Cost of living in Spain 2024 – Price comparison across different regions

Cost of living in Spain – Apartment rental prices in Spain

When planning a trip to Spain, one of the first pieces of information you’re looking for is accommodation. You need to consider which part of the country you want to live in and how many rooms the apartment should have. Is this an apartment just for you, or are you looking for a property for yourself and your friends or family? Prices for similar square footage in the center and outside of it can differ from 1000 PLN to 1500 PLN. The time of year also influences the price – during the vacation period, property prices may be higher.

Spain is a city loved by tourists, so finding a property for short-term rental should not be a problem. This country offers a wide selection of properties and flexible rental conditions. Properties for short-term rental must meet appropriate standards, so it’s worth familiarizing yourself with our guide, in which we present basic information and the best locations for rental.

Short-term rental prices (week) in Spain and Poland

If you think that property rental costs are not expensive, and Spain is a place where you would like to spend more time, perhaps it’s worth considering a long-term rental or property purchase option?

Buying an apartment

The Spanish real estate market offers a wide selection of apartments, villas, townhouses, semi-detached houses or penthouses in popular regions such as Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol or Costa Cálida. Property prices differ depending on location, size or finishing standard of the apartment.

In our property catalog you will find many proposals – I think there will be an appropriate proposal for your requirements as well. Contact us to complete all formalities related to buying property. Our agents provide assistance at every stage of cooperation.

If you want to buy property in Spain but can’t decide what to choose, our agents will present you with the best offers from our catalog. We take into account your preferences, whether it should be a house with a pool, a villa with a garden, or an apartment by a golf course. In the Offers Panel we will present you with the best proposals, and you will be able to manage them on an ongoing basis. After making your choice, we will take care of all necessary formalities.

Average price per m² of property in Alicante in 2024

In Alicante, apartments are available at affordable prices, especially compared to larger cities such as Madrid or Barcelona. For example, the average price per square meter of an apartment in the center of Alicante is around 2,000 EUR, while outside the center it drops to 1,500 EUR. Apartments in Torrevieja are also an attractive option for investors.

Average price per m² of apartment on Costa Blanca

In Malaga, which is part of Costa del Sol, property prices are higher, especially in luxury resorts. The price per square meter in the center of Malaga is around 3,000 EUR, and outside the center around 2,000 EUR. However, investing in Malaga Spain properties can bring high returns from tourist rentals.

Price per m² of apartment on Costa Blanca

On Costa Blanca, apartment purchase costs are more varied. The average price per square meter in the center is around 1,800 EUR, and outside the center 1,300 EUR. New apartments in Spain in this area enjoy great interest from investors. Properties for sale in Alicante offer many attractive options.

Apartment price per m² overall

Note!
The prices given are average prices per m². Prices may differ depending on exact location. In large cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, prices may be higher than in smaller cities such as Alicante and Malaga. The same applies to the Polish real estate market, in cities such as Krakow, Warsaw or the Tri-City, the price per m² will be much higher than in other smaller cities.

Cost of meals in restaurants in Spain

Food in Spain is relatively cheap, especially when it comes to local products. Fish, seafood, wine will be significantly cheaper than in Poland. Meats are more expensive or at a similar level.

Cost of basic products in Alicante

In Alicante and on Costa Blanca you can find many local markets where fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and meat are available at affordable prices. For example, a liter of milk costs around 0.80 EUR, bread 1.10 EUR, and a kilogram of rice 1.20 EUR. Lunches in restaurants also don’t strain the budget. In a mid-range restaurant you can eat lunch for around 12 EUR, and tapas is a popular option for those who want to try different dishes for little money. Drinks are also not as expensive, which we increasingly encounter in restaurants in Poland.

Cost of basic food products on Costa del Sol

In Malaga and on Costa del Sol, food prices may be slightly higher than on the Costa Blanca coast, especially in tourist areas, but these are not significant differences. For example, a liter of milk costs around 0.90 EUR, bread 1.20 EUR, and a kilogram of rice 1.30 EUR. Lunches in restaurants cost an average of 15 EUR per person. The quality of food, especially fresh seafood, is high.

