Are you planning to study or move to Spain in 2025? Understanding the cost of living in Spain is essential for budgeting smartly. Whether you’re a student, digital nomad, or long-term traveler, knowing how much daily life in Spain will cost helps you plan better. In this blog, we break down everything – from the cost of living in Barcelona Spain, to the Cost of living in Spain vs USA, and show you how Supreme Forex makes your international journey smoother with the best INR to Euro exchange rates.
Table of contents
- What is the Average Cost of living in Spain?
- City-Wise Comparison of Monthly Living Costs (Approximate)
- Housing and Accommodation Costs in Spain
- Food & Grocery Expenses in Spain
- Transportation Costs in Spain
- Educational Expenses in Spain
- Utilities and Internet Cost in Spain
- Entertainment and Leisure Costs
- Average Salary for Students in Spain
- Cost of living in Spain vs USA – Which is More Affordable?
- How Supreme Forex Helps You Save in Spain
- FAQs – Studying and Living in Spain for Indian Students
- Final Thoughts – Plan Your Spain Stay with Supreme Forex
What is the Average Cost of living in Spain?
Spain offers an excellent balance between affordability and quality of life. Compared to other Western European nations, it remains a cost-effective destination – especially for Indian students and travelers. For instance, students typically spend between €800 and €1,200 per month. Meanwhile, professionals may require €1,200 to €1,800 monthly, depending on lifestyle and location. Additionally, families should budget at least €2,000 per month to live comfortably. Overall, Spain combines cultural richness with manageable living expenses, making it a practical choice in 2025.
City-Wise Comparison of Monthly Living Costs (Approximate)
Here is a city-wise comparison of average monthly living costs in Spain for 2025. The table includes estimates in both Euros (EUR) and Indian Rupees (INR). These costs cover accommodation, food, transportation, and basic expenses for a single person.
| City | Average Monthly Cost (€) | Average Monthly Cost (INR)* |
| Madrid | €1,000 – €1,200 | ₹98396 – ₹118075 |
| Barcelona | €950 – €1,200 | ₹93476 – ₹118075 |
| Valencia | €800 – €1,000 | ₹78716 – ₹98396 |
| Seville | €750 – €950 | ₹73797 – ₹93476 |
| Granada | €700 – €900 | ₹68877 – ₹88556 |
Source – Shiksha
Housing and Accommodation Costs in Spain
Housing is one of the most significant expenses in Spain, but it’s still relatively affordable compared to other Western European nations and the USA. The cost varies greatly based on location, type of accommodation, and whether you’re sharing a flat or renting privately. Most Indian students opt for shared apartments or university residences to cut down on rent.
| Accommodation Type | Monthly Cost (EUR) | Monthly Cost (INR)* | Notes |
| University Dormitory | €300 – €600 | ₹27,000 – ₹54,000 | Cheapest option, shared facilities |
| Shared Apartment | €350 – €700 | ₹31,500 – ₹63,000 | Popular among students and professionals |
| Private Studio Apartment | €600 – €1,000 | ₹54,000 – ₹90,000 | Ideal for couples or working professionals |
| Host Family Accommodation | €500 – €900 | ₹45,000 – ₹81,000 | Includes meals and cultural immersion |
| Full Apartment (1-BHK) | €700 – €1,200 | ₹63,000 – ₹1,08,000 | Common for professionals or families |
Source – UpGrad
Food & Grocery Expenses in Spain
Food and grocery expenses in Spain are generally reasonable, especially when compared to other Western European countries. Whether you’re a student on a budget or a working professional, Spain offers affordable options for both eating out and cooking at home.
Below is a breakdown of average monthly food and grocery costs for individuals in Spain (as of 2025):
| Item | Average Cost in Spain (EUR) | Approx. Cost in INR* |
| Milk (1 liter) | €1.00 | ₹98.10 |
| Bread (loaf, 500g) | €1.20 | ₹117.72 |
| Eggs (12) | €2.00 | ₹196.20 |
| Rice (1 kg) | €1.30 | ₹127.53 |
| Chicken breast (1 kg) | €6.50 | ₹637.65 |
| Apples (1 kg) | €1.80 | ₹176.58 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | €1.50 | ₹147.15 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | €2.00 | ₹196.20 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | €1.20 | ₹117.72 |
| Onions (1 kg) | €1.10 | ₹107.91 |
| Local cheese (1 kg) | €7.00 | ₹686.70 |
| Water (1.5-liter bottle) | €0.60 | ₹58.86 |
| Monthly grocery bill (average) | €200 – €300 | ₹19,620 – ₹29,430 |
Source – Shiksha
Transportation Costs in Spain
Spain has a reliable and affordable public transport system. Public transportation in Spain is efficient, safe, and budget-friendly, especially in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Ride-sharing and bikes are excellent low-cost alternatives for students and budget travelers.
