Cost of living in Spain for Americans

Spain costs less than the US for most people, and rent and healthcare account for most of the difference. The gap has narrowed in the cities Americans choose most. Rents in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Málaga have risen quickly, and long-term rentals in those cities are hard to find.

The figures on this page are estimates in euros, meant for early planning. Dollar amounts assume roughly $1.15 to the euro, and that rate moves. Check current rental listings and ask residents before you rely on them.

Typical monthly budgets

For a couple, including rent and excluding the cost of the move itself:

Lifestyle	Monthly budget	What it looks like
Modest	€2,000 to €2,600 (about $2,300 to $3,000)	A smaller apartment in a mid-priced city, cooking at home, public transport
Comfortable	€2,800 to €4,000 (about $3,200 to $4,600)	A good apartment in a popular city, eating out often, private health insurance, some travel
High-end	€4,500 and up (about $5,200 and up)	A large or seafront home, a car, frequent travel, private schools

A single person typically spends about two-thirds of a couple’s budget, because rent doesn’t halve.

Rent by city

Approximate monthly rent for a one- or two-bedroom apartment on a long-term lease, in a central or popular area:

Place	Monthly rent
Barcelona	€1,300 to €2,200
Madrid	€1,200 to €2,100
Palma de Mallorca	€1,200 to €2,000
San Sebastián	€1,100 to €1,900
Málaga	€1,000 to €1,700
Valencia	€1,000 to €1,600
Bilbao	€900 to €1,400
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria	€850 to €1,400
Seville	€800 to €1,300
Alicante	€750 to €1,200
Granada	€650 to €1,000

Things to know about renting:

• Rents fall quickly outside the centre and in towns a short train ride away.
• Furnished short-term and seasonal lets cost noticeably more than a long-term lease.
• Landlords often ask newcomers without a Spanish payslip for extra guarantees.
• Apartments are smaller than Americans are used to, and many older buildings have no lift, central heating or air conditioning.

Other regular costs

• Electricity and gas. Roughly €80 to €180 a month for an apartment, more in winter where heating is electric and in summer where air conditioning runs all day. Many homes are poorly insulated.
• Internet and phones. Fibre internet is widely available at roughly €30 to €50 a month, and mobile plans cost less than in the US.
• Groceries. Roughly €400 to €600 a month for a couple. Fresh produce, olive oil, wine and bread are cheap. Imported American brands are not.
• Eating out. A weekday set lunch (menú del día) is often €12 to €18. Coffee and a beer cost a few euros. Tourist areas charge more.
• Transport. City transport passes are inexpensive, and long-distance trains are good. Many city residents manage without a car.
• Running a car. Fuel costs roughly twice the US price per gallon, and parking in city centres is scarce.

Healthcare

Private health insurance is far cheaper than in the US. As a rough guide, policies run from about €50 to €200 a month per person, rising with age, and can cost more for people in their seventies. The no-copayment policies required for a visa cost more than basic ones.

Private doctor visits paid directly often cost €50 to €100. People who qualify for public healthcare pay little at the point of care. See healthcare in Spain and health insurance in Spain.

Spain compared with the US

	Compared with the US
Rent	Much lower than large US cities; closer in central Madrid and Barcelona
Property tax	Much lower
Health insurance and care	Much lower
Groceries	Lower
Eating out	Much lower
Public transport	Much lower
Electricity	Similar or higher
Fuel	Much higher
Cars and electronics	Similar or higher
Income tax	Often higher, depending on income and region

Costs people don’t budget for

• Tax. This is the big one. A Spanish tax resident pays Spanish income tax on worldwide income, and there is a wealth tax in most regions. Your budget should start from income after Spanish tax. See taxes in Spain.
• Exchange rate swings. Your income is in dollars and your costs are in euros. A move of 10 percent in a year is not unusual.
• Setting up a rental. A deposit, the first month’s rent and sometimes additional guarantees are due up front. Long-term lets are often unfurnished, and kitchens can come without appliances.
• Residency. Visa fees, sworn translations, apostilles, health insurance and a lawyer or gestor if you use one, repeated in part at each renewal.
• Trips home. Transatlantic flights for family events add up, especially from cities without direct routes.
• Driving. A US licence is only valid for a limited period after you become resident, and getting a Spanish one means lessons and tests.
• Two tax returns. Preparation costs more once you file in both countries.

Your budget also has to meet the income level for your visa, which may be more or less than what you actually spend. See Spain residency requirements and the best places to live in Spain.

Common questions

How much does it cost to live in Spain per month?

As a rough guide, a couple living modestly outside the most expensive cities might spend €2,000 to €2,600 a month (about $2,300 to $3,000). A comfortable life in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia or Málaga often runs €2,800 to €4,000. Rent is the biggest variable, and these are estimates.

Is it cheaper to live in Spain than in the US?

For most people, yes. Rent, groceries, eating out, healthcare and public transport cost less than in most US cities. Electricity, fuel, cars and electronics cost about the same or more, and income tax is often higher.

Is Spain expensive?

By western European standards it is moderate. Central Madrid and Barcelona, the Balearic Islands and San Sebastián are expensive for housing. Most inland cities and much of the north and south are noticeably cheaper.

How much is rent in Spain?

A one- or two-bedroom apartment in a central area runs roughly €1,200 to €2,200 a month in Madrid and Barcelona, €1,000 to €1,700 in Valencia and Málaga, and €650 to €1,300 in Seville, Granada and many smaller cities. Rents have risen quickly in recent years.