Clothing / Apparel Prices in Spain

In Spain you will find many boutiques with clothing and shoes. It is a country of fashion lovers. In popular towns you will find top-shelf designer stores and small boutiques. Everyone will find something for themselves here without straining the household budget. In Madrid and Barcelona there are more luxury stores. Many local markets and street vendors offer unique clothing in smaller towns.
Spanish brands are known for high-quality materials and craftsmanship, so in many stores you can buy personalized products on the spot. Many stores also offer online shopping, but we recommend in-store shopping through picturesque Spanish streets.

Prices of branded and local clothing

Healthcare

To receive free and necessary healthcare in Spain, you must have an EHIC card. Foreigners, like Spaniards, have the same right to use healthcare services in the public health service. Go to the nearest facility within the state health service and take your EHIC card with you, ID card or other document confirming your identity. You can go to the following facilities:

• emergency room
• clinic
• health center
• hospital

Remember that in Spain there are patient reception hours within the state healthcare system – otherwise you will be forced to cover the costs for the services provided, as you will be treated as a private patient. You must also inform your doctor that you want to be treated in accordance with EU regulations. If you want to see a specialist, you need to go to a general practitioner who will give you a referral – don’t lose it, as you will need it when admitted to the ward. Inform the staff that you want a multi-bed room, otherwise you will also be considered a private patient.

In emergencies, call the emergency number 112.
Check the list of facilities in Spain

Treatment costs

Although healthcare in Spanish public facilities or hospitals is free, as is necessary transport ordered by a doctor, there are services for which we will incur costs. In Spain, more and more citizens are using private health insurance, which contributes to the fact that healthcare expenditures account for about 9% of annual GDP. This is about 2,000 EUR per person per year. One of the services for which we will bear full payment is dental treatment – dental care is excluded from the public health system in Spain, with the exception of people under 15 years of age. Medicines are also paid – if they are subsidized, you will pay 40% to 60% of their value, while pensioners will pay 10% to 60% of their price. Medicines that are often used in serious or chronic diseases cannot exceed 4.24 EUR per package and amount to 10% of their price.

Coronavirus treatment

The costs of transport to Poland in case of coronavirus or other illness are covered entirely by the patient. Coronavirus patients will receive the same care as native Spaniards.

Reimbursement for private treatment

Having an EHIC card, you can apply for partial reimbursement of costs incurred at the dentist after returning to Poland. To apply for reimbursement, you must submit an application for reimbursement of costs incurred at the NFZ branch and attach original invoices and proof of payment for private treatment. Refunded funds cannot exceed the costs actually incurred by the patient. All treatment costs outside the public health system that the patient covers with their own money are subject to reimbursement – the exception is a life-saving situation.

Education and childcare in Spain

If you are planning to move to Spain permanently or for a longer period, it is also worth paying attention to the education system. In Spain, children can attend primary school from 6 to 12 years of age, and then secondary school until 16 years of age. After completing compulsory education, students can continue their education in secondary or technical schools, which prepare them for high school or vocational exams.

In Spain there are many types of schools: public, private and international. It is worth noting that education in public schools is free, but parents may be required to cover the costs of books and educational materials. In private schools, tuition can be quite high, but they often offer smaller classes and additional activities. International schools are particularly popular among families who want their children to continue their education in an international environment and obtain international diplomas.

The education system in Spain is well developed, and public schools often offer additional extracurricular activities, such as sports or art. Spanish is the language of instruction in most schools, but in regions such as Catalonia, Galicia or the Basque Country, local languages can also be used in teaching.

Public schools are free, and the level of education is high. In Alicante and on Costa Blanca there are many renowned international schools that offer a high standard of teaching, but they are paid. Example schools are International School Alicante and European School of Alicante. Tuition at such schools ranges from 5,000 to 15,000 EUR per year.

In Malaga and on Costa del Sol you can also find many international schools that attract families and students from around the world, e.g. from the USA. Example schools are Sunny View School and Swans International School. The cost of education can be high, but still much lower than, for example, in the United States. The quality of education goes hand in hand with the price and is at the highest, often world level.

The cost of childcare in Spain, including kindergartens and nurseries, also depends on location and type of facility. Public kindergartens are usually cheaper than private ones, and in larger cities there may be longer queues for enrollment. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the educational offer in a given region and seeking information about available options before moving.

Example comparison of education costs in Spain and Poland

Parents planning to move to Spain have many possibilities regarding their children’s education, regardless of budget, and the quality of offered services is at a very high level.

