Cost of living in Spain in 2026

Moving to a new country can be an exciting and life-changing experience. One of the most important factors to consider before making that move is the cost of living. In this article, we provide an updated overview of the cost of living in Spain in 2026, covering everyday expenses such as rent, utilities, transport, healthcare, groceries, and leisure.

Whether you are relocating from another European country, moving from outside the EU, or comparing different regions within Spain, understanding typical monthly costs can help you plan more confidently. While Spain remains relatively affordable compared to many Western European countries, living costs vary significantly depending on location, lifestyle, and household size.

If you are weighing Spain against other European destinations, it can also be helpful to compare everyday costs with countries such as the UK, France, Germany, Italy, or the Netherlands. Understanding how housing, transport, and daily expenses differ across these markets can help put Spain’s cost of living into a broader European context.

To give you a realistic picture of what to expect in 2026, this guide brings together the latest available data and average price ranges, helping you assess whether Spain fits your budget and how costs differ between cities and regions.

What is the average cost of living for a couple in Spain?

The cost of living in Spain remains relatively affordable in 2026 compared to many other Western European countries. A common question is whether €2,000 per month is enough to live in Spain, and for many couples, the short answer is still yes, depending on location and lifestyle.

On average, a couple can expect to spend between €2,000 and €2,800 per month to live comfortably in Spain. For a family of four, typical monthly living costs are closer to €2,600 to €3,600. These figures generally include rent, utilities, groceries, transport, and other essential day-to-day expenses, though costs can vary significantly between cities and regions.

Compared to countries such as the United Kingdom, France, or Germany, Spain continues to offer a lower overall cost of living in 2026. This makes it an attractive option not only for people relocating from abroad, but also for those comparing living costs between different European countries or Spanish regions.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Spain?

When assessing whether you have sufficient funds to live in Spain, the Spanish authorities use the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples) as a reference indicator. IPREM sets a legal minimum income threshold and is used for purposes such as calculating social benefits and assessing eligibility for certain visas and residency permits.

Based on the latest published figures, IPREM remains at €600 per month, which continues to be used as the reference indicator in administrative calculations. For non-EU citizens applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa, applicants are generally required to demonstrate income equivalent to 400% of IPREM, which corresponds to €28,800 per year, plus an additional €7,200 (100% IPREM) for each dependent family member.

EU citizens, by contrast, are typically required to demonstrate income equivalent to 100% of IPREM.

However, it is important to distinguish between legal minimum requirements and realistic living costs. Living on 100% of IPREM (€7,200 per year) would not be sufficient to maintain a comfortable standard of living in Spain. While meeting the 400% IPREM threshold may satisfy visa or residency requirements, actual comfort levels depend heavily on factors such as location, housing costs, and lifestyle choices.

For this reason, anyone planning to live in Spain in 2026 should consider IPREM as an administrative benchmark rather than a true reflection of the cost of living, and plan their budget based on real monthly expenses.

Average cost of living in cities around Spain

Here are some average cost-of-living estimates based on data from Numbeo, one of the world’s largest cost-of-living databases using crowd-sourced real-life data. The figures reflect the latest available data accessed in January 2026 and are intended as a general guide rather than exact monthly budgets.

Figures are indicative averages based on crowd-sourced data and may vary depending on neighbourhood, property type, and individual spending habits.

Average cost of renting an apartment in Spain

Rent is typically the largest monthly expense for people living in Spain. For those still deciding where to settle long term, renting in different areas can be a practical way to understand local costs before committing to a purchase. Exploring the pros and cons of renting before buying in Spain can help you make a more informed decision.

Rental prices in Spain vary significantly depending on the region, city, and neighbourhood. In larger cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs between €1,200 and €1,700 per month in 2026, with prime locations exceeding this range. In smaller cities and inland towns, rents are considerably lower, with one-bedroom apartments often costing between €450 and €650 per month in places such as Ciudad Real or Cáceres.

Although rental prices have risen in recent years, Spain remains relatively affordable compared to many other Western European countries. On a like-for-like basis, renting in Spain is still generally cheaper than in destinations such as the UK, France, or Germany.

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment (2026)

1. Málaga: Málaga continues to be a popular coastal city. In 2026, renting a one-bedroom apartment typically costs between €850 and €1,200 per month, depending on location and proximity to the city centre.
2. Alicante:Alicante offers comparatively good value for a coastal city. One-bedroom apartment rents generally range from €800 to €1,000 per month.
3. Valencia: As Spain’s third-largest city, Valencia offers a broad rental market. A one-bedroom apartment typically costs between €850 and €1,200 per month in 2026.
4. Madrid: As the capital, Madrid remains one of the most expensive rental markets in Spain. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre generally ranges from €1,200 to €1,600 per month, with higher prices in central districts.
5. Barcelona: Barcelona continues to command high rental prices. In 2026, a one-bedroom apartment typically rents for between €1,200 and €1,700 per month, depending on neighbourhood and demand.

Comparison with other European destinations

Compared with other popular European cities, Spain’s rental market remains relatively affordable. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in central London or Paris often exceeds €2,000 per month, while cities such as Lisbon or Rome also tend to have higher rental costs than many Spanish cities, although still below London and Paris.

Average cost of utilities in Spain

In 2026, the cost of utilities in Spain continues to vary depending on household size, location, and consumption patterns. Overall, utility costs remain relatively moderate compared to many other Western European countries, although seasonal usage can have a noticeable impact on monthly bills.

