Planning to relocate to Spain? Discover the real costs of living in the sunny country from relocation experts with over 1,000 successful relocations.

Introduction: Dream or Reality?
Hello, friends! Thinking about relocating to Spain? I totally understand you – endless beaches, perfect weather, and wine for 2 euros look like an Instagram dream! But let's talk honestly: how much does it actually cost to live in Spain in 2025?

My name is Alina, and over the past years, our DreamLife team has helped more than 1,000 families, couples, and individuals achieve their relocation to Spain. Today I'll tell you the whole truth about the cost of living in Spain without embellishments or hidden surprises.

First Step: Legalization in Spain

Visas and Immigration Expenses (2025)
Before enjoying tapas and beach walks, you need to obtain legal status. Here are the main options:
Spain Startup Visa

• Government fees: €120–€180
• Business plan and documents: €2,000–€3,000
• Startup investment: from €50,000

Student Visa to Spain

• Consular fee: €60–€80
• Documents and translations: €200–€500
• Studies: €3,000–€12,000 per year

Spanish Residence through Various Programs

• Investor visa (real estate): program canceled in 2024
• Residence without work permit: €700–€1,200 per year
• Spanish residency for financially independent: income from €27,000 per year

Mandatory expenses for everyone:

• Private health insurance: €750–€1,400 per year
• Document translations, apostille: €200–€500
• Agency services: €1,250–€5,000

Total: plan €2,000–€4,000 per adult for a comfortable legalization process.
Housing in Spain: Where and How Much to Live

Real Estate Rental (2025 prices)
Monthly rent for 1-bedroom apartment:

When moving in, you'll need:

• Deposit: 1–2 months' rent
• Agency commission: 1 month
• First month in advance

Property Purchase
When buying property, add 10–12% to the cost for:

• Taxes (ITP/IVA): 6–10%
• Notary fees: €1,200–€2,000
• Registration: €400–€800
• Legal assistance: €1,500–€3,000

Food and Drinks: Gastronomic Paradise

Cafes and Restaurants
2025 costs:

• Espresso (café solo): €1.80–€2.50
• Cappuccino: €2.50–€3.20
• "Menu del día" lunch: €14–€20
• Dinner for two (mid-range restaurant): €50–€70
• Beer (caña): €2.50–€4.00
• Glass of wine: €3.00–€6.00

Groceries
Monthly grocery expenses:

• For 1 person: €300–€400
• For couple: €500–€700
• For family of 4: €800–€1,200

Popular products:

• Bread: €1.00–€1.50
• Milk (1L): €1.20–€1.50
• Olive oil: €4.00–€8.00
• Jamón ibérico: €25–€40/kg
• Manchego cheese: €12–€18/kg

Pleasant bonus: a bottle of quality Spanish wine – just €4–€6!

Health Insurance in Spain
Mandatory Insurance for Visa
Rates by age (2025):
Popular insurance companies:

• Sanitas
• AXA
• DKV
• Adeslas
• Asisa

Coverage includes: emergency care, hospitalization, specialists, basic dentistry.
Utilities and Communications

Monthly Expenses
Utility bills:

• Electricity + water + gas: €120–€200
• Community fees: €50–€100
• Garbage collection: €20–€40

Internet and communications:

• Home internet (fiber): €40–€60
• Mobile plan (20–40 GB): €20–€35
• Combo packages: €60–€90

Telecom operators: Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, Lowi, Digi

Transportation in Spain

Public Transport
Monthly passes (2025):

• Barcelona/Madrid: €50–€70
• Valencia/Malaga: €40–€60
• Small cities: €30–€45

Personal Transport
Car expenses:

• Gasoline: €1.85/liter
• Used car: €6,000–€15,000
• Insurance: €400–€700/year
• ITV inspection: €45/year
• Road tax: €100–€200/year

Taxi and car sharing:

• City ride: €8–€15
• Uber/Cabify: €6–€12
• BlaBlaCar between cities: €15–€40

Family and Education
School Education

Types of schools and costs:

• Public schools: free
• Semi-private (concertados): €150–€400/month
• Private schools: €700–€1,800/month
• International schools: €1,200–€2,500/month

Kindergartens and Nurseries

• Public: €200–€400/month
• Private: €350–€700/month

Higher Education
Universities in Spain:

• Public: €1,500–€3,000/year
• Private: €8,000–€20,000/year
• Master's degree: €2,000–€15,000/year

Taxes in Spain
Main Taxes for Residents

Income tax (IRPF):

