Last updated on September 20, 2024 by Shannon
Is Spain cheap to live in? Compared with the U.S., the UK, and most of Western Europe, yes. Numbeo puts the overall cost of living about 32% lower than the U.S. A single person can live comfortably on about $1,300–$2,500 a month outside Barcelona and Madrid, or roughly $16,000–$30,000 for a year. Couples in the budgets below spend about €1,700–€3,500 a month together, depending on the city. Barcelona, Madrid, and the trendier beach towns cost noticeably more, while small inland towns can come in under $1,000. Rent decides which end of the range you land on.
| Area | Monthly Cost (Single Person) |
|---|---|
| Barcelona | €2,100–€3,000 |
| Madrid | €1,800–€2,800 |
| Alicante | €1,200–€2,500 |
| Malaga / Costa del Sol | €1,400 and up |
| Rural towns | under €1,000 |
Year-round sunshine and a table full of affordable tapas? Yes, please. There are just a few of the things that called to me when I secured a non-lucrative visa and moved to Spain in 2018.
Years later, and I’m still living here and eating my weight in Spanish omelets, pimientos de padron, and mushroom croquetas. The fact is, I can afford to live a rich, full life here with few money concerns—a far cry different than what life is like in the U.S. for those living on my income.
Why I Moved to Spain
A huge factor in my personal decision to stay has been healthcare. Spain’s public system is strong, and residents who pay into social security, whether employed or self-employed, can use it.
On a non-lucrative visa you can’t work, so you don’t pay in, and that kept me out of the public system for years. But zero-deductible private insurance is ridiculously affordable. Life just feels more doable when I know I won’t be sidelined by a major illness (true story: I broke my arm at age 23 and spent nearly six years paying that off of my credit card).
Why is Spain so cheap? Mostly because local wages are low by Western European standards. Spain took years to recover from the 2008 crisis, then the pandemic hit tourism hard, and salaries never caught up. Prices for everyday things like groceries, a menú del día, and public transport are set for local paychecks, which is what makes living in Spain feel affordable on a foreign income. Rent is the exception: in the big cities and on the popular coasts it has climbed much faster than wages.
Prices have risen since 2022, but Spain is still more affordable than most of Western Europe—only Portugal compares.
I lived in Barcelona for six years, and then moved south to Malaga in 2024. I’ve done extensive research on all of the popular areas of Spain, including chatting with other expats when I chose my new homebase. I moved to Southern Spain for its better mix of affordability, nearby nature, and good local schools with Spanish as the primary language (I have a son now!).
Let’s dive into how much it costs to live in Barcelona, as well as other popular (and less popular) regions of Spain.
Why Move to Spain?
I’ve lived here since 2018, and Spain offers a quality of life that’s hard to match at this price, including for single moms like me. Each region feels like a different country, with its own food, festivals, and in some cases its own language, so where you land shapes your daily life as much as your budget does.
Vegetarians like me should stick to bigger cities, where options have improved enormously. And while Spaniards are warm and social, integrating takes effort; I found it hard to break into Catalan communities in Barcelona, though I did find friends.
The practical side is strong too. Healthcare is excellent, with both public and private options. Trains and buses connect most cities, so you can live car-free in the big cities (less so on the coast). And the climate really does live up to the hype, with mild winters and long, sunny summers.
Cost of Living in Spain: $1,300 to $2,500 (Single Person)
How much does it cost to live in Spain? About $1,300 a month is the bare-minimum baseline for one person in a city or popular area, and that assumes you’re sharing a flat. Plan on more if you’re moving long-term and becoming a tax-paying resident, since taxes and social security contributions aren’t in these numbers. Remote workers on the digital nomad visa can opt into Spain’s special tax regime, with a flat 24% rate on Spanish-sourced income up to €600,000, which still takes a real bite.
Most people living alone in a private one-bedroom land in the middle of the range, around $1,500–$2,000, like the sample budget below. A retired couple can live a modest life in Barcelona on roughly $2,500 together. Living in a trendy neighborhood and going out several nights a week can push a single person past $3,000, and in Barcelona or Madrid toward $4,000.
