If you dream of living in Spain, you’re not alone. Many expats choose Spain for its relaxed lifestyle, sunny weather, and affordable living costs. But how much money do you need to enjoy life in Spain as a single person in 2023? In this blog post, we will break down the main costs of living in Spain, such as rent, food, transport, health, and fun. We will also share some useful tips on how to save money and plan your budget for your Spanish adventure.
Housing is one of the biggest expenses that you will have to deal with in Spain. The cost of housing varies depending on the location, size, and quality of the accommodation. Generally speaking, bigger cities like Madrid and Barcelona are more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas. According to Expatistan, the average monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in an expensive area of Madrid is €810 ($917), while in a normal area, it is €587 ($665). In Barcelona, the average monthly rent for a similar studio is €853 ($966) in an expensive area and €650 ($736) in a normal area. You can find available apartments for rent in Spain from here. If you are looking for cheaper options, you can consider sharing an apartment with other people or renting a room in a shared flat. You can find listings on websites like Idealista, Fotocasa, or Uniplaces.
Besides rent, you will also have to pay for utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and internet. The cost of utilities depends on your consumption habits and the season. Expatistan estimates that the average monthly cost of utilities for one person in a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio is €85 ($96) in Madrid and €97 ($110) in Barcelona. Internet costs around €29 ($33) per month for an 8 Mbps connection.
Food is another major expense that you will have to budget for in Spain. The good news is that food is relatively cheap and of good quality in Spain, especially if you buy local and seasonal products. You can find fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, bread, and wine at reasonable prices at supermarkets or local markets. According to the food prices, the average monthly cost of groceries for one person in Spain is €189 ($214). If you are dining out and buying groceries, the average cost of food in Spain is €40 – €50 per day for one person. Of course, this can vary depending on your dietary preferences and shopping habits.
If you like to eat out occasionally or try different cuisines, you will also find plenty of options in Spain. You can enjoy a basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district for €17 ($19), or a combo meal in a fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) for €9 ($10). A three-course dinner for two people in a mid-range restaurant costs around €40 ($45). You can also find cheaper alternatives such as tapas bars, kebab shops, or Asian restaurants.
The cost of transportation depends on how often and how far you travel. If you live in a big city like Madrid or Barcelona, you can use the public transport system, which consists of buses, metro, trains, and trams. A monthly ticket for public transport costs €31 ($35) in Madrid and €40 ($45) in Barcelona. You can also use taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber or Cabify, but they are more expensive than public transport.
If you live in a smaller town or rural area, you may need to have your own car or motorcycle to get around. The cost of owning a car or motorcycle includes gas, insurance, maintenance, taxes, and parking fees. Expatistan estimates that the average monthly cost of owning a car in Spain is €269 ($305), while owning a motorcycle costs €98 ($111). Gas prices are high in Spain compared to other countries; one liter (1/4 gallon) of gas costs €1.64 ($1.86).
Spain has a public healthcare system that covers most medical services for residents who pay social security contributions or taxes. If you are working in Spain or have a residence permit, you can access the public healthcare system by registering at your local health center and getting a health card. You may have to pay some co-payments for certain services or medications depending on your income level and age. If you are a UK expat, you can refer to Healthcare for UK nationals living in Spain from here.
Alternatively, you can opt for private healthcare insurance if you prefer more flexibility and a choice of doctors and hospitals. Private healthcare insurance can also cover services that are not included in the public system such as dental care or alternative therapies. The cost of private healthcare insurance depends on your age, health condition, and coverage level. Expatistan estimates that the average monthly cost of private healthcare insurance for one person in Spain is €56 ($63).
Entertainment is another expense that you will have to factor in when living in Spain. The cost of entertainment depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle. Spain offers a variety of cultural, recreational, and leisure activities for all tastes and budgets. You can enjoy museums, theaters, cinemas, concerts, festivals, sports, parks, beaches, and nightlife in Spain. Expatistan estimates that the average monthly cost of entertainment for one person in Spain is €157 ($178). This includes:
To sum up, the cost of living in Spain for a single person can vary depending on many factors such as location, lifestyle, and personal choices. However, based on the average costs provided by Expatistan, we can estimate that a single person would need around €1,597 ($1,776) per month to live comfortably in Spain without rent. This amount covers the basic expenses of food, transportation, healthcare, and entertainment. If we add the average rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in a normal area of Madrid or Barcelona, which is €587 ($665) or €650 ($736) respectively, the total monthly cost would be around €2,184 ($2,441) or €2,247 ($2,512). Of course, these are only rough estimates and you may spend more or less depending on your specific situation and needs.
We hope this blog post has given you some useful information and insights on how much a single person needs to live in Spain. If you are looking for a reliable and professional moving company to help you with your removals to Spain from the UK, look no further than MuveOne European Mover. We offer affordable and high-quality removals services to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. Get a quick quote today and let us take care of everything for you!
