How much does it really cost to live in Spain? We break down the real monthly expenses for expats in Valencia, Madrid and Barcelona.
Spain is still significantly cheaper than France, Germany, the UK or the Netherlands — but prices have risen noticeably since 2020. Here's a realistic breakdown.
| Expense | Valencia | Madrid | Barcelona |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city centre) | €750-1,000 | €1,100-1,400 | €1,200-1,600 |
| Groceries | €200-300 | €250-350 | €250-350 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, gas) | €80-130 | €90-140 | €90-140 |
| Mobile phone | €15-30 | €15-30 | €15-30 |
| Public transport | €20-40 | €50-80 | €50-80 |
| Eating out (2-3x/week) | €150-250 | €180-300 | €200-350 |
| Total | €1,215-1,750 | €1,685-2,300 | €1,805-2,550 |
A menú del día (lunch menu) — starter, main, dessert, bread and drink — costs €10-14 even in city centres. Coffee is €1.20-1.80. Supermarket prices for fresh produce are very competitive.
Public healthcare is essentially free once registered. Private insurance is available from €50-80/month — far cheaper than comparable cover in the UK or Germany.
Public schools are free. Nurseries (guarderías) range from €200-400/month, much less than in France or the Netherlands.
Spanish salaries are lower than Northern Europe, but the cost of living is too. Average salaries:
Remote workers earning Northern European salaries while living in Spain have one of the highest quality-of-life ratios in Europe.
Reduce your moving costs by buying second-hand on Vendo — from sofas to smartphones, the expat community has everything you need.