• Electricity is a major household expense in Spain. Based on the latest available data, the average monthly electricity bill is around €65 in early 2026. Costs tend to increase during winter and summer due to heating and air-conditioning use. Wholesale electricity prices remain an important factor influencing household bills, with fluctuations throughout the year.
• Water is another key component of utility costs. Average monthly water bills in Spain typically range between €30 and €150, depending on location, consumption, and local pricing structures. Most households can expect to pay around €40 to €60 per month for water.
• Natural gas, commonly used for heating and hot water, generally costs between €60 and €95 per month on average, although this can vary based on consumption levels, region, and seasonal demand.
• Butane gas bottles remain a popular option for households not connected to the mains gas network. In 2026, the average price of a 12.5 kg butane gas bottle is approximately €17, although prices may change slightly depending on local taxes and regulated price adjustments.

It is important to note that utility costs vary significantly by region and climate. As a general reference, average monthly utility bills for an 85 m² apartment in early 2026 are around €135, covering electricity, water, and gas.

Average cost of public transport in Spain

Public transport in Spain is generally affordable and efficient, with buses, trains, and metro systems available in most cities. In 2026, the average monthly public transport pass in many Spanish cities typically costs between €20 and €40.

In larger cities, prices are higher depending on zones and coverage. A monthly pass in Madrid usually starts at around €54, while in Barcelona monthly passes typically start at around €48, increasing with wider travel zones.

For occasional travel, a single journey on local buses or metro systems usually costs around €1.80. Many cities also offer multi-ride cards, such as 10-trip passes, which can reduce the cost per journey by around 30–40%.

Compared with many other Western European countries, public transport in Spain remains relatively affordable in 2026, making it a cost-effective option for daily commuting and local travel.

Average cost of private health insurance in Spain

The cost of private health insurance in Spain varies depending on factors such as age, health status, and the level of cover selected. While many residents can access public healthcare, private insurance is commonly used to reduce waiting times or meet visa and residency requirements.

In 2026, a basic private health insurance policy typically starts at around €50 to €60 per month for individuals under the age of 65. For those aged 65 and over, premiums are generally higher, often ranging from €125 to €175 per month.

More comprehensive policies, which may include broader hospital cover or additional services, usually cost between €175 and €250 per month. Covering pre-existing conditions or adding optional extras such as dental care can increase premiums further.

These figures should be treated as general estimates, as actual costs vary between providers and individual circumstances. Comparing policies from several insurers remains the best way to find cover that suits your healthcare needs and budget in 2026.

Average cost of entertainment and socialising in Spain

Living in Spain is not only about covering basic living expenses, but also about enjoying its strong social culture and leisure activities. In 2026, entertainment and socialising remain relatively affordable compared to many other European countries, although costs vary by city and venue.

• Dining out in Spain is generally good value. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant typically costs around €14–€16 per person, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant usually ranges from €40 to €55. Prices tend to be higher in major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, particularly in central areas.
• Tapas culture continues to offer budget-friendly options. Many bars still include tapas with drinks. In 2026, a beer in a bar usually costs €2–€4, while a glass of Spanish wine typically ranges from €3 to €6.
• Cinema tickets generally cost around €8–€11, with many cinemas offering discounted prices on certain weekdays or during special promotions.
• Theatre, concerts, and live performances are widely available across Spain. Ticket prices vary depending on the event and seating but typically fall within the €20–€60 range.
• Museums and cultural sites remain accessible, with many offering free entry at specific times or on certain days. For example, the Prado Museum in Madrid provides free evening access, making cultural outings more affordable.
• Local festivals, markets, and community events are an important part of Spanish life and often cost little or nothing to attend, offering low-cost ways to socialise and engage with local culture.

Average cost of groceries in Spain

In 2026, the average cost of groceries for a couple in Spain is around €130–€140 per week, depending on dietary preferences, shopping habits, and location. Grocery costs can vary between regions and cities, as well as between large supermarket chains and local markets.

Staple food items in Spain remain relatively affordable. For example, a litre of milk typically costs just over €1, a loaf of fresh bread is around €1.20–€1.30, and a dozen eggs usually costs under €3. Shopping habits and where you shop can have a noticeable impact on overall grocery spending.

As a general guideline, average grocery prices in Spain in 2026 include:

• A loaf of fresh bread: €1.30
• One dozen eggs: €2.50–€2.70
• A litre of milk: €1.05
• 1 kg of chicken breasts: €7.00–€7.50
• 1 kg of apples: €2.00–€2.20
• 1 kg of bananas: €1.70–€1.80

These prices provide a general indication of grocery costs, but actual spending will vary depending on store location, promotions, and whether you shop at supermarkets, discount stores, or local markets.

Is Spain expensive to live in?

In 2026, the cost of living in Spain remains relatively affordable compared to many other Western European countries. While expenses vary by city, region, and lifestyle, Spain continues to offer a favourable balance between living costs and quality of life for many residents.

By managing expenses carefully and choosing a location that aligns with your budget, it is possible to live comfortably in Spain without excessive costs. Factors such as housing, transport, and daily spending can differ significantly between regions, making local research an important part of financial planning.

Overall, Spain’s combination of moderate living costs, efficient public transport, and accessible cultural activities continues to make it an attractive option for people considering a move or comparing living costs across Europe in 2026.

For many people, understanding day-to-day living costs is also a first step towards longer-term planning. If you are considering settling in Spain permanently, learning more about buying property in Spain can help you connect monthly living expenses with long-term housing decisions.