Living Cost and Expenses in Spain

Spain offers international students a very reasonable standard of living compared to other European cities. For each month of study, students should budget between 900 and 1,200 euros. Your financial situation may be affected by your choice of a host family, the amount of travel you do inside Spain and overseas, and the program's overall cost. 

Remember that Madrid and Barcelona are two of the priciest cities in Europe, so if money is tight, consider less popular locations. 

Accommodation costs in Spain 

Like any budget, the biggest expense will be your living expenses. Other elements include:

• The number of roommates you have.
• The size and location of your lodging.
• The amount of money you have to pay for your utilities.

Although Erasmus students frequently opt for housing in shared flats or residence halls, most short-term American students reside with a local family. 

Your tuition might pay for your living expenses if you live with a host family. If not, plan on paying between 300 and 500 euros a month for half bed and board (breakfast and dinner), depending on the city where you're studying. While the cost of a room in a shared apartment can vary greatly, you should budget at least 200 euros per month for a room, plus 20 to 50 euros per person for utilities. Private residence halls can cost up to 1,000 euros per month with a meal plan and additional amenities like security or a gym. Examples of common utilities are water, electricity, and a building fee called community. 

Types of living facilities for international students in Spain (housing portals) 

Finding suitable housing is one of the most crucial things for students in Spain. Finding the ideal spot to call home while studying takes time and effort. You must consider your options, shop, balance the benefits and downsides, and be informed. Continue reading to learn how to locate the ideal student housing in Spain. 

Accommodation types in Spain 

Students are welcome to stay with host families around Spain, offering a rich and comprehensive educational experience. Studying, learning Spanish in a natural setting, and experiencing Spanish culture first-hand are all possible. Although they are a little more expensive than other housing types, studio apartments are a more autonomous housing alternative. You won't have to share a room with other students, and they are typically smaller. However, as was already said, they are typically more expensive, particularly closer to the center. 

Finding a roommate is also a terrific and affordable housing alternative for students looking for a social living situation. Many students choose this option because splitting the cost makes it more reasonable and increases your chances of meeting new people if you want to save money and add a friend. There are more options for student accommodation, including apartments, flats, and townhouses. However, getting these is challenging, and they are typically more expensive. If you choose to do this, getting in touch with an agent is preferable. 

Spanish colleges typically offer to house students in the form of apartments or student residence halls (Colegios Mayores). The price of rent and lodging varies depending on the area you select, the amenities provided, and other elements. Madrid and Barcelona typically cost more than other cities. Numerous accommodations are available, so we recommend beginning your research as soon as possible and weighing your possibilities before making a decision. 

Food and beverages cost  

Supermarkets in Spain typically provide affordable, high-quality goods. Basic foods like milk, bread, and eggs cost less than one euro, and wine, beer, and cheese have enviable prices. You will pay between 70 and 200 euros monthly overall. Large fast-food companies defy this criterion because their typical meal prices range from 7 to 15 euros, making them pricey compared to nearby options. However, home-cooked dinners like tapas with a beverage will lighten your wallet. 

If you go out to have food, it is also reasonably priced. There are inexpensive restaurants in Madrid and Barcelona that provide traditional cuisine. A typical restaurant charges between €10 to €15 per person, whereas a more upscale one charges about €40 per person. A person who follows a typical diet in Spain and intends to prepare most of their meals at home should budget between 100 and 150 euros per month for groceries, including meat and fish. Because they are inexpensive and essential to a Mediterranean diet and legumes, stock your cupboard with essentials like olive oil, which is a bit pricey but comes directly from the producer. 

Once more, the average price of a dinner out will depend on the city where you are attending school. In a smaller city, you wouldn't pay more than 12 to 15 euros for dinner and drinks; however, the cost might be double in a larger city like Madrid or Barcelona. You can go to local hangouts in Seville and spend 7€ on two tapas and beers. The same is true for beverages; in pubs, you can get beer and house wine for cheap, and mixed drinks can cost anywhere between 5 and 15 euros. A menu del da is a terrific method to conserve money and fill up at midday, the biggest meal of the day. You receive an appetizer, entrée, dessert, and beverage for between 6 and 12 euros. Although the menu del da offers the best value, tapas may rule Spain. 

Transportation costs in Spain 

Numerous Spanish cities' walkability or bike share programs, which help students burn off the tapas and cut costs, make them ideal places to study. If you must pay for transportation, look into the monthly unlimited passes; in other circumstances, purchasing a ten-ride punch card may be more cost-effective, depending on your usage. 

For instance, a monthly bus and metro card in Seville costs barely more than a monthly metro abono in Madrid, which is 20€ per month for unlimited rides for students under 26. Some universities are farther from urban areas, which may mean a longer commute. Within a city, taxis are the most expensive mode of transportation. There are dozens of major cities where Uber and its European rival, Cabify, are active. 

Cost of living in a different city: Spain 

Spain's Most Affordable Cities for International Students 

1. Cordoba 

Córdoba, widely regarded as one of Andalusia's most complex cities (and one of the least expensive to live in Spain), offers an intriguing mix of culture and history while still being quite cost-friendly. The Mezquita-Catedral, first constructed as a mosque in the tenth century and then converted to a cathedral, is one of this city's top attractions. Given that this is one of the least expensive towns in Spain, there is a lot for international students to see and do while still saving money. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center may be found for less than 400 EUR, and the price is significantly lower if you choose the outskirts. 