At the top end are upscale beach towns like Sitges, about 40 minutes south of Barcelona by train, where rents run at or above Barcelona’s. At the bottom, you could spend under $1,000 a month in a small town in rural Spain. It all comes down to lifestyle, and the expat budgets below cover every walk of life.
| Expense | Cost $USD |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom) | $850 |
| Utilities (including fast wifi + mobile plan) | $160 |
| Transportation (monthly metro card) | $50 |
| Food (mix of cooking at home + restaurants) | $325 |
| Healthcare (mid-range private healthcare plan) | $80 |
| Extras (coffees, going out, daily small expenses) | $100 |
| Total | $1,565 |
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A long-time expat living in Spain shares advice and tips for digital nomads and retirees deciding where and how to maximize their cost of living by moving overseas.
Fast Facts About Living in Spain
Currency
Euro. Check the live USD-to-EUR rate here—it generally hovers between 0.85 and 0.95 EUR per USD.
What are the expat communities like in Spain?
Whether you’re moving to a big city or a small town, you’ll likely find a community of expats who can offer support, advice, and friendship. Many expats in Spain come from other European countries, but you’ll also find people from all over the world.
In my experience, joining local clubs and Facebook groups was a great way to meet other expats and get involved in the community. Naturally, learning Spanish will go a long way toward integrating into the local culture and making friends with Spanish locals.
How is the wifi in Spain?
According to a report by Cable.co.uk, Spain ranks 24th in the world for internet speed, which is faster than many other European countries. So many cafes, restaurants, and public places also offer free WiFi.
Overall, Spain has a good level of internet infrastructure and access, although in some areas you may be limited by the provider serving your location.
Buying Property in Spain
Spain is a desirable place to buy property given the low cost of living in many areas—but there are some potential challenges to be aware of. One of the main issues is the legal requirements surrounding property purchases, which can be different from what expats are used to in their home countries. This can include complex paperwork and requirements around residency and taxes.
It’s also important to budget for various taxes and fees when purchasing property in Spain—they really add up! These include VAT, property transfer tax, notary fees, and registration fees. Work with a trusted lawyer through the process, even Spanish locals get qualified help when buying real estate.
Health Insurance
Public healthcare in Spain is universal and accessible to all legal residents, including expats. Public healthcare is funded by taxes and is free at the point of use, although some services and prescriptions may require a co-pay fee. Private healthcare offers more personalized care and faster access to appointments, and it’s very affordable.
Expats may buy private health insurance to meet a visa requirement, or often for better access to English-speaking doctors. It’s important to note that private insurance does not exempt expats from paying into the public healthcare system through their taxes.
Visas for Expats
The Non-Lucrative Visa (what I used) is for people who can support themselves without working in Spain, and it’s the route most retirees take, since there’s no separate retirement visa. For 2026 you need to show about €2,400 a month (€28,800 a year) for the main applicant, plus about €600 a month for each family member, and you’ll need private health insurance with no copays.
The Digital Nomad Visa launched in 2023 for remote workers employed by or contracting with companies outside Spain. The 2026 income bar is about €2,849 a month for a single applicant. It’s granted for one year if you apply through a consulate, or up to three years if you apply from inside Spain, and it renews from there.
Students staying more than 90 days can apply for a Student Visa. The Golden Visa for property investors ended in April 2025, so buying a home no longer gets you residency. Thresholds change yearly, so confirm current numbers with your consulate or an immigration lawyer.
Child Friendliness
I can confidently affirm that Spain is a child-friendly country—I live here with my toddler. Children are valued and welcomed everywhere from restaurants to public spaces, and so many cultural activities and attractions cater to families with children.
Spanish culture places a high emphasis on family and children, and it’s not uncommon to see families with children out and about even late into the night. The public education system is also highly regarded and mandatory education runs from age 6 to 16.
Pet Friendliness
Many of my expat friends moved here with their furry companions, and they have all found Spain pet-friendly—assuming they have a pet passport. It’s not uncommon to see dogs in public places—think restaurants and cafes—and many businesses have water bowls outside their doors for dogs, as well as metal loops at the entrance so you can pop inside and leave your dog outside.
