Living Costs in Spain: Housing, Food, Transport and More in 2025

Spain remains an attractive destination for living due to its climate, quality of life, and relatively affordable cost of living. However, the cost of living in Spain varies considerably depending on the region and the lifestyle you wish to lead.

At UCI, we understand that finding the right place to live and managing personal finances is key to ensuring a comfortable and peaceful life in this country.

Main Factors Affecting the Cost of Living

The cost of living in Spain varies greatly depending on the region, city, or even the neighbourhood you live in. While in some areas it is possible to find affordable housing and reasonable prices for food and transport, others face high rents and greater economic pressure.

According to the latest figures from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), the average monthly expenditure in Spain is around €1,093 per person or €2,718 per household. This is the highest recorded cost of living in over a decade.

The cost of living includes housing, food, transport, healthcare, education, and leisure. This basket changes according to needs and consumption habits, which evolve over time. For instance, a young person in a city might add specialty coffees, mobility apps, or organic products to their budget, increasing their monthly expenditure.

Inflation, which affects almost all prices and drives up the cost of living, reduces purchasing power, and over the past 25 years, it has been considerable, with an average annual increase of around 2%-3%. Furthermore, the cost of living includes not only direct economic expenses but also factors such as commute time, stress, or environmental quality, which affect overall well-being.

In Spain, renting a home is increasingly expensive and represents a greater financial burden for many families.

The average price of housing has also increased significantly, surpassing €1,700 per square metre on average, with peaks of over €4,000 in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. The proportion of income that a family needs to allocate to housing has risen significantly, exceeding 50% in many cases, which limits savings and economic stability.

Big Cities vs. Small Towns: How Much Does it Differ?

The cost of living in big cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Málaga is considerably higher than in small towns or rural areas.

In some municipalities facing depopulation, fiscal deductions and subsidies are applied to incentivise the purchase, renovation, and rental of properties, in addition to promoting local economic activity. This is complemented by state measures such as the ICO guarantees for first homes, designed to facilitate access for young people purchasing their first home.

Deductions in IRPF (personal income tax) for purchase, renovation, or rental in rural areas can reach 20% of the amounts paid, with limits ranging from €700 to €10,000 per year, depending on the autonomous community.

Madrid offers up to €1,000 in IRPF for those under 35 in municipalities with fewer than 2,500 inhabitants, Murcia applies a 20% deduction for rural rent (maximum €700) and 15% for purchase or renovation (up to €9,040).

These differences mean that living in a small town can cost between 20% and 30% less than living in a large city, but with certain limitations in services and opportunities.

Average Expenditure by Category

Here are the average monthly and annual expenses for essential categories in Spain in 2025.

Housing: Rent and Purchase Price

Housing costs are the most significant for most households.

• Average Monthly Rent:

• Spain (national average): €917

• Barcelona: €1,293

• Rural Areas: €400–600

• Price per Square Meter for Purchase:

• Madrid: €4,191/m²

• Barcelona: €4,140/m²

• Málaga: €3,427/m² (record high)

• Small Towns: €300–700/m²

Rent has risen by 95% over the past 10 years, a rise not accompanied by a similar increase in wages. This imbalance represents a greater economic strain for families, especially those without their own home.

Food and Basic Products

Food expenditure depends on habits and the number of people in the household, but it can be estimated that a weekly shop for one person costs between €40 to €60, or a monthly shop for two people between €250 to €350.

Average Prices of Basic Products:

• Milk (1L): €0.95

• Bread (loaf): €1

• Chicken (kg): €6.50

• Tomatoes (kg): €1.30

• Eggs (dozen): €2.30

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1L): €7–8

Cooking at home remains much cheaper than buying ready-made meals or eating out, although food inflation from 2024-2025 has increased prices.

Transport: Public and Private

The cost of transport depends greatly on whether you live in a city with a good public transport system or in a rural area reliant on private transport.

• Public Transport Ticket: €1.50–2.40 (depending on the city)

• Monthly Transport Pass:

• Madrid (Zone A): €21.80–32.70

• Barcelona (Zone 1): €35.20

• Valencia: From €30

• Private Vehicle:

• Fuel (June 2025): €1.69/litre

• Fill a tank (55L): Approximately €86

• ITV (MOT), Maintenance and Insurance: Estimated €80–120/month

In large cities, public transport is more affordable and efficient, while in rural areas, a car is essential, which increases travel costs.

Healthcare, Education, and Other Expenses

While public healthcare in Spain is free and of good quality, there are costs associated with certain services and situations. The same applies to education, which is mostly public and free of charge, but with additional costs.

• Private Health Insurance: Between €40 and €70/month per person, chosen by those seeking quicker access to services or specialists.

• Public Schools: Education is free, but costs like school supplies, meals, and transport range from €60 to €100/month per child.

How Much Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Spain?

Estimating how much money is required for a comfortable lifestyle in Spain depends on various factors such as location and household size. It is estimated that for a comfortable life, a single person needs at least €1,500/month, and a couple or small family requires €2,500/month.

Estimated Budgets by Profile:

• Single Person: Basic monthly expenses from €900 to €1,500, including rent, food, and transport.

• Couple: Between €1,800 and €2,200/month, considering slightly larger housing, food for two, leisure, and supplies.

• Families with Children: From €2,500/month onwards, depending on the number of children, the city of residence, and, importantly, the type of school they attend.

Is €1,000 Per Month Enough to Live in Spain?

With €1,000/month, it is possible to cover the basics in certain areas, but with very tight margins and no room for savings. For reference, the Spanish Minimum Wage (SMI) is €1,184 gross per month, and the minimum pension ranges between €830 and €1,245, depending on the situation.

In cities like Madrid, renting a room costs around €550, and between food, transport, and leisure, it adds up to another €550–600. The remaining margin is minimal, hardly enough to cover unforeseen expenses.

In smaller cities such as Zamora, Teruel, Badajoz, Mérida, Cáceres, Murcia, or Albacete, it is possible to live on less than €1,000/month due to lower rent and affordable services. These areas are attractive for those who prioritise cost over urban dynamics.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Spain varies significantly depending on your profile and location, but living comfortably requires a budget that covers not only the basics but also services related to healthcare, education, and leisure. While public healthcare and education alleviate much of the costs, it's essential to consider additional expenses that may arise in each household.

In general, a single person needs at least €1,000/month in affordable areas, but to live without worries and support a family, €2,500 to €3,500/month is needed in most cases. Analysing the place of residence and specific expenses will help plan a better family budget.