Urban transport costs on Spanish coasts

In Alicante and on Costa Blanca, using public transport is economical, and bus tickets cost around 1.45 EUR per ride. A monthly public transport ticket costs around 40 EUR. Car rental is also a popular option for those who want to explore the region, and rental costs start from 25 EUR per day.
Malaga, being part of Costa del Sol, also offers a well-developed public transport network, including buses, trains and metro. Costs are comparable to those in Alicante. A single ticket costs around 1.30 EUR, and a monthly public transport ticket costs around 50 EUR.

Spain offers many transport options, adapted to different needs and budgets. If you like to travel on your own terms, car rental is a great choice that gives you the freedom to explore the country at your own pace and discover lesser-known places. For those who prefer to use public transport, Spain has an extensive and reliable transport network. Trains are comfortable, fast and cover most regions of the country, while offering beautiful views. Buses, especially on shorter routes, are an economical alternative that works well in many cities and smaller towns. Travelers to the islands can also use ferries.

Spain is also an ideal place for environmentally conscious people. In many cities, such as Barcelona or Madrid, bicycle rental systems are available, such as Bicing, which enable convenient and ecological city sightseeing. Electric scooters are also a popular means of transport in larger cities, allowing for quick movement between attractions. In metropolises such as Madrid and Barcelona, the metro is an affordable and efficient way to avoid traffic jams and quickly reach your destination.

Table of transport costs and gasoline prices in Spain.

Service costs and other expenses

In Alicante and on Costa Blanca, prices for these services are competitive, and service quality is high. The average cost of internet with a speed of 60 Mbps is around 35 EUR per month. Utility bills (electricity, water, gas) for an apartment with an area of 85 m² average 100 EUR per month.

In Malaga and on Costa del Sol, costs may be slightly higher, but differences are not significant. Healthcare costs are relatively low, and the quality of medical services is at a high level. For example, a visit to a private doctor costs around 50 EUR, and monthly health insurance costs around 60-100 EUR.

It is worth emphasizing that Spain has one of the best developed and fastest Internet networks in Europe. This can be important, for example, for programmers or other professions that work remotely.

Groceries

Food costs in Spain can be affordable, but depend on the chosen location and lifestyle. In large cities such as Madrid or Barcelona, prices may be higher, while in smaller towns and in the countryside prices are often lower. In Spain you can find many places where you can eat tasty and inexpensive food. Local markets and bazaars offer fresh products at affordable prices. Restaurants in Spain offer diverse options, from cheap tapas and bars to more expensive restaurants.

Menu of the day is also popular in Spain, which often offer lunch sets at attractive prices. It is worth taking advantage of local offers and promotions to save on food, especially if you are planning a longer stay.

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Entertainment and recreation costs in Spain

Spain offers many attractions and outdoor activities. Sport and recreation are important elements of Spanish culture, and visitors to the country can enjoy many different forms of activity. One of the most popular options is beach relaxation. The Spanish coast is famous for some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, where it’s easy to find a place for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. Water sports, such as surfing, windsurfing or paddleboarding, enjoy great popularity among residents and tourists. For those who prefer calmer forms of rest, there are many cafes, bars and restaurants by the beaches, where you can enjoy a drink or meal while admiring beautiful ocean views.

In Alicante and on Costa Blanca you can enjoy numerous beaches, nature parks and sports centers. Costs are moderate, and many attractions, such as beaches or parks, are available free of charge. A cinema ticket costs around 8 EUR, and a gym membership costs around 30-50 EUR per month.

On Costa del Sol, in addition to beautiful beaches, you can find luxury golf clubs, marinas and exclusive nightclubs. Costs may be higher, but the recreational offer is very rich.

Spain is also known for its passion for football, and watching a match is a must-see attraction for sports fans. The country is home to two world-famous teams: Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Attending a match is an unforgettable experience, full of emotions and fan energy, as well as admiration for the players’ skills. If football is not your passion, you can choose other sporting events, such as bullfighting, cycling races or tennis tournaments. Regardless of interests, Spain offers many opportunities for active leisure.

Monthly salary

The monthly salary you can receive in Spain depends on your age, position, education and many other factors. In different regions of Spain, salaries may differ. The highest earnings can be obtained in IT, engineering and medicine. In 2023, Spain recorded a record increase in employment of 783,000 people, which indicates sustained economic improvement. Particularly visible was the increase in the number of employed foreigners (333,700) and the dominance of the private sector (716,000 new jobs). As a result, the unemployment rate fell to 11.76%, and the number of registered unemployed fell below 3 million for the first time in 16 years. Despite seasonal declines in employment, 21.25 million people were employed at the end of the year. Employment growth was supported by a strong tourism sector, and regions with the lowest unemployment are the Basque Country, Cantabria and Aragon.

