Thinking of Relocating to Europe? Interested to Know the Cost of Living In Spain?

If you are considering moving to Europe, you have dozens of countries from which to choose. A driver in your decision is sure to be the cost of living in Europe. Living abroad is an exciting undertaking and will greatly enrich your life. To make the most of it and avoid unnecessary stress and strain, it is important to have a good idea of the cost of living in your chosen area. We at YourPlaceInEurope are going to spend this week exploring the cost of living in various European countries and posting about it. First investigation is Spain.

Spain offers a lower cost of living compared to many other Western European countries, especially in secondary cities such as Alicante, Cadiz, and Malaga. These cities provide a mix of affordability, quality of life, and access to excellent amenities.

Housing costs vary depending on whether you rent an apartment or a house and the neighborhood’s proximity to city centers or coastal areas. For flats with three bedrooms, rental prices in city centers range from €800 to €1,200 per month, while suburban areas offer options from €600 to €900. Houses with three to four bedrooms cost €1,200 to €1,800 in city centers and €1,000 to €1,500 in suburban or coastal areas. Additional costs such as a refundable deposit of 1–2 months’ rent and agency fees may apply if renting through a real estate agent.

Groceries for a family of four, including fresh produce, dairy, meat, and pantry staples, are relatively affordable, typically costing €400 to €600 per month. Shopping at local markets can help reduce costs while providing fresher options. Dining out is also reasonably priced, with casual family meals for four at local restaurants costing €50 to €60 and mid-range restaurant meals ranging from €80 to €100.

For healthcare, Spain’s has a public system that applies to foreigners also, so long as they are officially registered and living there, many expat families opt for private health insurance to access faster specialist appointments. Private health insurance for a family of four costs between €120 and €250 per month, depending on the provider and coverage.

Transportation is efficient in most secondary cities, but owning a car may be practical for families. Public transport costs €40 to €60 per adult for a monthly pass, with children often traveling for free or at reduced rates. Fuel is currently about €1.60 per liter. Monthly car insurance ranges from €40 to €80, and annual maintenance typically costs €300 to €500. Utilities, including electricity, water, gas, and internet, generally amount to €150 to €250 per month, with internet and mobile plans adding €40 to €70 per month.

For education, families with children attending private schools face significant costs, ranging from €500 to €1,200 per child per month, depending on the school and grade level. Public schools are free, with minor expenses for school supplies or extracurricular activities.

In total, the monthly cost of living for a family of four in cities such as Alicante, Cadiz, or Malaga ranges from €2,500 to €3,000 for a modest lifestyle, and €4,000 to €5,000 for a more comfortable lifestyle. These cities provide an excellent balance of affordability and quality of life. Families can enjoy beautiful surroundings, delicious food, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle while keeping costs manageable compared to larger cities, such as Madrid or Barcelona. By planning carefully and leveraging local relocation advisory services, families can thrive in these vibrant communities. Spain’s secondary cities are an attractive option for families seeking a high quality of life at a reasonable cost.

Cost of Living in Spain

We hope this helps and we welcome your feedback.