Cost of Living in Spain 2026: A Comprehensive Student Guide

Cost of Living in Spain for Students: Overview

The cost of living is generally understood as an average amount of money required by an individual to cover basic expenses, including housing, food, travel, healthcare and other personal expenses. Living as a student, you always want to live as economically as possible, meaning saving in multiple areas to avoid unnecessary expenses. For students, average cost of living in Spain is generally around €800 – €1,200 (INR 85K to 1.28L) per month, with prices varying by city chosen, lifestyle preferences and accommodation chosen.

Top Student Cities in Spain

Accommodation Expenses in Spain

With housing rent being 40% to 50% or more of your total monthly budget, making an informed choice while booking accommodation is crucial for lower living expenses in the Spain.

Shared Apartments

• With rent ranging from €300–€600 (INR 32K to 64K)/month, shared apartments (piso compartido) are the most common and highly preferred student accommodation type, given that the rent and utility costs are shared with flat mates.
• The type of accommodation offers affordable living, and students can enjoy a perfect mix of independence and social living.

Student Residences

• Starting from €500 (INR 53K) to reaching up to €1,200 (INR 1.28L)/month based on the city chosen, amenities offered, and the room type.
• These are dedicated student housing options, located near or on a university campus, offering a secure, social living environment accompanied by meals and other amenities.

Private Studio/ One-Bedroom

• Costing somewhere around €600 to €1,200+ (INR 64K to 1.28L) +/month, a one-bedroom flat is generally an accommodation option for students who prefer privacy.
• It is the best option for individuals with higher budgets or those planning to book a stay for a longer term.

Read More: Spain Education System

Food & Grocery Expenses

Spain has a reputation for its high-quality food offered at affordable rates when compared to other Western European Countries. The lower food & grocery prices generally help students manage the cost of living in Spain.

• Shopping at local markets or supermarkets like Mercadona, Diaz, or Lidl costs international students around €150–€250 (INR 16K to 27K)/month for groceries.
• For students looking for cheaper alternatives, cooking at home is highly advised. Otherwise, Spain also offers a variety of affordable restaurants, with a set lunch menu offering meals at €10–€14 (INR 1.1K to 1.5K), and fast food may range from €5–€12 (INR 0.5 K to 1.3K).

Cost of Utilities in Spain

By the last quarter of 2025, the average utility bill for students ranged between €100 to €150 (INR 11K to 16K) per month. This includes all the basic utilities, essential for students living.

Transportation Costs in Spain

With a strong public transportation network offering affordable services, and many cities offering student discounts, transportation costs for students are not a major concern.

Healthcare & Insurance for Students

With a robust healthcare system, students have access to both private and public medical services with ease. In fact, Spain is among the top 10 countries known for high-quality care and patient safety.

Personal & Miscellaneous Expenses

Living as a student in Spain is not only about university life but also about experiencing the vibrant lifestyle and lively student community.

The entertainment and leisure costs, including a cinema night, an exciting weekend, evening coffee, gym memberships or any other personal expense, everything is generally affordable.

Read More: Top Universities in Spain

Budgeting Strategies & Money-Saving Tips for Students

Managing the cost of living in Spain and staying within budget can be done easily using an organised approach and a few expert tips.

1. Leverage Student Discounts – Living as an international student in Spain means you can take advantage of student discounts ranging from 10% to 50% offered at multiple places, including selected grocery stores, cinemas, gyms, cultural sites and more.
2. Choose Shared Accommodation – Since housing rent is the major expense that students have to pay, choosing to live in a shared flat can be one of the smartest decisions. It will cost around €300–€600 (INR 32K to 64K)/month and help manage living cost in Spain.
3. Travel with A Public Transport Pass – Buying monthly passes for the metro/bus costing €20 – €55 (INR 2.1K to 5.9K)can be far cheaper than travelling with daily tickets or private taxis.  
4. Split Utilities with Roommates – While basic utilities are part of every individual's life, splitting the overall costs among flatmates can help you keep individual living expenses in the Spain
5. Buy Monthly Groceries for Affordable Supermarkets – Go for monthly grocery shopping from budget stores like Mercadona, Lidl and Dia, where you can easily find quality products at student-friendly prices.

Read More: Study Masters in Spain

City-by-City Cost Comparison in Spain

The cost of living in Spain differs substantially between major cities and smaller towns, as big cities offer an expensive lifestyle and smaller student towns offer greater affordability.