• Up to €12,450: 19%
• €12,450–€20,200: 24%
• €20,200–€35,200: 30%
• €35,200–€60,000: 37%
• Over €60,000: up to 47%

Other taxes:

• VAT (IVA): 21% (food 4-10%)
• Property tax (IBI): €300–€1,200/year
• Wealth tax: from €700,000

Benefits: startup visa and digital nomad visa may offer tax preferences for the first years.
Expense Breakdown (comfortable level)
For single person (€2,200/month):

• Apartment rental: €800–€1,200
• Groceries: €350
• Utilities: €150
• Transport: €60
• Insurance: €80
• Entertainment: €300
• Clothing: €100
• Other: €350

Additional for family:

• School/kindergarten: €300–€800
• Children's expenses: €200–€400
• Larger housing: +€400–€800

Best Spanish Cities for Living
By Price/Quality Ratio
TOP-5 cities for comfortable living:

1. Valencia – perfect price-quality balance
2. Alicante – affordable prices by the sea
3. Malaga – growing IT hub
4. Seville – cultural capital of Andalusia
5. Santander– life in northern Spain

Barcelona vs Madrid
Barcelona:

• Pros: Sea and beaches
• Pros: International atmosphere
• Cons: High housing prices
• Cons: Tourist crowds

Madrid:

• Pros: More career opportunities
• Pros: Cultural life
• Cons: No sea
• Cons: Hot summers

Practical Money-Saving Tips

How to Reduce Expenses
On housing:

• Consider residential areas
• Look for apartments without intermediaries
• Share housing with roommates

On groceries:

• Shop at markets (mercados)
• Use Mercadona, Lidl chains
• Cook at home more often

On transport:

• Buy monthly passes
• Use bicycles
• Walk in the city center

On entertainment:

• Visit free museums
• Walk in parks
• Participate in city events

Cost of Living Trends in 2025

What Has Changed
Price increases:

• Housing rental: +8-12%
• Electricity: +15-20%
• Restaurants: +5-8%

Stable prices:

• Groceries
• Public transport
• Medical services

Price decreases:

• Mobile communications: -10%
• Some services: -5%

Real Stories from Our ReadersLiving Experience in Alicante by @DoubleYeti
"We've been living in Alicante for a year and a half, renting a studio in the center for €750. When moving in, we paid the first month + two deposits + realtor services. That is 750×4.
For utilities we only pay for electricity and water supply. Per month 130-160€.
Grocery shopping for two costs about €600.
SIM cards + home internet €27 per month.
Car: only minimal costs, ITV €56, insurance €400, tax (I don't remember, not much).
Public transport, if you buy a card and top up rides to the maximum – it costs €0.45 per 1 trip. Airport bus €5.
Gym membership from €25 and up. On average 30-40€ (not premium, regular gym).
The rest: restaurants, clothing purchases, electronics, etc. – this is at everyone's discretion."

Family Budget in Barcelona by @i.am.rossalex
"My expenses (2 adults and 1 semi-adult child):

• €1600/month apartment 2 bedrooms Lesseps (Vila Gracia) with utilities included
• Food €400/month
• Cafes €200-300/month (we don't drink coffee at home)
• Caser health insurance €180-190/month
• Transport €22/month for me, 2×44€ every 3 months for wife and child
• Diesel €1.40/liter
• Car insurance €340/year
• Suma road tax €140/year

Total: about €2600-3000/month"

These real examples perfectly show that our calculations correspond to reality!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you live in Spain for less than €1,500?
Yes, in small towns and with a modest lifestyle. But for comfort, it's better to plan €1,700+ per month.
Which cities are the most expensive?
Barcelona, Madrid, San Sebastian, Palma de Mallorca.
How much does relocation to Spain cost?
From €5,000 for basic relocation to €15,000+ for comfortable with full support.
Do I need to know Spanish?
For living – advisable. For getting a visa – not always mandatory, depends on the program.

Living in Spain in 2025 is real and wonderful! Climate, people, food, lifestyle – everything is worth the investment. The main thing is to properly plan your budget and choose the right city.
Ready to relocate?
We've helped people from more than 40 countries realize their dream of living in Spain. From visas to adaptation – we do everything to make your relocation smooth.
Spain is not just a vacation. It can become your new home!
DreamLife Relocation Contacts

• Website: dreamlifespain.com
• Email: info@dreamlifespain.com
• WhatsApp: +34 644 754 934

Write to us, and we'll help turn your Spanish dream into reality!
Tags: #RelocationToSpain #CostOfLivingSpain #SpanishResidence #SpainRelocation #LifeInSpain #StartupVisaSpain #StudentVisaSpain