Find some of the average costs in Córdoba below: 

2. Santiago de Compostela 

In addition to being reasonably priced, Santiago de Compostela is a beautiful city. With its cobblestone alleys, this city certainly managed to become one of the most attractive regions in Spain, with an interesting medieval square, churches, and palaces. Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia in northwest Spain, has some of the region's distinctive culinary offerings. You can sample a variety of seafood, regional cheeses, and desserts here for a reasonable price. Lunch at a budget restaurant will cost you as low as 9.00 EUR. However, costs may vary based on the restaurant. However, it ranks as one of Spain's most affordable towns for international students. 

Find some of the average costs in Santiago de Compostela below: 

3. Salamanca 

The oldest university in Spain is in Salamanca, which boasts a strong student culture and is reasonably affordable for international students. You will experience small-town culture and environment while residing here and have plenty of options to explore. The average international student in Salamanca can afford the living costs. Delicious dishes, including tapas, paella, and sangria, are available, as well as a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian options. You may get drinks for as little as 1 EUR and a wide variety of dishes without going broke. 

Find some of the average costs in Salamanca below: 

4. Alicante 

Alicante is undoubtedly one of the least expensive locations to live in Spain because the cost of living there is often rather modest. Food at the center market, entertainment, and public transportation are all reasonably priced. Even though it's not the cheapest, rent here is still less expensive than in several other Spanish cities (see Barcelona below for comparison). Alicante appeals to students and tourists for its welcoming attitude, lovely scenery, and impressive architecture. But more importantly, you can also take advantage of many other free recreational activities, including visiting the beach! 

Find some of the average costs in Alicante below: 

5. Granada 

Living here will allow you to experience a lively, tranquil, and picturesque location with stunning buildings and cobbled streets. The cost of living is comparatively low and generally within reach. In addition, while affordable, most locations in Andalusia, including Granada, will provide you with free tapas when you purchase a drink. Talk about being kind! Prices can vary depending on the restaurant. However, a meal at a budget restaurant will often cost you around 10 EUR (often even less). 

Find some of the average costs in Granada below: 

Here are some of the most expensive cities in Spain for international students to live in: 

1. Barcelona 

Barcelona is one of Spain's priciest cities, if not the priciest, especially for international students on a tight budget. It is a bustling, multicultural city, and its architecture is intriguing and distinctive. In contrast to other cost-effective Spanish cities like Cordoba, Salamanca, or Granada, the general cost of living can be considered high. Living in Barcelona would be pretty easy for someone who has mastered the art of budgeting. Barcelona's cuisine is delectable, its beaches are serene and sun-kissed, and its universities are of the highest caliber. 

A one-bedroom apartment in Barcelona's city center will cost you about 932 EUR per month, whereas a similar apartment outside of the city center would cost you about 724 EUR per month. You should expect to pay around 2,20 EUR for a one-way ticket if you plan to commute via local transportation. Rent is the only price that is a little more challenging to conquer because, otherwise, daily expenses are quite reasonable. However, international students frequently choose to live in residence halls or with roommates.  

Some of the average costs in Barcelona include:  

2. Madrid  

Madrid is renowned for its wealth in history, culture, and art. It is also regarded as one of the most expensive cities in Spain, placed quite close to Barcelona. Its museums and galleries have some of the best Spanish and Latin American art collections. Living in Madrid means being part of a city with a rich history, charming nightlife, and extraordinary living circumstances, despite being one of the most expensive cities in Spain. Many people live farther from the city center to afford rent because it is generally less expensive outside of the center. However, daily costs are somewhat comparable to those in other Spanish cities. 

On average, a one-bedroom apartment in Madrid costs close to 1,000 euros a month, but prices outside the city center are lower and more affordable—by about 300 euros. Madrid's energy and way of life make it a favorite amongst international students. In this climate-neutral metropolis, everything appears to be rather colorful. You will need to pay about 9,00 EUR per person for a movie ticket to see an international film, which is not as pricey as one may anticipate. 

Some of the average costs in Madrid include: 

3. Zaragoza  

Zaragoza is well known for offering a high standard of living at an affordable price. Zaragoza is cheaper than the locations mentioned earlier, especially for international students. But it has just as much natural beauty as Madrid or Barcelona. There is so much to see and do in this city, and it is conveniently located for travel to other areas of the nation. Some people describe Zaragoza as a vibrant city with lots of cultural offerings. Despite being a typically secure location, it also has a stunning architectural design. 

Zaragoza is more expensive than a few other Spanish towns, including Salamanca, Santiago de Compostela, and Barcelona, although less expensive than Madrid and Barcelona. 

Some of the average costs in Zaragoza include: 

4. Malaga  

With over 571,026 residents, Malaga is a sizable city in the Andalucia area of southern Spain. This port city is known as the birthplace of the great Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, albeit not as well known as the aforementioned Spanish places. Although Malaga is one of the most expensive cities in Spain, the cost of living there is rather reasonable. The cost of real estate varies throughout Spanish cities, even though everyday expenses are identical. 

A one-bedroom apartment in Malaga will cost you about 710 EUR per month in the city center and about 519 EUR per month outside the city center. A meal will cost you about 10,00 EUR in a cheap restaurant, whereas a supper for two at a more upscale place would run you about 40,00 EUR. An acceptable price for a cup of coffee will be around EUR 1,50, and a one-way ticket on the public transportation system will normally cost EUR 1,30. 

Some of the average costs in Malaga include: