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Cost of Living in Spain for Expats in 2025

Cost of Living in Spain for Expats in 2025

Created29.08.2025, 14.20

Updated29.08.2025, 18.40

Spain attracts expats with its rich culture and incredible food, but what makes them stay? The affordability combined with a high quality of life. Unlike other Western European destinations, Spain lets you enjoy Mediterranean living without breaking the bank. But how much do you need to live in Spain, comfortably? We'll break down the real cost of living in Spain as well as in top expat destinations for 2025.

What is the Cost of Living in Spain for Expats?

Housing costs in Spain for expats Spain is renowned for its affordability combined with its high quality of life. But what does it actually cost to live in the country, especially for expats?

When considering overall monthly expenses, a single person's living costs range around €1,200 to €1,800. On the other hand, the cost of living in Spain for a couple averages between €1,800 to €2,500 monthly, including rent. Of course, this all depends on the person's lifestyle and location preferences. However, to live comfortably requires about €1,000 monthly without rent and utilities.

What does comfortable living mean exactly? It includes private housing and covering daily life necessities. It also means having spending money for leisure activities like dining out or traveling within Spain and Europe

With these expectations, most expats find everyday expenses very manageable, from groceries to transportation and even healthcare. Expat health insurance costs in Spain are also significantly lower than in many Western European countries, making medical costs both predictable and budget-friendly.

Average Cost of Living in Spain Per Month: A Breakdown for Expats

Since we went over the general overview, let's look at the breakdown by category.

Housing Costs in Spain

The cost of housing in Spain remains affordable, especially compared to popular Western countries.

In the city center, the rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges between €900 and €1,370 per month. While the capital has one of the highest rental markets in the country.

The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is about €1,010 per month nationwide. Although it changes depending on the region and proximity to major cities.

Many expats also buy their own home for a long-term investment. The average house cost in Spain ranges between €1,959 to €2,311 per square meter. In major Spanish cities, the price can go over the average due to demand.

Daily Essentials: Utilities, Groceries, and Transportation

Utilities can vary significantly, especially depending on the property. For an 85m² apartment, electric, water, and gas can cost €100 to €150 total. When it comes to a 150m² villa, the total can range between €120 to €200.

There are also internet, TV, and phone packages, which typically cost €20 to €50 monthly.

Groceries are reasonably priced throughout Spain. For a single person, expect to spend €200 to €300 on groceries monthly. Couples can expect to spend around €240 monthly. And, for expat families, budgeting around €368 monthly seems to be ideal.

Here are some example prices for common items:

Bread per loaf: €1-2
Milk (1 liter): €1
Eggs (12): €2.50
Chicken (1 kg): €4–10
Apples (1 kg): €1.20–3.00

The average monthly transport cost for a person ranges between €127 to €190. Monthly passes cost €30 to €80, while a single ticket can range between €1.50 and €2.50. Additionally, for children under the age of 15, significant transportation discounts apply.

If you’re thinking of using a car instead of public transport, the costs remain reasonable. Owning and maintaining a car costs around €100 to €150 monthly, including fuel (€1.55-€1.60 per liter), insurance, and maintenance.

Healthcare Costs

Spain's healthcare system is excellent and accessible. It boasts a universal public healthcare system with little to no cost for residents and EU citizens.

However, many expats choose private healthcare for faster service as well as English-speaking staff. The cost of private health insurance in Spain for expats is generally affordable and ranges widely, depending on age and plan.

Basic coverage for a young adult starts around €300 annually. Meanwhile, comprehensive coverage for a retiree can reach €2,500 annually. This translates to €25-210 monthly, making private healthcare very affordable for most expats.

Leisure and Entertainment

Spain's entertainment scene is generally affordable. Dining out can be very budget-friendly. €5 to €15 per person covers meals for an inexpensive restaurant. Expect around €40 per person for a premium restaurant. Spanish nightlife and alcohol consumption can average around €21 a day.

Monthly gym memberships typically cost between €25 to €50. Cinema tickets cost around €8-12, and weekend getaways to other Spanish cities typically cost €100-200.

Meanwhile, museum and attraction entry fees are generally affordable, with many major museums offering free entry hours for residents.

Cost of Living in Spain by City: Top Expat Destinations

Since the living costs can depend on the city and area you choose, location matters significantly. Here are the monthly estimates, including rent, living expenses, and entertainment for Spain's most popular expat destinations.

For a person to live comfortably, expect these ranges:

Average cost of living in Barcelona, Spain: €2,200 to €2,500
Average cost of living in Málaga, Spain: €1,743 to €2,000
Average cost of living in Alicante, Spain: €1,517 to €1,900

Barcelona has the highest costs of the three, while Alicante offers the lowest living expenses. Though it's important to note these numbers are for a comfortable lifestyle with quality housing and regular entertainment.

Barcelona is still more affordable than popular Western cities like London or Amsterdam. A similar lifestyle would cost you 30-40% more in cities like London or Amsterdam than it does in Barcelona.

With comfortable living starting around €1,500-2,000 monthly nationwide, Spain proves you don't need a massive budget to enjoy the European lifestyle. This affordable cost of living in Spain means your retirement savings stretch further, your salary goes twice as far, or your business idea becomes more viable. For most expats, the hardest part isn't budgeting for Spanish life. It's deciding which Spanish city to call home.