Cost of Living in Spain for Expats 2026
One of the first questions everyone asks: how much does it actually cost to live in Spain? The answer, like most things, is “it depends.” But we can give you real numbers to work with.
Spain is still one of the more affordable countries in Western Europe, though costs have gone up over the past few years, especially in the big cities. Your expenses will vary a lot depending on where you live, your lifestyle, and whether you are renting or own a place.
Rent: the biggest expense
Housing is almost certainly going to be your largest monthly cost. Here is what you can expect in 2026:
Madrid
- Studio or 1-bed in the center: 900 to 1,400 per month
- 1-bed outside the center: 700 to 1,000 per month
- 2-bed in the center: 1,200 to 1,800 per month
Barcelona
- Studio or 1-bed in the center: 950 to 1,500 per month
- 1-bed outside the center: 750 to 1,100 per month
- 2-bed in the center: 1,300 to 2,000 per month
Valencia
- Studio or 1-bed in the center: 650 to 1,000 per month
- 1-bed outside the center: 500 to 750 per month
- 2-bed in the center: 850 to 1,300 per month
Malaga
- Studio or 1-bed in the center: 700 to 1,100 per month
- 1-bed outside the center: 550 to 850 per month
- 2-bed in the center: 950 to 1,400 per month
Smaller cities (Alicante, Granada, Seville, etc.)
- 1-bed in the center: 500 to 800 per month
- 2-bed in the center: 700 to 1,100 per month
All amounts in euros. Prices have been climbing, especially in Barcelona and popular coastal areas. The rental market is tight in most major cities right now.
Groceries
Spain has genuinely affordable food, especially if you shop at the right places. The main supermarket chains are Mercadona, Lidl, Carrefour, Aldi, and Dia. Local markets are great for fresh produce and meat.
A realistic monthly grocery budget:
- Single person, cooking most meals at home: 200 to 300 per month
- Couple, cooking at home: 350 to 500 per month
- Family of four: 500 to 750 per month
Some specific prices to give you a feel:
- Bread (baguette): 0.70 to 1.20
- Dozen eggs: 2.00 to 2.80
- 1 kg chicken breast: 6.00 to 8.00
- 1 liter milk: 0.90 to 1.20
- 1 kg rice: 1.00 to 1.50
- Bottle of decent wine: 3.00 to 8.00
- Beer (can, supermarket): 0.50 to 0.90
Eating out
This is where Spain really shines. Eating out is affordable compared to most of Northern Europe or North America.
- Menu del dia (lunch special, 2 courses plus drink): 10 to 16
- Dinner at a mid-range restaurant: 15 to 25 per person
- Coffee: 1.20 to 2.00
- Beer at a bar: 2.00 to 3.50
- Glass of wine: 2.50 to 4.00
- Tapas: 3.00 to 6.00 per plate
The menu del dia is honestly one of the best deals anywhere. A full lunch with bread, a drink, and sometimes dessert for around 12 euros. You can eat well for cheap in Spain if you follow local habits.
Utilities
For a typical apartment:
- Electricity: 50 to 100 per month (higher in summer if you use AC)
- Water: 20 to 35 per month
- Gas: 20 to 50 per month (more in winter for heating)
- Internet (fiber): 30 to 50 per month
- Mobile phone plan: 10 to 25 per month
Total utilities for a 1-bed apartment typically run 130 to 200 per month. Air conditioning in summer can push the electricity bill up significantly.
Transport
- Monthly public transit pass: 35 to 55 (Madrid and Barcelona have excellent metro systems)
- Gasoline: about 1.50 to 1.70 per liter
- Taxi base fare: around 3 to 4 plus per km rates
You honestly do not need a car if you live in a major city. Public transport is good and affordable. If you are in a smaller town or rural area, a car becomes more useful.
Healthcare
- Public healthcare: Free if you are employed or paying into social security
- Private insurance (basic): 50 to 100 per month
- Private insurance (comprehensive): 100 to 200 per month
Many expats use private insurance for convenience (shorter wait times, English-speaking doctors) while also having access to the public system. We have a separate guide on healthcare that goes into more detail.
Other common expenses
- Gym membership: 25 to 50 per month
- Cinema ticket: 7 to 10
- Clothing: Similar to other European countries
- Coworking space: 150 to 300 per month
Monthly budget examples
Budget lifestyle (smaller city)
| Category | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed) | 550 |
| Groceries | 220 |
| Utilities | 130 |
| Transport | 35 |
| Eating out | 100 |
| Insurance | 60 |
| Phone/Internet | 45 |
| Misc | 100 |
| Total | 1,240 |
Comfortable lifestyle (Madrid/Barcelona)
| Category | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed center) | 1,100 |
| Groceries | 280 |
| Utilities | 160 |
| Transport | 55 |
| Eating out | 250 |
| Insurance | 90 |
| Phone/Internet | 55 |
| Gym/activities | 50 |
| Misc | 200 |
| Total | 2,240 |
Comfortable lifestyle for a couple (Valencia)
| Category | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (2-bed center) | 1,000 |
| Groceries | 400 |
| Utilities | 170 |
| Transport | 70 |
| Eating out | 350 |
| Insurance (x2) | 160 |
| Phone/Internet | 65 |
| Misc | 250 |
| Total | 2,465 |
Tips for keeping costs down
- Shop at Mercadona and Lidl. Best value for everyday groceries.
- Eat the menu del dia. It is the cheapest way to eat a proper meal out.
- Live slightly outside the center. Even one or two metro stops out can save you hundreds on rent.
- Use public transport. Monthly passes are cheap and the systems are good.
- Cook at home. Fresh ingredients at the market are affordable and excellent quality.
- Avoid tourist areas for dining. Walk two blocks from the main square and prices drop.
Spain offers a genuinely good quality of life at a fraction of what you would spend in places like London, Amsterdam, or San Francisco. You can live well here without spending a fortune, and that is a big part of why so many people are making the move.