How Much Money Do You Need to Move to Spain in 2023?

Average Cost of Moving to Spain from the UK

The average cost of removal service to Spain from the UK depends on various factors, such as the volume of your items, the distance between your old and new home, the mode of transportation, and the time of the year. According to general estimates, the average price range for removals to Spain from the UK is between £1000 and £5500.

These are examples of our removal prices from the UK to Spain without customs clearance, If you are booking your move with MuveOne European Movers. With our discounts, you can move at lower prices than those mentioned below. You can get a free instant moving quote with updated prices from our Removals to Spain page.

• Birmingham to Valencia : 5m3 – £829, 10m3 – £1160, 15m3 – £1639
• Manchester to Madrid : 5m3 – £837, 10m3 – £1172, 15m3 – £1656
• London to Barcelona : 5m3 – £875, 10m3 – £998, 15m3 – £1351

However, the above costs do not include other expenses that you may incur when relocating, such as visa fees, health insurance, taxes, utility bills, and living costs. Here are the cost details for these expenses.

Visa Requirements

The first thing you need to consider is what type of visa you need to move to Spain. If you are a British citizen, you will need to apply for a visa after Brexit, unless you already have a valid residence permit or registration certificate issued before 31 December 2020.

There are different types of visas available for different purposes, such as work, study, retirement, or non-lucrative activities. Each visa has its own financial requirements that you need to meet in order to qualify. For example:

• If you wish to move to Spain as a worker and your family will be joining you, you will need to show that you have an extra £500 per month for each family member. As an example, a family of five people would need an annual salary of £48,000 to be able to live in Spain.
• If you move to Spain as a student, you will need to show that you have enough funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses. You will also need to have health insurance and a letter of acceptance from a Spanish educational institution.
• If you wish to move to Spain as a retiree or a non-lucrative resident, you will need to show that you have a stable and sufficient income or savings that can support you and your dependents without working in Spain. The minimum amount required is €2,824.50 per month or €33,894 lump sum for one year.

You should check the official website of the Spanish consulate in your country for more information on the visa requirements and application process.

Cost of Living in Spain

The cost of living in Spain varies depending on where you choose to live, how big your accommodation is, and what kind of lifestyle you want to have. However, in general, Spain is cheaper than many other European countries, especially when it comes to housing, food, and healthcare.

According to Numbeo, a website that compares the cost of living across the world, the average monthly expenses for a single person in Spain are €683.81 without rent, and €1,072.81 with rent. For a family of four, the average monthly expenses are €2,406.11 without rent, and €2,795.11 with rent.

Of course, these are just averages and may not reflect your specific situation. To give you a better idea of how much money you need to live in Spain comfortably, here are some of the main categories of expenses that you should consider:

• Housing – Housing in Spain can be rented or bought, depending on your needs and budget. Renting is cheaper and easier, but you have to deal with landlords and other issues. Buying is more costly and complex, but you can enjoy more benefits and returns. The cost of housing varies by type, size, location, and quality. On average, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs €647.67 per month, while buying it costs €2,583.33 per square meter.
• Utilities and Communications – When residing in Spain, vital costs encompass utilities and communications. These cover electricity, water, gas, waste, internet, phone, and TV. Expenses hinge on property and usage. To reduce bills, opt for efficient appliances, renewable energy, and compare providers. On average, an 85m2 apartment’s basic utilities are €121.67 monthly, with internet at €38.33 per month.
• Food and Drink – When relocating to Spain, budgeting for food and drink is crucial. Costs hinge on eating habits, shopping choices, and dining out frequency. Savings come from home cooking, local and seasonal produce, and avoiding imports. Monthly food expenses average €216.67 per person. Dining out varies but offers diverse options, from tapas bars to upscale venues. On average, an inexpensive meal is €10, a mid-range dinner for two is €40, and a cappuccino costs €1.64 in Spain.
• Transportation – Transportation is a significant cost based on your preferences. Cut expenses by using public transit, walking, biking, or carpooling. Spain offers diverse, affordable public transport options. A one-way ticket averages €1.50, a monthly pass is €45, and a taxi start is €3.50. If driving, factor in car expenses, fuel, insurance, maintenance, parking, and tolls. Adhere to Spanish traffic rules and hold a valid license. On average, gas is €1.34 per liter, a new car is €20,000, and insurance costs €600 yearly.
• Healthcare – Expenses hinge on health, preferences, and decisions. Prioritize well-being, disease prevention, and smart health insurance choices for savings. Spain offers public healthcare but with limitations. Private insurance, favored by expats, can complement or replace it. Private medical visit: €60, blood test: €40, dental checkup: €50. Prices vary based on coverage, provider, and deductible. Compare thoroughly before enrolling.
• Education – Education costs in Spain vary based on school type, level, and quality. Average per-student expenses (2019/2020): public – €664, concerted – €1,252, private – €4,656. Public education is free and mandatory for 6-16-year-olds, but extras might apply. Private options are pricier yet offer more choice and benefits. Concerted education blends public and private traits with lower fees but more rules. Higher education costs differ by institution, program, and nationality. Public universities charge per credit, averaging €30 for bachelor’s and €22-36 for master’s/Ph.D. Private universities charge yearly, around €5,000-18,000 for bachelor’s and €6,000-24,000 for master’s/Ph.D.

