The Cost of Living in Spain (2026 Guide)

Housing Costs

Housing is typically your largest expense. Rental prices vary dramatically by location—a two-bedroom apartment in central Barcelona or Madrid costs €1,200-1,800 per month, while the same property in a coastal town like Torrevieja or Guardamar might be €600-900. Inland towns offer even better value at €400-700.

If you're buying rather than renting, property prices follow similar regional patterns. The Costa Blanca South and Costa Cálida offer significantly more value than major cities or prestigious coastal areas like Costa del Sol. Our guide to buying costs covers the full picture of purchase expenses.

Utilities and Household Bills

Monthly utilities for a typical apartment run €100-180, depending on usage and season. This includes electricity (€60-100), water (€20-35), gas if applicable (€20-40), and waste collection. Internet and mobile packages are competitively priced at €40-60 for fibre broadband with a mobile plan.

Summer months bring higher electricity bills due to air conditioning, while winter heating costs are modest in most coastal areas. The mild Mediterranean climate is a genuine cost advantage compared to Northern Europe.

Food and Groceries

Supermarket shopping costs €250-400 per month for a couple. Spanish supermarkets like Mercadona, Lidl, and Consum offer excellent value, while weekly markets provide fresh local produce at even lower prices. Eating out remains affordable—a menú del día (set lunch) costs €10-15, and dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant runs €40-60.

Healthcare Access

Spain's public healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud) is one of Europe's best. EU citizens with an EHIC/GHIC card can access emergency care, while residents contribute through social security and gain full access. Non-EU residents typically need private health insurance to obtain residency.

Private health insurance costs €50-150 per person per month depending on age and coverage level. Many expats choose private insurance for English-speaking doctors, shorter waiting times, and additional dental/optical cover. For more details, see our healthcare guide.

Taxes and Social Contributions

Spain's tax system has progressive income tax rates from 19% to 47%, though most moderate incomes fall in the 24-30% bracket. The Beckham Law offers a flat 24% rate for qualifying new residents for six years.

If you're self-employed (autónomo), expect social security contributions of €300-400 per month minimum, though new autónomos benefit from reduced rates in their first years. Non-residents pay a flat 24% on Spanish-source income (19% for EU residents).

Your choice of region has a bigger impact on costs than almost any other factor. Here's how the main areas compare:

Madrid and Barcelona are Spain's most expensive cities, with living costs 20-40% higher than the national average. Expect to budget €2,500-3,500 per month for a comfortable lifestyle for two.

Coastal areas vary significantly. The Costa Blanca (particularly the south) and Costa Cálida offer excellent value with monthly budgets of €1,800-2,500 for a couple. The Costa del Sol, especially around Marbella, commands premium prices closer to major city levels.

Smaller towns and rural Spain offer the lowest costs—some couples live comfortably on €1,200-1,500 per month. The trade-off is fewer English speakers and reduced access to international services.

Spain vs Other Countries

Compared to the UK, Northern Europe, or the USA, Spain offers significant savings. A comfortable lifestyle that costs £3,500 per month in the UK might cost €2,000-2,500 in Spain's coastal areas. The biggest savings come from housing, dining out, and healthcare costs.

Where Spain isn't always cheaper: imported goods, some electronics, and car-related expenses (fuel, insurance, ITV inspections) are comparable to or slightly higher than other European countries.

Based on current costs in typical coastal areas (Costa Blanca, Costa Cálida), here are realistic monthly budgets:

Money-Saving Tips

Smart expats reduce costs without sacrificing quality of life:

• Choose location wisely—even 30 minutes from a tourist hotspot can save €300-500/month on rent
• Shop local markets—fresh produce at half supermarket prices, plus better quality
• Learn basic Spanish—access local services, tradespersons, and avoid "expat pricing"
• Use the menú del día—a two-course lunch with wine for €10-15 beats cooking sometimes
• Consider timing—moving in autumn/winter often means better rental deals

Spain rewards those who adapt to local rhythms. The famous siesta culture isn't just about rest—it's about efficient energy use during the hottest hours and enjoying cooler evenings for dining and socialising.