There are numerous dog-friendly parks and beaches across the country, and it’s easy to find veterinarians and pet stores anywhere. You do have to get the pet licensed, and some breeds are restricted in the major cities.
Possible Issues Living in Spain
One common issue is the bureaucracy—navigating the Spanish administrative system is time-consuming and frustrating. I can’t imagine having done it without speaking Spanish—in that case plan to hire help.
The Spanish siesta hour is not an issue, but is a change for most expats. Many businesses and shops close for a few hours in the afternoon. This can take some getting used to if you’re used to a different schedule. And if you’re not moving to a major city, know that few people speak English, so navigating while you learn Spanish will be challenging.
What is the Quality of Life in Spain?
One of the things that drew me to Spain was the high quality of life. Spain is known for its relaxed and laid-back lifestyle, delicious food and wine, and warm and friendly people. While the cost of living in Spain can vary, it’s important to consider the quality of life that you’ll experience in each region.
And to that end—boy are there some very different places you can live. Spain features renowned cities and stunning beaches, but it also boasts a number of small towns and cities dotted from north to south that have something to offer those moving to Spain.
I walked the Camino de Santiago back in 2017 and was delighted by the charm and culture oozing from places like Burgos and Leon. And I housesat in the desert north of Almería for two months and got a taste for a much quieter and rural life in Spain.
The fact is, there are dozens and dozens of towns where expats live and flourish. Here are a few to consider and assess how the quality of life stacks up against your goals—if you’re interested in the quality of life in an area not mentioned here, this “Ask an Expat” series has fantastic information about places all over Spain.
Barcelona
Barcelona is the capital of the Catalonia region, a major cruise ship hub in Europe, and one of the most vibrant cities in Spain—I’m biased but it’s true! Barcelona offers high quality of life for expats living here—you have all the amenities of a big city, but it’s nothing like living in New York or London.
You can visit art galleries, museums, and cultural events to your hearts content, but you can also walk all over the city when you live centrally, and get most anywhere in 30 minutes on the well-connected metro and train. For digital nomads and those still wanting to party, Barcelona certainly has bars and clubs, but it also just has great restaurants.
When I first visited in 2012, Barcelona was terrible for vegetarians—I speak Spanish and still struggled. Now, although Spanish food isn’t the most vegetarian friendly, Barcelona has a lot of diverse options for vegans and vegetarians.
Considering you can find miles of coastline in minutes, or head into the mountains for a hike, it’s just a nice balance. I lived there from 2018, and was happy to have called it home. The main reason I moved south was for the better schooling options for my son, a desire for even warmer weather, and better air quality.
Madrid
Located in the center of the country, Madrid offers a unique blend of history and modernity. The city is known for its lively cultural scene, with many museums, art galleries, and theaters, and you’ll find in Madrid many of the best restaurants in Spain. Like Barcelona, Madrid has lively nightlife—many bars and clubs open until the early hours of the morning.
But what’s it like to live there? A British expat friend raves about how balanced his life is in Madrid, which he likens to a really large village. He has a large community of friends and participates in many meetups.
The rich social life is largely thanks to how Spaniards love leisurely meals and will sit, snack, and sip for hours when there’s good conversation and good vibes happening. This sentiment of a friendly, community feel is echoed by other expats.
Malaga
Ah, Andalusia, a region of southern Spain known for its warm climate and stunning beaches. One of the larger towns on the Costa del Sol, Malaga has a large expat community living in the city—mainly in la Malagueta for those who can afford it. There are Spanish areas of the city too, though. And tons of expats live all along the coast, and in the mountains around Malaga—if it’s a city within an hour of Malaga airport, there are expats living there.
Including me! I moved to Benalmádena in mid 2024 and am still getting acclimated, but I love that it’s family friendly and affordable. Other places along this coast are also family-friendly, such as ritzier Marbella with its pricey bars and coastal resorts, but it has another side too according to a expat who’s lived there for nearly a decade. Expat Marina shares that “safety, beaches, excellent international schools, great social life and fantastic atmosphere all add to it being [her] little paradise.”
