How much does it cost to live in Spain in 2026? Monthly budget by city

Spain stands out as one of the most attractive residential destinations in Europe thanks to its climate and infrastructure, ranking as the third most affordable country in Western Europe (11th out of 13) according to Expatistan’s 2026 ranking.

At Fotocasa, we analyse official data to break down the actual monthly budget required to settle in Spain, covering housing, utility bills, and the basic shopping basket.

Given the cost disparity across regions, how much do you need to earn each month to live comfortably depending on the city you choose?

How much does it cost to live in Spain per month in 2026?

The estimated monthly budget for a single person in Spain is €1,979 per month, while for a family of four it rises to €3,882 per month, according to Expatistan records updated for 2026.

Best places to live in Spain for expats: complete 2026 Guide

For international residents or digital nomads relocating independently, monthly expenditure in major cities ranges between €1,800 and €2,200, according to the March 2026 CalculonPro study. In medium-sized cities or along the Mediterranean coast, this spending drops to a bracket between €1,250 and €1,650 per month, according to CalculonPro.

The highest cost when moving to Spain is housing. Alejandro García-Gil, author of the study and head of social protection and employment policies at Oxfam Intermón, points out that “buying a home is complicated, especially for people who rent, as they are unable to build up the savings needed to cover the portion the bank does not finance, along with the costs associated with the purchase.”

How much does it cost to rent or buy a home in Spain’s main cities?

The average rental price in Spain stands at €14.14/m² per month, which equates to €1,131.20 per month for a standard 80 m² property, according to data from the July 2026 Fotocasa Real Estate Index.

If you are thinking of buying a home in Spain, the average property purchase price reaches €3,154/m² in Spain, representing an average price of €252,308 for an 80 m² flat, according to the July 2026 Fotocasa Real Estate Index.

Property price comparison in Spain’s main cities in 2026

Source: Fotocasa Real Estate Index, official purchase and rental data as of July 2026.

As the table above shows, Madrid and Barcelona continue to demand the highest financial effort for renting or buying property, comfortably exceeding €18/m² in rent. However, coastal hubs highly popular among expats, such as Palma de Mallorca (€19.11/m² for rent and €5,200/m² to buy), Málaga, and Valencia, are experiencing strong market pressure, narrowing the traditional gap with the major metropolises due to high residential demand and international buyers.

How much is spent on average on household bills, transport, and groceries in Spain?

Household utilities, telecommunications, and grocery shopping exceed €500 per month per household in Spain, according to averages from Roams’ 2026 Consumer Spending Report. This fixed monthly sum is made up of the following everyday basic expenses:

• Electricity and gas: energy adds up to more than €1,200 per year per household, divided into around €690 for electricity and €522 for gas annually, according to the 2026 Roams report.
• Drinking water: the average annual tap water bill in Spain stands at €218, according to Roams 2026.
• Fibre broadband and mobile: the combined telecommunications package accounts for an average expenditure of €435 per year (around €36.25 per month), according to Roams 2026.
• Family shopping basket: stocking the fridge costs an average of €4,097 per year per household (around €341 per month), according to the 2026 Roams report. On an individual level, a daily lunch menu in an expensive area costs around €19, and a litre of whole milk is around €1.11, according to the 2026 Expatistan database.
• Transport and mobility: public transport averages around €279 per year in travel passes, while fuel for a vehicle reaches around €1,056 per year, according to Roams 2026. Car insurance adds another €480 per year on average, based on the 2026 Roams report.

Summary of basic household expenses in Spain in 2026

Source: 2026 Consumer Spending Report, Roams.

As the table above shows, everyday bills represent an unavoidable fixed cost of close to €560 per month, excluding unforeseen expenses, clothing, school supplies, medical costs, or leisure activities.

Which are the most expensive and cheapest cities to move to in Spain?

Madrid takes first place in the ranking of cities with the highest price index in Spain at 125 points compared to the baseline, followed by Barcelona with 118 points and Palma de Mallorca with 117 points, according to the 2026 Expatistan price index. In this same international list, Bilbao ranks fourth with 107 points, Málaga fifth with 105 points, and Valencia sixth with 104 points, based on Expatistan data.

At the opposite end of the cost of living spectrum, the cities with the most affordable price indices within the 2026 Expatistan ranking are Huelva (77 points), Jaén and Albacete (both with 78 points), as well as Jerez and Badajoz (with 80 points).

What budget do you need to move to Spain?

When planning a relocation to Spain, the best recommendation is to ensure housing costs do not exceed 30% to 35% of your available monthly income.

To settle in provincial capitals with high international demand such as Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, or Barcelona, where the average rent for an 80 m² home stands above €1,450 per month according to July 2026 Fotocasa data, the recommendation is to have a monthly income of at least €2,200 for single individuals.

In destinations like Valencia, Alicante, or Málaga, a monthly budget of between €1,600 and €1,900 allows you to comfortably cover housing, utilities, and leisure.

Are you thinking of moving to Spain? Check out our “Guide to living in Spain as an expat”.