Do you need to learn Spanish to find a job? No, in many regions of Spain residents speak English, but knowledge of Spanish will bring you many benefits, from finding a job to daily communication with residents.

Gross salary in 2024

In 2024, according to Eurostat, Spanish salary remuneration was in 6th place in Europe, while Poland took 9th place in the TOP 10.

Monthly expenses

In 2023, living costs in Spain were lower than in many other countries. Compared to the Netherlands, these were even 30% lower expenses. With a lower budget you can lead a life at a high level. Everything depends on monthly earnings, the location where you will live, lifestyle and personal expenses. It should be remembered that in the center of the country and in larger cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, life is more expensive than in smaller cities and villages.

Average living costs in Spain

• Rent: 500 – 1000 euros per month for an apartment in the city.
• Food: 200 – 300 euros per month for one person.
• Transport: 100 – 200 euros per month for public transport.
• Going out: 100 – 200 euros per month.
• Healthcare: 100 – 200 euros per month.

In summary, the average cost of living for one person is around 1500 EUR. Remember that these are example costs, which may differ depending on individual needs, they may be lower or higher.

Do you want to reduce living costs in Spain?

Life in Spain can be cheaper if you apply a few simple strategies. One of the most important steps is buying property instead of renting. Although it involves a larger expense at the beginning, in the longer term it allows you to avoid high rent costs, which in Spain, especially in large cities, can be significant.

Another way to save is cooking at home instead of eating out. Spanish cuisine is simple, and fresh products are easily available, which makes cooking not only cheaper but also enjoyable. Instead of daily meals in restaurants, you can prepare tasty dishes yourself.

Using public transport instead of a car is also a great option for reducing expenses. Transport in Spain is well developed, and monthly tickets for metro, buses or trains are much cheaper than fuel costs, car maintenance and parking fees.

Spain also offers many free forms of activity. It’s worth taking advantage of free activities, such as hiking, cycling or swimming in the sea. Spain’s beautiful weather and diverse landscapes make spending time outdoors not only healthy but also free.

Finally, comparing prices of products and services before purchase can bring considerable savings. In Spain, it’s worth paying attention to promotions and price differences between stores, as well as choosing local markets and shops, which often offer cheaper products.

Overview of living costs in different regions and cities

Main differences in living costs

1. Accommodation and real estate costs: It’s cheapest in Alicante and on Costa Blanca, where prices of apartments, food and transport are affordable. It’s most expensive on Costa del Sol, especially in Malaga, where living costs are higher, especially in luxury resorts.
2. Food and restaurant costs: In Alicante food costs are lower than on Costa del Sol, but product quality remains high in both regions.
3. Transport and service costs: Transport costs are similar in both regions, but services such as internet or utilities may be slightly more expensive on Costa del Sol.

Living costs depend on the location where you will live, familiarize yourself with example statistics of the most popular cities among foreigners. You can also visit the Numbeo.com website where you will find basic information regarding living costs in a particular city, travel prices, accommodation, leisure, food, market prices and more.
Table showing the cost of selected services in selected cities in Spain.

Taxes in Spain and local fees

In Alicante and on Costa Blanca, property taxes are moderate, which makes these regions attractive for investors. Property tax averages 0.4-1.1% of property value. Fees related to property maintenance, such as community charges, amount to around 50-150 EUR per month. In Malaga, on Costa del Sol, taxes may be higher, especially in luxury resorts. However, investment returns can compensate for this. Buying property in Spain involves various tax aspects that are worth considering.

Where to live in Spain? Comparison of living costs in 2024

You have finished reading a long article, in which we hope you have learned about the cost of living in Spain.As you can see, a lot depends on the region and lifestyle, but this is nothing new in Poland either. It is worth carefully analyzing your needs and budget before making a decision to buy property in Spain or live in this country.

If you are looking for cheaper options, Alicante and Costa Blanca will be more affordable. For those looking for luxury, Costa del Sol and the center of the country will be an ideal choice.

One thing is certain, in most regions in Spain there will be no shortage of sunshine and good weather.

We invite you to contact our real estate office.