Cost of living in Spain 2025: complete guide by city
Spain stands out as one of the most attractive destinations for Brazilians who wish to study and work abroad. With its pleasant climate, rich culture and excellent quality of life, the European country also offers a competitive advantage: more affordable costs compared to other Western European destinations. In this guide, we will unravel the monthly expenses in the main Spanish cities to help you plan your exchange with precision.
Madrid and Barcelona: the cosmopolitan metropolises
The two largest cities in Spain are cultural and economic centers that offer endless possibilities for international students. Em Madrid, the vibrant capital with its bustling lifestyle, the total monthly cost ranges from €950 to €1,455. Now Barcelona, with its stunning beaches and unique Gaudí architecture, has slightly higher prices, between €950 and €1,505 per month.
Accommodation represents the highest expense in both cities, with shared rooms costing between €450-650 in Madrid and €450-700 in Barcelona. To save money, many students choose university neighborhoods such as Moncloa and Argüelles in Madrid, or Gràcia and Eixample in Barcelona, which offer good value for money and proximity to study centers.
Accommodation options for all profiles
The choice of housing significantly impacts your monthly budget in Spain. Learn about the main alternatives available and their respective costs:
- Student residences: They cost between €350-700 per month, generally with water, electricity and internet included. Many offer options with or without meals. Ideal for freshmen and students who prefer a more structured environment with facilities such as laundry, study and leisure areas.
- Shared apartments (shared floors): They range from €250-700 per month per room, depending on the city and location. This is the most popular option among international students. It provides more independence and opportunity to live with Spaniards or other exchange students.
- Homestay: Living with a Spanish family costs between €500-800 per month, normally including two meals a day and laundry service. It is the best option for those seeking cultural immersion and constant language practice. It offers an authentic perspective on the local lifestyle and Spanish customs.
Valencia and Sevilla: quality of life with lower costs
For students seeking the authentic Spanish experience on a leaner budget, Valencia and Sevilla they present excellent alternatives. Valencia, with its stunning beaches and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, costs between €785-1,175 per month. Sevilla, the birthplace of Flamenco and steeped in Moorish history, offers a cost of living between €735-1,125.
These medium-sized cities provide an exceptional quality of life at significantly lower costs than Madrid and Barcelona. A student can save approximately €300 per month by choosing Valencia or Sevilla as a destination, which represents savings of €2,700 over an academic year. In addition to the economy, these cities offer a more relaxed pace of life and a more authentic cultural experience, with less tourist presence.
Food and transportation: essential expenses
Daily food and transportation expenses form an important part of the international student's budget. These are the main costs:
- Food:
- Shopping at budget supermarkets (Mercadona, Lidl, Aldi): €150-300 monthly
- Meal at a university restaurant: €5-8 per meal
- Menu of the day in common restaurants (menu of the day): €10-15
- Coffee: €1.20-2.50
- Beer at a bar: €2-3.50
- Fruits and vegetables at local markets: generally cheaper than grocery stores
- Local bakeries (bakeries): fresh bread from €0.80
- Transportation:
- Youth Transport Ticket (in Madrid): €20 per month for children under 26
- Single metro ticket: €1.50-2.40, depending on the city
- Shared bike systems: €25-40 per year
- Taxis/Uber: Available but relatively expensive for daily use
- Regional trains: discounts of up to 75% for young people with a Renfe Joven card
- Communication:
- Prepaid cell phone plan: €10-20 monthly
- Shared home internet: €10-15 monthly per person
- Popular operators: Orange, Vodafone, Movistar, MásMóvil (compare promotions)
Granada, Salamanca and student cities
Traditional university towns such as Grenada, Salamanca and Malaga offer an authentic academic experience at the lowest costs among popular Spanish destinations. Granada, with its impressive Alhambra complex, has monthly costs between €630-1,030. Salamanca, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, costs between €625-1,005.
These cities provide an excellent student environment, with an intense cultural life and numerous events organized for university students. In addition, the international student community is very active, facilitating the adaptation and creation of a diverse network of contacts.
Granada stands out for the tradition of offering free tapas with drinks in many bars, considerably reducing food expenses. Salamanca, with its historic World Heritage Center, offers an inspiring academic environment and one of the best experiences for learning Spanish.
Savings on daily expenses: practical tips
Maximizing your budget in Spain requires some smart strategies. Check out valuable tips for saving without compromising your experience:
- Economical food: Take advantage of local markets to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. On Sundays, many Spanish cities have fairs with even lower prices. The “menu of the day” (menu of the day) offers full lunch for a fixed price between €10-15.
- Student Discounts: Always present your student ID to get discounts at museums, movie theaters, transportation, and some stores. The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is widely recognized.
- Free activities: Spain offers numerous free cultural options, such as free admission to museums on certain days/times, public festivals, and stunning urban parks.
- Economical domestic travel: To explore the country, use low-cost bus companies such as ALSA or take advantage of Renfe's promotional fares (trains). With advance planning, it is possible to find tickets between cities for less than €20.
Like the program Study and Work in Spain It can help
The program Study and Work in Spain offers a perfect opportunity for those who wish to immerse themselves in vibrant Spanish culture while improving their language skills and developing professional experience. With a minimum duration of 24 weeks of intensive Spanish courses, the program allows you to work up to 30 hours a week during the course and up to 40 hours a week while on vacation.
The average wage of approximately 10 Euros per hour helps cover a large part of living costs, especially in more affordable cities such as Valencia, Sevilla or Granada. This supplementary income could mean the difference between just surviving abroad and truly enjoying everything that Spain has to offer.
The work experience gained during the program also adds significant value to your curriculum, demonstrating to future employers your capacity for cultural adaptation, mastery of the Spanish language, and international experience. Sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and customer service often provide opportunities for international students.
Opportunities of Digital Nomad Visa in Spain
For professionals who work remotely, Digital Nomad Visa in Spain offers an interesting alternative to legally live in the country for up to 3 years. With a simplified approval process (around 20 business days), this visa allows you to keep your current job with companies or clients outside of Spain while enjoying the European lifestyle.
Medium-sized Spanish cities such as Valencia, Malaga or Alicante offer excellent value for money for digital nomads, with a monthly budget of between €1,500 and €2,000 to maintain a high standard of living — about 30% cheaper than in large Brazilian cities.
This type of visa also allows you to bring family members, including a spouse and dependent children, making it easier to adapt to the new country. Your spouse automatically receives authorization to work in Spain, expanding the possibilities of establishing yourself in the country in the long term.
Health insurance and additional expenses
Complete financial planning to live in Spain must consider important additional expenses, such as health insurance and academic materials:
- Health insurance: Mandatory for international students, it costs between €60-100 per month. There are specific options for students with adequate coverage and affordable prices.
- Academic materials: Books and educational resources can cost between €50-100 per semester, depending on the course. Many universities make materials available digitally, reducing this cost.
- Cultural activities and leisure: Reserve between €100-250 monthly to take advantage of Spain's rich cultural offerings, including shows, museums, excursions, and nightlife.
- Documentation: Expect visa costs, translations, and document recognition, which may vary between €150-300 at the start of the process.
Be Easy
A Be Easy offers full support for those who wish to study and work in Spain, from choosing the ideal city to assistance with documentation and accommodation. Our experts evaluate your profile and objectives to recommend the best option within your budget, ensuring a transformative experience. Contact us today to find out how we can help you make your dream of living in Spain an accessible and enriching reality!