Other Expenses

Besides the main categories of expenses mentioned above, there are other costs that you may incur when moving to Spain. These include:

• Visa application fees: Depending on the type and duration of your visa, you may have to pay a fee ranging from €60-116 when applying for a visa at the Spanish consulate in your country.
• Travel costs: Depending on your departure point and mode of transport, you may have to pay for flights, trains, buses, or ferries to get to Spain. You may also have to pay for luggage, insurance, or taxes.
• Relocation costs: Depending on how much stuff you want to bring with you, you may have to pay for shipping, storage, or customs fees. You may also have to pay for professional movers, packers, or cleaners.
• Settling-in costs: Depending on your needs and preferences, you may have to pay for furniture, appliances, decorations, or repairs when moving into your new home. You may also have to pay for deposits, fees, or taxes when signing a rental contract or buying a property.
• Personal costs: Depending on your lifestyle and hobbies, you may have to pay for clothing, accessories, cosmetics, or personal care products when living in Spain. You may also have to pay for entertainment, leisure, or cultural activities that you enjoy.

How to Save Money When Moving to Spain

Moving to Spain can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be expensive and stressful if you don’t plan ahead and budget wisely. Here are some tips on how to save money when moving to Spain:

• Choose an affordable moving company like MuveOne European Mover to move to Spain from the UK, if you are planning to move with your belongings.
• Do your research: Before moving to Spain, do some research on the cost of living in different regions, cities, and neighborhoods. Compare different options and choose the one that suits your needs and budget best. You can use websites like Numbeo or Expatistan to get an idea of the average prices of various goods and services in Spain.
• Apply for scholarships or grants: If you are moving to Spain for educational purposes, look for scholarships or grants that can help you cover some or all of your tuition fees and living expenses. You can use websites like Educations.com or Erasmus Mundus to find and apply for different funding opportunities in Spain.
• Negotiate your salary or benefits: If you are moving to Spain for work purposes, negotiate your salary or benefits with your employer to make sure you get a fair and competitive compensation package that reflects your skills and experience. You can use websites like Glassdoor or SalaryExpert to get an idea of the average salaries and benefits for different jobs and sectors in Spain.
• Use public transport or alternative modes of transport: Public transport in Spain is generally reliable, affordable, and convenient. You can use buses, trains, metros, trams, or taxis to get around the country easily and cheaply. You can also use alternative modes of transport like walking, cycling, or carpooling to save money and reduce your environmental impact.
• Cook at home or eat out smartly: Food and drink in Spain can be delicious and diverse, but they can also be expensive if you eat out frequently or buy imported or processed foods. You can save money by cooking at home using local and seasonal ingredients that you can find at markets or supermarkets. You can also eat out smartly by choosing inexpensive restaurants, sharing dishes, or taking advantage of discounts or deals.
• Shop around or buy second-hand: Shopping in Spain can be fun and rewarding, but it can also be costly if you buy new or branded items. You can save money by shopping around or buying second-hand items that you can find at flea markets, thrift stores, or online platforms. You can also sell or donate your unwanted items to make some extra cash or free up some space.

Affordable Moving Services UK to Italy

Moving to Spain can be a great decision for expats who want to enjoy a high quality of life without spending a fortune. However, moving to Spain also requires careful planning and budgeting to avoid financial stress and surprises. By following the tips and advice in this blog post, you can estimate how much money you need to move to Spain and live comfortably. You can refer to our blog about ways to move to Spain with no money.

If you are looking for a reliable and cheap moving company that can help you with your relocation to Spain, look no further than MuveOne. We are an international European moving company that specializes in removals to Spain from the UK. Get a free quote today and plan your relocation with us.