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Find out how much it costs to live in Spain as an exchange student

written by
Natasha Machado
11/4/2024
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5 min
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Planning to do an exchange in Spain but don't know where to start? Be easy is here to help you! In this article, we are going to explore the costs of living in Spain, especially for those who don't intend to stay in a family home. Find out how much you'll need to save monthly to cover expenses such as rent, transportation, food, and more. Follow along and learn how to make your dream of studying abroad a reality!

Average monthly expenses of a single exchange student

On average, a single person who wishes study and work in Spain and maintaining a more economical lifestyle will require around €1,000 a month. This amount covers basic expenses such as:

  • Rent
  • Water, electricity, heating and garbage collection bills
  • Public transport
  • Food

However, it is important to remember that this amount may vary according to the lifestyle and individual preferences of each exchange student.

Housing costs

One of the main expenses when living in Spain is rent. Check out the average rent amounts below, according to data from the site Numbeo in April 2024:

1. 1-bedroom apartment rental in the city center: 935€

2. 1-bedroom apartment rental away from the city center: 697€

An alternative to reduce housing costs is to rent individual rooms or rooms shared with other exchange students. This practice is very common in Spain and can make the exchange more financially accessible.

Basic expenses

In addition to rent, other essential expenses must be considered, such as:

  • Water, electricity, heating and garbage collection: on average, these expenses cost around 126.30€ per month.
  • Public transport: a single transport ticket costs approximately 1.50€, while a monthly pass costs around 33.42€.
  • Shopping at the supermarket: it is estimated that an exchange student spends around 250€ a month on food, shopping in supermarkets.

These values are based on data from the Numbeo website and may change depending on the city and the exchange student's lifestyle.

Tips for saving during the exchange

To make your exchange in Spain more economical, check out some tips:

  • Choose to rent rooms shared with other exchange students, instead of entire apartments;
  • Research carefully before choosing the city where you are going to live, as the costs vary according to the region;
  • Take advantage of local street markets and markets to buy fresh and cheaper food;
  • Use public transportation whenever possible, avoiding expenses with taxis or car rental;
  • Research about discounts and benefits offered for students, such as discount wallets and cheaper tickets to tourist attractions.

Be easy

Na Be easy, we are committed to making your dream of studying abroad a reality. Our team is ready to assist you at every stage of the process, from choosing the ideal program to preparing for life in Spain. Contact us and discover how we can help you carry out your exchange with peace of mind and security. With Be easy, you can focus on what really matters: making the most of this unique experience of personal and professional growth. Don't waste any more time, come talk to us and start planning your adventure in Spain today!

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Natasha Machado
Founder e CEO, Be Easy