🇪🇸 Cost of Living in Spain - Prices & Budget Guide
Last updated: February 2026
Verified Facts
Official NameKingdom of Spain
CapitalMadrid
Population49.3 million
Area505,992 km² (195,365 sq mi)
LanguagesSpanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician
Currencyeuro (€)
TimezoneUTC, UTC+01:00
RegionEurope / Southern Europe
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API
Economic Indicators
GDP per Capita (PPP)$57,965 (2024)
Inflation Rate2.8% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$3,107 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend20.9% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)4.6% (2022)
Source: World Bank Open Data
The cost of living in Spain can vary greatly depending on the region, city, and lifestyle, but on average, it is considered to be moderate, with daily expenses ranging from $60-150 per person.
Quick Facts
Cost LevelModerate
Daily Budget (Backpacker)$60-100 USD
Daily Budget (Mid-Range)$100-150 USD
Daily Budget (Comfort)$150-250 USD
CurrencyEUR
Tipping Customnot expected, but 5-10% in restaurants and bars is common
How Expensive Is Spain?
Spain is a popular tourist destination and a great place to live, with a relatively low cost of living compared to other Western European countries. The cost of living in Spain is lower than in countries like France, Germany, and the UK, but higher than in Eastern European countries. Compared to its neighbors, Spain is more expensive than Portugal, but less expensive than France. The cost of living in Spain can vary greatly depending on the region, with cities like Madrid and Barcelona being more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas.
Overall, Spain offers a great balance of quality of life, culture, and affordability, making it an attractive destination for tourists, expats, and digital nomads. The country has a well-developed infrastructure, a rich cultural heritage, and a vibrant social scene, with many restaurants, bars, and festivals to enjoy. However, the cost of living in Spain can be higher than in some other countries, especially when it comes to housing and transportation.
Accommodation Prices
Type
Price Range (USD/night)
Notes
Hostel/Budget
$20-40
typical quality, shared rooms and bathrooms
Mid-Range Hotel
$80-150
3-4 star hotel, private bathroom and amenities
Luxury/Resort
$200-500
5 star hotel, high-end amenities and services
Apartment Rent (monthly)
$600-1,200
city center, 1-2 bedrooms, furnished
Apartment Rent (monthly)
$400-900
outside city center, 1-2 bedrooms, furnished
Food & Dining Prices
Meal Type
Price Range (USD)
Street Food / Local Eatery
$5-10
Casual Restaurant
$15-25
Mid-Range Restaurant (2 people)
$30-50
Fine Dining
$50-100
Beer (local)
$3-5
Coffee
$2-3
Water (1.5L bottle)
$1-2
Transport Costs
Transport
Cost (USD)
Local bus/metro ride
$1-2
Taxi (per km)
$1-2
Domestic flight
$50-100
Fuel (per liter)
$1-2
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Category
Budget ($)
Mid-Range ($)
Comfortable ($)
Rent
600
1,000
1,500
Food
300
500
800
Transport
100
200
300
Utilities
100
150
200
Entertainment
200
300
500
Total
1,300
2,150
3,300
Money-Saving Tips
Consider living outside of city centers, where rent and living expenses are lower.
Eat at local restaurants and tapas bars, which are often cheaper and more authentic than touristy places.
Use public transportation, which is efficient and affordable in Spain.
Take advantage of free walking tours and museum visits, which are often available in cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
Shop at local markets and supermarkets, which offer fresh produce and products at lower prices than touristy shops.
Learn some basic Spanish phrases, which can help you navigate and negotiate prices more effectively.