Living Costs in Spain

Accommodation in Spain

The average budget of a resident in Spain would be in the region of 1,500 to 1,550 euros. Accommodation would account for 850 euros, food 350 euros, urban transport 45 to 50 euros, medical insurance 100 euros, tuition materials 50 euros, and miscellaneous expenses 150 euros.  If you need to cut down your budget, the way to do so is basically to share a flat with other students. On the other hand, you can expect to spend more if you stay at a student hall of residence.

This expense list does not include tuition fees. In Spain, public universities receive funding from the corresponding Autonomous governments. Their registration fees are therefore quite affordable. Full registration for an academic year would cost between 650 and 1,500 euros — very economical when compared with private institutions, which start at 9,000 euros a year. As for summer academic activities, a 5-day programme would cost around 110 to 140 euros.

In Spain the cost of living varies considerably depending on which city you live in. Spanish cities where you will spend more on shopping are Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, San Sebastian, Bilbao and Pamplona. Madrid has the highest retail prices, but it is also where you can get the best bargains if you shop around. According to Spain’s Association of Spanish Consumers and Users (OCU), residents in Madrid can save up to 1,575 euros a year (36% of the total cost) thanks to the wide choice available. The cheapest cities for shopping are Lugo, Orense, Zamora, Leon, and Cuenca.