Spain is one of the most desirable countries for foreigners to live, and those who choose to reside in Spanish territory will make a huge leap in terms of life quality and purchasing power, as the euro is one of the most expensive currencies in the world.
Despite frequent fluctuations in the country's economy, which has also experienced and continues to experience political and financial crises, recent research provides an insight into the cost of living in Spain. We list the most important points for those planning to move to this country in this article.
CONTENT:
- How much does life in Spain cost?
- Housing and utility bills in Spain
- Prices for services in Spain
- What is cheaper in Spain
- Property in Spain
HOW MUCH DOES LIFE IN SPAIN COST?
One of the reasons the Spanish territory is an ideal place to move is because of the low cost of living. Compared to the leading European countries, Spain always wins.
Is it expensive to live in Spain? The cost of living in Spain is cheaper than, for example, in the UK or the USA. There is no doubt about that. For example, you can retire with 20,000 euros per year and enjoy a dignified and pleasant quality of life.
Unsurprisingly, big cities like Madrid or Barcelona offer higher costs, mainly due to rental prices.
However, the cheapest are lunch or dinner, the cost of food, utilities and other expenses.
Average wages are much lower compared to those in the UK, France or Germany. As of 2021, the average salary in Spain was 1,300 euros.
Is it expensive to live in Spain?
Living in Spain today and its cost will depend on several factors: where you are going to live, what types of transport you will use, your food and education. Also, the cost of living will change if you live alone in Spain or with your family.
HOUSING AND UTILITY BILLS IN SPAIN
How much does it cost to rent in Spain?
If your goal is to live in a rented house in the center of Spain's main capitals, get ready. Madrid and Barcelona, for example, receive the largest tourist flow, the commercial and political centers of Spain have the highest values.
The average rent in Barcelona and Madrid is over 1,000 euros per month. Rentals in areas further from the center cost 500 or 600 euros per month. In the suburbs, far from the major capitals, you can find houses in Spain or apartments from 350 or 400 euros per month.
There are those who prefer to rent rooms. Renting rooms is the most in demand among students, and it is a much more affordable option for those with limited income and cannot afford a spacious house.
The average room rate in Spain is 325 euros per month. However, in Barcelona and Madrid, these amounts exceed 400 euros.
Living in Spain for Russians - the price of renting or buying a house is the following:
- Buy property on the outskirts of the city is 2000,00 € (price per m2)
- Buy an apartment in Spain in the city center is 2900,00 € (price per m2)
- Accommodation (3 rooms) on the outskirts is 750,00 €;
- Accommodation (3 rooms) in the city center is 1000,00 €;
- Apartment (1 bedroom) on the outskirts is € 500.00;
- Apartment (1 bedroom) in the city center is 640,00 €.
The rent in Spain is relatively inexpensive compared to European countries.
Basic utilities services In Spain (the cost of electricity, gas, water, garbage) are about 115.00 €. If you consume electricity stably, then for 1 kW / h of consumed energy, you will pay at about of 0.124 euros, if the consumed power is no more than 10 kW, then the cost of electricity will be 0.132 euros.
The living wage in Spain in 2021 is 645 €. Low earned income 1500-2000 € is compensated by inexpensive life in the country.
PRICES FOR SERVICES IN SPAIN:
Internet tariffs:
Internet cost (50 Mbps or more, fixed speed, cable / ADSL) is 39.30 €.
1 minute of local mobile prepaid tariff (no discounts or plans) is 0.16 €.
How much does transport in Spain cost?
Transport is an important part when calculating the cost of living in Spain.
Transport prices in Spain are the following:
- The cost of gasoline (1 liter of gasoline) is 1.27 €;
- Taxi 1 hour on the way is 20.20 € (regular rate);
- Taxi 1 km is 1.05 € (regular rate);
- Taxi is 3.50 € (regular rate);
- Monthly public transport is 40,00 €;
- One-way public transport ticket is 1.40 €.
If you prefer to live in small towns in Spain or outside the capital, public transport fares can be lower.
Cost of food in Spain
It is not news that Spanish cuisine is delicious, but a visit to the supermarket might surprise you, especially for those who love to cook.
Food prices in Spain are not high, associated with traditional Spanish food and dishes.
Prices in supermarkets in Spain
- Imported beer (0.33 l) is 1.50 €;
- The price of locally produced beer in Spain attracts with its low price and amounts to 0.56 €;
- Bottle of wine (medium quality) is 5 €;
- Water (1.5 liters) is 0.62 €;
- Salad (1 piece) is 0.94 €;
- Onions (1 kg) is € 1.15;
- Potatoes (1 kg) is € 1.15;
- Tomatoes (1 kg) is € 1.64;
- Oranges (1 kg) is €1.41
- Bananas (1 kg) is € 1.57;
- Apples (1 kg) is € 1.73;
- Meat (1 kg) is 10.5 €
- Fresh cheese (1 kg) is € 9.6;
- A dozen eggs is € 1.87;
- Rice (1 kg) is € 1.01;
- Kilogram of bread (1 kg) is 0.99 €;
- Milk (1 liter) is 0.79 €.
How much does clothing and shoes in Spain cost?
Clothing prices in Spain are inexpensive.
- Men's leather shoes are 85 €;
- Branded sneakers (Nike, Adidas, Puma, etc.) are 68 €;
- Dress (Zara, H&M, etc.) is 28.8 €;
- Levis 501 jeans (or equivalent) is 70,00 €.
Health care
Spain is a benchmark in public health and an important technology exporter in this area. The system is in the top 10 in the world and serves over 90% of the Spanish population. The medical centers are well equipped and there are many good doctors.
One of the big benefits is that the medicine is subsidized by the government. After the consultation, your prescription is sent to pharmacies, where you can pick up the medicine that your doctor has prescribed for you free of charge.
These categories of people are eligible for access to public health in Spain:
- Social security workers in Spain.
- Spanish citizens and members of the European Union.
- Foreigners who are allowed to reside in Spain.
Private clinics in Spain
Private healthcare in Spain can range from € 500 to € 1000 per year, depending on the insurer hired.
Among the most demanded companies are Adeslas and Sanitas. To get an idea of the prices, for a person with an average age of 50, the cost is around 650 euros per year. A doctor's consultation in a private office costs from 50 to 100 euros, depending on the specialty and the region.
Tourists are not eligible for public health care in Spain.
To access the Spanish public health system, you must be discharged from social security and hold a medical card.
Medical services cost
- Tomography is € 84;
- Hospital stay (1 day) is € 429.82;
- Magnetic resonance imaging is € 137.61;
- Appendicitis surgery and hospital stay is € 2,038;
Pregnancy management in Spain:
- Consultation with an obstetrician is € 30;
- Preparation session for childbirth is € 100;
- Vaginal childbirth (including instrumental childbirth) is € 2296.9;
- Caesarean section is 4087.90 €.
WHAT IS CHEAPER IN SPAIN
According to the available data, clothes in Spanish shops are on average 8% cheaper than in shops in other EU countries.
Alcoholic drinks in Spain are 14.6% cheaper than in the EU.
Public transport spending in Spain is 30% less than the European average. The country also has cheap gasoline and utilities.
PROPERTY IN SPAIN
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