Cost of Living Spain

What to expect financially.

Here’s the real cost breakdown if you’re planning a move to Spain.

You might be contemplating what it would be like to live a life of sunshine, slower mornings, and lower expenses – Spain is likely to be on your radar. For UK expats, cost of living is typically a big driver when considering a big change.

In this guide, we will be breaking down the real cost of living in Spain vs the UK in 2025, with insights upon current prices, local knowledge, and expat experiences.

In short – Life in Spain can be cheaper – if you’re ready to live like a local and let go of a few British habits.

Still planning a move? Check out our comprehensive Moving to Spain service page.

Spain vs UK: Monthly Expense Comparison

The verdict? You’ll likely spend less across the board — especially on rent, dining, and fresh produce. But it depends heavily on where you live and how you live.

Renting in Spain: What to Expect

Rent is where most expats feel the biggest savings — but the process isn’t as plug-and-play as the UK.

• Furnished city flats are the norm
• Expect to provide a NIE (Foreigner ID), proof of income, and 1–2 months’ deposit
• In some cases, landlords still prefer cash payments for things like cleaning fees
• The paperwork isn’t always digital — be ready to queue in person

Want to understand how the renting process works, not just what it costs? Read our full guide:
How to Rent a Property in Spain as a UK Expat – The Process Explained

Food & Dining: Local Wins Every Time

Food in Spain is fresh, affordable, and social. You’ll save money — and probably eat better — just by adapting your habits.

• Shop at local mercados, not international supermarkets
• A menú del día (3-course lunch) is usually €10–€12
• Olive oil, wine, tomatoes? Cheaper and better than in the UK
• Imported brands will always cost more, so embrace Spanish labels

Healthcare: Costs & Coverage

Spain’s healthcare system is excellent — and affordable.

• If you’re a legal resident, you can access public healthcare via Seguridad Social
• New arrivals or non-residents typically use private insurance
• Expect €50–€100/month for decent coverage
• Medication and GP visits are usually far cheaper than NHS private equivalents

Useful link: https://www.seg-social.es/

Utilities, Internet & Transport

Bills are generally lower than in the UK — especially if you avoid excessive A/C or heating.

• Electricity & gas: €100–€130/month
• Fibre internet: €30–€40/month
• Public transport cards: €30–€50/month in most major cities

Skip the car unless you live rural — parking and petrol add up quickly.

Hidden or Unexpected Costs

A few expenses might surprise you:

• Translation fees for official documents: €20–€40 each
• Notary or legal charges for contracts
• Community fees in apartment blocks (€30–€100/month)
• TV tax bundled with internet providers
• Private schooling (if needed): €3,000–€10,000/year

Some buildings still collect fees in cash. Welcome to the charm of Spanish admin.

Cost-Saving Tips from British Expats

“Treat Spain like Spain — not like a warm version of London.”

• Use local markets for meat, veg, and fish
• Sign up for a local transport card to save on daily travel
• Avoid major chains — café con leche at a local bar costs half as much
• Consider smaller towns or inland cities for lower rents

Final Thoughts: More Than Just Money

Spain isn’t just about spending less — it’s about living differently. Slower lunches, social evenings, open-air life, and that feeling of breathing a little easier.

For many expats, the lifestyle is the true value, and the savings are just a nice bonus.

If you’re still weighing up different options on where to move to… check out the following:

• Cost of Living France
• Cost of Living Germany
• Cost of Living Cyprus

Planning to Move? We Can Help

At EuromoveDirect, we’ve helped thousands of UK expats relocate to Spain — from shipping and storage to customs and removals. Let us handle the logistics, so you can focus on the good stuff.

Get started with our full Moving to Spain from the UK guide. Alternatively, compare Spain with other expat hotspots!

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