Rural Areas
Many expats choose to live in small towns and villages in rural areas of Spain, where they can experience a slower pace of life and connect with the local community. Rural areas in Spain offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature, with tons of opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
What would life be like in these smaller, rural areas of Spain? Well, many expats buy property in the villages they decide to call home—the cost of living is low enough in Spain that in these areas that are far from touristy, the price of real estate versus renting is far preferable.
You could buy a farmhouse hike around the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, but you’ll soon learn that places are not well insulated and you might face weather extremes.
Thinking of moving elsewhere in Spain? Here’s a peek at what the quality of life is like in the Canary Islands or Seville.
If you’re still researching various expat spots, check out our other Cost of Living Guides for a look at what it takes to move to the world’s most popular expat spots.
How Much Does it Cost to Live in Spain?
As with every place in the world, the cost of living varies widely depending on the region you choose to call home. There are common features to the places with the highest cost of living in Spain: They are either major cities (Madrid and Barcelona), islands (Mallorca and the Canary Islands), or cities sitting right on the beach.
All of these places are popular expat destinations—and they are far more affordable than comparable cities or islands elsewhere in Europe—but there are also off-the-beaten path places in Spain where you can legitimately offer a high quality of life at an outright affordable cost.
And remember to consider your lifestyle when determining assessing these cost of living assessments. If you dine out a lot and frequent bars and clubs, your expenses will be higher than someone who prefers a quieter lifestyle.
And let’s talk about taxes—these assessments do not account for your tax bill, and that can be hefty in Spain, particularly for freelancers. Only one expat candidly shared her autonomo fees as part of her cost of living details, and they are steep—half of her rent!
If you’re a student or digital nomad willing to share a room, you can also dramatically reduce your expenses—even in the big cities you’re looking at more than halving your rental expenses if you share (and you’re not out the huge deposit either). It’s possible to live in Spain for €1,000 if you’re sharing an apartment with one or more people (about €400+of that goes toward a small bedroom if you’re in a big city).
The prices are generally profiling those renting private accommodation, but the price ranges on the low end are only for those either living far from a city center, or sharing a flat.
Barcelona Cost of Living: €1,800-€3,000
I lived in Barcelona from 2018 to 2024, and between my own numbers and two close friends profiled in detail, costs here run anywhere from about €2,100 for a frugal single person to €3,500 for a couple living centrally and eating out often. Rent is the biggest lever—staying central in Gràcia or Eixample costs noticeably more than moving further out along the metro, and the neighborhood you pick matters as much as your budget does. Read the full Barcelona cost breakdown, including my own six years of numbers and the neighborhood trade-offs that actually matter.
I moved to the Costa del Sol in 2024, and the trade wasn’t really about cost—it’s closer to a wash than a win. My rent stayed flat after the move, but I went from that 54-square-meter two-bedroom in Gràcia to a freshly renovated 118-square-meter three-bedroom near Málaga, with ocean views from every room and, on a clear day, you can see the coast of Africa. The extra space and the view are the real upgrade, not the price tag—and some of that saved money gets eaten up by the fact that a car is close to mandatory out here. Barcelona was fully walkable and I never owned one; on the coast, I do now.
Madrid Cost of Living: €1,800-€2,800
Madrid is known for its bustling streets, lively nightlife, and vibrant cultural scene. The cost of living in Madrid is generally on par with Barcelona—some say a touch higher, but I didn’t see that borne out in the research. All told though, it still costs more than other cities in Spain.
Rent prices are decent, but they’ve been rising steadily in recent years like everywhere in Spain. Like Barcelona, the neighborhood you pick makes all the difference on rental prices. But if you’re an expat, you likely want to be pretty central, at least for your first few years, so these breakdowns assume that you’re maybe considering the pricier Salamanca, Malasaña or Chueca neighborhoods, as well as the more budget Lavapiés or Embajadores ones.
Gabi is a Lithuanian living in Madrid since 2017. Given that she’s been there for years and updates her cost of living information annually, Gabi offers great insights for those moving to Spain and considering Madrid. Expect to spend €800-€1000 for a furnished one-bedroom flat in Madrid, then factor in €80 for utilities (gas, electricity, and water), €50 for internet and one cell line, €120 for food for a month (I find that a touch low if you’re not eating out all the time, and she implies that she doesn’t), €10 for occasional transport (€50 for a monthly transit card if you’re commuting more), and €30 for the gym.
