelona: In Barcelona, you can either purchase a 10 Journey Ticket, which is cheaper than 10 single rides, or a one month pass for 40 Euros. There are many other options as well. Learn more here.
Madrid: The 30-Day Season Ticket is a contactless ticket valid for 30 days, and can be recharged on machines in all stations. For those under 25, it’s especially economical to purchase a Young Person’s Season Ticket. The cost of public transport in Madrid is based on zones. Find out more here.
Internet Costs in Spain
Everyone wants a solid internet connection, and this is especially true for Digital Nomads. You will want a stable internet connection in your apartment and probably also a data plan for your phone. Should you already have a European sim card, you can keep using it at no additional roaming costs.
There are a number of good deals for your in-house connection, but not all of them include fast and reliable internet. Doing some research on which signal works best in your area can be key.
Companies like Ono, Movistar, Vodafone and Orange are amongst the most popular internet providers.
For those of you who aren’t from Europe, make sure that your cell phone is unlocked if you’re looking to use a local SIM card.
What I liked about the Spanish providers is that most of them don’t require signing a long-term contract. That way you can pay per month and cancel anytime with short notice should you decide to change providers or leave the country.
Entertainment & Activities in Spain
My 3 favorite activities are always the free ones, and life in Spain comes with some nice options. With an abundance of free activities, you will save on your cost of living in Spain and still have a blast:
1. Beach It
On mild summer nights or in the heat of the day, is there a better place for relaxing and meeting friends than the beach? In those fortunate communities that are situated close to the coast, social life and activities are concentrated around the beach.
Go swimming, play volleyball with friends, or relax with a sun-downer while listening to someone playing guitar. Especially in the off-season, the beach is my happy place and even more beautiful. Spanish families come together for Sunday picnics, locals practice dancing lessons and exercise together. The beach is the best place to enjoy a Spanish day.
2. Join Cultural Events and National Festivals
Every day there is a reason to celebrate in Spain!
One of the most spectacular celebrations I took part in was the Hogueras in the State of Valencia, during which, people party every night for 5 days and have countless processions in order to honour the beginning of Spring.
It is celebrated from the 19th to the 24th of June and highlighted with the burning of giant statues by the end of the festivities.
Other important events are Semana Santa (Easter), the Tomatina Tomato Fight (fourth Wednesday in August), Carnival, and New Year’s Eve.
3. Go Hiking, Mountain Biking, or Wine Tasting
What most people don’t know is that Spain has way more to offer than just the beach. Off the coast, the Mediterranean hill country has some beautiful scenic hikes and trails for mountain biking. Especially in winter, exploring some nature walks in your new backyard can be the perfect weekend getaway.
Wine is one of the oldest and most important resources of Spanish agriculture and locals are proud of its quality for a reason. Tasting Spanish wines surrounded by olive groves and orange trees – what a way to spend a Saturday afternoon!
A number of vineyards offer guided tours and tastings for €5-10 a person.
Summary of the Cost of Living in Spain
Amongst other European countries, Spain is certainly one of the cheaper ones when it comes to living costs. Here is a monthly budget amount calculated for 2 people based on my own personal experience living in Alicante, Spain:
1. Accommodation rent: €500
2. Water and electricity (will be included in some living contracts!): €50
3. Groceries: €200-300
4. Going/eating out: €100-150
5. Health insurance: free if you apply for Spanish residency or have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
6. Transport: €10-40 in fuel or public transport (depending on your mobility level)
7. Internet: €50 a month
8. Entertainment: mainly free
TOTAL Monthly Cost of living in Spain for 2 people: €1050
Not only is the cost of living in Spain very attractive, but it is also a country full of passion. It’s rich in culture and history and full of incredibly friendly people. My time in Spain has made me love this country so much that it feels like a second home.
We hope you enjoyed this article and that it helps you plan your budget for a trip to Spain.
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