🇪🇸Cost of Living in Spain
Compare the cost of living across 5 cities in Spain.
The cost of living in Spain is tracked across 5 cities, with an average cost of living index of 53 out of 100, where New York City scores 100. Barcelona is the most expensive city and Seville the most affordable. Explore each city below for a full cost breakdown.
Estimated monthly budget in Spain
Typical total monthly cost by household type.
Estimates based on the average cost of living in Spain, scaled by household size. Actual costs vary with lifestyle, neighbourhood and housing.
Barcelona
A Mediterranean gem blending Gaudí's architecture, beach life, and a vibrant food culture. More affordable than northern European capitals, though rents have surged due to tourism and remote workers.
Cost Index
58
Monthly Cost
$2,700
Madrid
Spain's capital offers a lively social scene, excellent public transit, and world-renowned museums. It is more affordable than Barcelona for housing while providing a similar Mediterranean lifestyle.
Cost Index
55
Monthly Cost
$2,600
Malaga
Malaga is a sun-drenched coastal city on Spain's Costa del Sol, birthplace of Picasso, and a rapidly growing tech hub attracting digital nomads and remote workers. It combines affordable Mediterranean living with excellent beaches, a revitalized cultural scene, and over 300 days of sunshine per year.
Cost Index
50
Monthly Cost
$1,350
Seville
Seville is the capital of Andalusia, famous for its flamenco heritage, stunning Moorish architecture, and the magnificent Alcazar palace. It offers one of the most affordable lifestyles among major Spanish cities with hot summers and a passionate cultural scene.
Cost Index
48
Monthly Cost
$1,300
Valencia
Valencia is Spain's third-largest city, renowned for its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, beautiful beaches, and being the birthplace of paella. It offers an exceptional quality of life with warm Mediterranean weather and significantly lower costs than Barcelona or Madrid.
Cost Index
52
Monthly Cost
$1,450
Frequently asked questions about the cost of living in Spain
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Data & sources
As an independent cross-check, the World Bank puts the overall price level in Spain at 64 relative to the United States (=100) in 2024. View source
Cost figures on this site are independent estimates, cross-referenced with public data sources including World Bank, Numbeo, Eurostat, OECD.