Michael and Maggie are an Australian and American couple who lived in Madrid in 2019. While they don’t share their specific expenses—such a shame and a real hindrance to understanding your own mileage—you can extrapolate that they were in fact living in Madrid on a moderate budget—not stingy but quite frugal considering I find some of their food cost estimates low (but I buy a lot of fresh and occasionally organic produce). They put a single person’s cost of living in Madrid at €720-€1,454—with a tick up to account for the inflation Spain has seen since, you’re looking at €900 for a frugal life living with others . . . but I can’t see how that figure includes tax contributions.
Alicante Cost of Living: €1,200-€2,500
Brian and Carrie live in Alicante and share a great video about their one-month stay in Alicante, and it’s illuminating that even using Airbnb for the month they only spent €927 for a month in central Alicante—I can assure you it’s well over double for the equivalent in Barcelona or Madrid. They spent €54 on transportation, which was just for exploring as they note that living centrally means walking everywhere. They cooked at home and spent €300 for one month of buying local groceries, and spent nearly €200 on beer and some tapas a few times. They spent €20 on pay-as-you-go SIMs, which are super common in Spain.
If your accommodation includes Internet, then this is accurate as to how much you’ll spend—it’s really cheap! They added in some other one-off expenses and still spent only €1,700 for a couple. It’s clear to see that with cheaper rent by living there long-term, a single person could totally come in at €1,200. Keep in mind though that they are not tax-paying residents. This is more of the budget for someone moving to Spain for under six months since it appears they are paying taxes in the U.S. and not establishing residency anywhere.
Nellie lived with her partner in Alicante and they came in at a very doable €1,050 per month for both of them to live in Spain—but that was a long time ago. Updated, that price is now closer to €1,300 as a baseline. But still that low cost of living is a testament to why it’s way more affordable to live anywhere outside of the major cities (Barcelona, Madrid, and I’ll throw in Málaga too since it’s pretty pricey). In Alicante, you’re looking at spending €650+ for a well located one-bedroom apartment, and then another €600 as baseline expenses. If you’re living as a couple then your overall cost of living in Spain really does come in under €1,000 per person since the rent is split between the two.
Málaga & Costa del Sol Cost of Living: €1,400 and up
The capital of the Costa del Sol, this sunny location in the south of Spain is hugely popular with expats, but a good deal more affordable than Barcelona and Madrid—expect to pay about 15% less overall to live in Malaga. That said, inflation has hit Malaga hard—harder than other cities—and rent has climbed sharply in recent years. You’ll need to check Idealista for the latest rental landscape.
I live in Benalmádena, on the coast just west of Málaga, and I’m adding my own monthly breakdown here soon. In the meantime, here’s what other expats in and around Málaga report.
Cristina grew up in Malaga and lives there now—she shares a broad overview of the expenses. Even as of last summer though, her estimate of prices for a one-bedroom in the city-center are low. Given 2023 spikes, you can’t really find a one-bedroom for less than €800—but there are a lot at between that price point and €1000—and there are even many three-bedrooms in that price range.
This Reddit thread about moving to Malaga while earning $60K a year is from 2022 and has some great feedback and perspectives on how much you can get for that, and how $60K compares to local salaries (hint: It’s nearly double what locals make, so obviously you can live in Malaga on that much money).
Frank and Lissette lived in Nerja, which is a coastal city 45 minutes to the east of Malaga, until April 2023 (then they moved a couple hours away, north of Malaga). They share their cost of living in Nerja with precise numbers. As such, it’s a pretty good look at how much you would spend to live in the Málaga region in a beach town and not in the city center. Rent comes in at €850 for a larger place with a garden. Utilities—including wifi, electricity, gas, and garbage—come in at €114. They spend €600 on groceries and basics, and another €170 on drinks and tapas. They pay €110 for Adeslas for both of them, and for a couple living in a beach town outside of Malaga their total expenses average just under €2,000 per month. Interestingly, their monthly budget went down roughly €300 this year compared to last—they attribute that to different eating habits both at home and when eating out.