Madrid – With typical monthly student costs ranging from €705 to €1,530 (INR 75K to 1.63L), Madrid is the capital city of Spain and is generally considered the most expensive city for students.

• Average Rent: €400 – €900 (INR 43K to 96K)
• Transportation Costs: €25 – €50 (INR 2.7K to 5.3K)
• Food: €200 – €400 (INR 21K to 43K)
• Utilities: €80 – €180 (INR 8.5K to 19.2K)

Barcelona – A large international city with typical monthly student costs ranging from €705 to €1,580 (INR 75K to 1.68L), and offering a vibrant culture and lively student life. The average expenses for students here are similar to those in Madrid, making the overall cost of living in Spain for Indian students highly expensive.

• Average Rent: €400 – €950 (INR 43K to 1.01L)
• Transportation Costs: €25 – €50 (INR 2.7K to 5.3K)
• Food: €200 – €400 (INR 21K to 43K)
• Utilities: €80 – €180 (INR 8.5K to 19.2K)

Valencia – Being a mid-sized city, an international student is expected to spend €570 to €1,190 (INR 61K to 1.27L) as living expenses in Valencia, offering a balance of affordable and social lifestyle.

• Average Rent: €300 – €650 (INR 32K to 69K)
• Transportation Costs: €20 – €40 (INR 2.1K to 4.3K)
• Food: €180 – €350 (INR 19K to 37K)
• Utilities: €70 – €150 (INR 7.5K to 16K)

Seville – Highly appealing to budget-conscious students, Seville blends affordability with rich culture. The average monthly expenses students expect to spend here are €530 to €1,105 (INR 56K to 1.18L), which are similar to Valencia, but affordable compared to top cities like Madrid and Barcelona

• Average Rent: €280 – €600 (INR 30K to 64K)
• Transportation Costs: €20 – €35 (INR 2.1K to 3.7K)
• Food: €170 – €330 (INR 18K to 35K)
• Utilities: €60 – €140 (INR 6.4K to 15K)

Granada - Being one of the most student-friendly cities, Granada boasts a vibrant student culture that makes living here fun and exciting, with lower overall costs. The typical monthly student cost in this city is €490 – €1,015 (INR 52K to 1.08L), including all the major expenses.

• Average Rent: €250 – €550 (INR 27K to 59K)
• Transportation Costs: €20 – €35 (INR 2.1K to 3.7K)
• Food: €160 – €300 (INR 17K to 32K)
• Utilities: €60 – €130 (INR 6.4K to 14K)

Final Thoughts

All things considered, the cost of living in Spain for students is one of the reasons that make it a highly attractive study destination. Students living here enjoy a perfect balance of vibrant, high-quality living with affordable living expenses. With focused budgeting, correct use of student discounts and smart financial planning, you will never have to worry about high living expenses. Looking to study in Spain? Connect with our study abroad consultants today, plan your every step with us, and save up to 5 lakhs in your journey.

FAQs

1. How much money do I need to live comfortably in Spain?

Living comfortably in Spain needs a monthly budget of approximately €800 to €1,200 (INR 85K to 1.28L), including rent, food, transport and entertainment. However, living in cities like Madrid or Barcelona can require you budget closer to €1,500 (INR 1.60L)/month and cities like Seville or Valencia are generally affordable and with comfortable living possible for around €900–€1,000 (INR 95.8K to 1.07L)/month.

2. Can students manage living expenses with part-time work in Spain?

Students working part time in Spain can cover basic living expenses with part-time work, as it rarely covers full tuition and accommodation expenses in major cities.

3. Does the cost of living in Spain vary by city?

Yes, the cost of living varies significantly by city, with major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and San Sebastian being up to 40% more expensive than smaller cities or suburbs.

4. What are some tips to reduce the cost of living in Spain?

A few tips that can help you reduce the living costs in Spain are:

• Making Strategic Choices on Housing and Location
• Shopping in Budget Supermarkets
• Leveraging Student Discounts
• Using Public Transport Pass
• Adapt Local Habits

5. Is Spain expensive or affordable compared to other European countries?

Spain is generally considered highly affordable compared to most Western European countries, offering a high quality of life with a lower cost of living than the UK, France, or Germany. Living costs in Spain are 20-50% lower than in major European cities, Paris and London.