How Much Does It Cost to Move to Spain?
Monthly costs are only half the math. These are the one-time costs to budget for before and during your first few months:
- Proof of funds: for the non-lucrative visa, you need to show about €28,800 a year for the main applicant in 2026, plus about €7,200 per family member, in savings or passive income.
- Visa paperwork: consular fees, an FBI background check, a medical certificate, apostilles, and sworn translations (traducción jurada) of every document. If you hire a lawyer, that’s often the biggest line item.
- Private health insurance: required for the non-lucrative visa, with no copays allowed. My zero-deductible policy ran €130 a month in Barcelona.
- Move-in costs: on a long-term lease, the legal deposit (fianza) is one month’s rent, and landlords can ask for up to two more months as an additional guarantee, plus the first month up front. Since the 2023 housing law, the landlord pays the agency fee on long-term rentals.
- A car, if you’re on the coast: I never needed one in Barcelona, but outside the big cities it’s close to mandatory.
Links & Resources For Moving to Spain
- You will need comprehensive worldwide expat insurance and separate property insurance policy once you’re living overseas—I’ve used IMG Global and Clements for many years now with great success and highly recommend both. IMG can work as long-term expat health insurance, or for the first year while you assess private Spain insurers. If you’re keen to get a private Spanish insurance company straight away—and that’s a good idea too—I’ve used Sanitas for years now and the policies are affordable and the care is great. Sanitas has a wide network of private doctors, clinics, and hospitals across the country. The other popular private insurers most expats use include ASSA and Adeslas.
- How to find an apartment: Idealista is the main site listing apartments and homes across Spain. It’s where I’ve found my three apartments. Others that you’ll likely be checking during your search include: Milanuncios, Fotocasa, and Spotahome (offers many shorter-term leases too). Note that inmobiliarias are real estate agents that help landlords rent. Tenants used to pay them a hefty fee, but since the 2023 housing law the landlord covers agency fees on long-term rentals (you’ll still see fees on seasonal or short-term contracts). Move-in day is still expensive: expect the first month, a one-month deposit, and up to two more months as a guarantee, which landlords often ask foreigners for.
- Need a lawyer? I hired Lexidy Law Boutique five years into my time in Spain for help applying for permanent residency. Lexidy is hella pricey, but if you need English-language help, its about on par with others, and my experience with them was great.
- The Tax Book for U.S. Expats: This is well-priced and unique to expats and retirees filing taxes abroad. It gives a granular look at forms, terms, and sorting out exactly how to file—good for those with complicated tax situations. More recently released, U.S. Taxes for Worldly Americans goes broader and is aimed at younger expats and digital nomads still working and handling how to earn income overseas, pay taxes, and live a nomadic life. It doesn’t explain the terms or niche situations/forms as well as the other book, but instead acts as a guide for younger travelers. Depending on your situation, pick up a copy of one of these guides before you leave so that you will have a tax system in place that maximizes the opportunities to easily file.
Planning a Research Trip to Spain?
You should absolutely plan a research trip to Spain before you go through the process of moving your life there. Do some neighborhood research before you visit too, and then you can book a hotel in that neighborhood to see if it has good vibes.
- Pick out a good travel insurance policy like IMG (I’ve used the company since 2011) to cover you while you’re either in transit visiting your future homes—or the insurance policies work well as expat insurance too (that’s what I used my first year living in Spain).
- Rent a car if you’re unsure of where you’d like to live. While you certainly don’t need a car to explore Madrid or Barcelona, rent a car if you’re hitting a number of cities—a particularly good idea if you’re moving to southern Spain. Find a good price through Expedia or RentalCars.com—between those sites I always find a good deal.
Receive exclusive advice about living for less abroad!
A long-time expat living in Spain shares advice and tips for digital nomads and retirees deciding where and how to maximize their cost of living by moving overseas.
Cost of Living Comparison
Still researching the right spot to live? Our Cost of Living Guides share extensive resources on all the major expat spots around the world. These guides include thorough breakdowns of the culture, quality of life, vibe, and—importantly—budget breakdowns so you can better plan which spot in the world best meets your needs.