| Type of Transportation | Cost (EUR) | Cost (INR)* |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass | €40 – €60 | ₹3,924 – ₹5,886 |
| Single Bus/Metro Ticket | €1.50 – €2.50 | ₹147 – ₹245 |
| Taxi Start (Daytime Tariff) | €3.50 – €4.00 | ₹343 – ₹392 |
| Taxi Fare per km | €1.00 – €1.20 | ₹98 – ₹118 |
| Intercity Train (e.g., Madrid–Barcelona, one-way) | €30 – €80 | ₹2,943 – ₹7,848 |
| Ride-sharing (e.g., BlaBlaCar) | €15 – €30 | ₹1,471 – ₹2,943 |
| Bike Rental (daily) | €10 – €15 | ₹981 – ₹1,471 |
Source – UpGrad
Educational Expenses in Spain
Public education in Spain is highly affordable compared to other Western countries. Private and MBA programs are significantly more expensive but still often cheaper than those in the US or UK.
| Expense Category | Cost (EUR) | Cost (INR)* | Details |
| Public University Tuition | €300 – €3,500/year | ₹29,430 – ₹3,43,350 | For bachelor’s and master’s degrees; lower for EU students |
| Private University Tuition | €5,000 – €20,000/year | ₹4,90,500 – ₹19,62,000 | Varies based on course and institution |
| MBA Programs (Top Universities) | €15,000 – €35,000/year | ₹14,71,500 – ₹34,33,500 | Includes IE Business School, ESADE, etc. |
Source – UpGrad
Utilities and Internet Cost in Spain
Utilities and internet in Spain are moderately priced compared to other Western European countries.Many accommodations include water and garbage in rent, lowering utility bills.Opting for shared accommodation or bundled internet-mobile plans can help save even more.
| Item | Average Cost (EUR) | Average Cost (INR)* |
| Basic utilities (electricity, water, etc.) | €80 – €120 | ₹7,848 – ₹11,772 |
| Mobile phone plan (with calls & data) | €10 – €20 | ₹981 – ₹1,962 |
| Home internet (100–300 Mbps) | €30 – €50 | ₹2,943 – ₹4,905 |
Source – Numbeo
Entertainment and Leisure Costs
Spain offers affordable and culturally rich entertainment options. From flamenco shows and open-air festivals to weekend trips across Europe, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy your time without overspending. Students and budget-conscious travelers can take advantage of student discounts, city passes, and free-entry days to museums and monuments.
| Activity | Cost in EUR | Cost in INR* |
| Cinema ticket (1 seat) | €8 – €12 | ₹784 – ₹1,177 |
| Gym membership (monthly) | €30 – €50 | ₹2,943 – ₹4,905 |
| Nightclub entry (with drink) | €10 – €20 | ₹981 – ₹1,962 |
| Museum/Art gallery entry | €5 – €15 | ₹490 – ₹1,471 |
| Concert tickets (local artists) | €20 – €40 | ₹1,962 – ₹3,924 |
| Weekend getaway (budget trip) | €100 – €150 | ₹9,810 – ₹14,715 |
| Dining out (mid-range for two) | €35 – €60 | ₹3,434 – ₹5,886 |
| Coffee at a café | €1.50 – €3 | ₹147 – ₹294 |
| Cultural events (festivals, shows) | €10 – €30 | ₹981 – ₹2,943 |
Source – Numbeo
Average Salary for Students in Spain
Students in Spain can take up part-time jobs up to 20 hours/week. Freelance work (like teaching English) or internships in tech/design tend to pay better. Cities like Barcelona and Madrid offer more job opportunities but may also have slightly higher costs of living.
| Work Type | Hourly Wage (EUR) | Monthly Earnings (EUR) | Monthly Earnings (INR)* |
| Part-time Jobs (General) | €7 – €10 | €420 – €800 | ₹41,202 – ₹78,480 |
| On-Campus Internships | €10 – €15 | €600 – €1,200 | ₹58,860 – ₹1,17,720 |
| Freelance (English tutoring, etc.) | €12 – €20 | €720 – €1,600 | ₹70,632 – ₹1,56,960 |
Source – UpGrad
Cost of living in Spain vs USA – Which is More Affordable?
When comparing the Cost of living in Spain vs USA, Spain generally stands out as the more affordable option, especially for Indian students and travelers. The difference in daily expenses, housing, transportation, and food can significantly impact your budget and lifestyle.
| Category | Spain (EUR) | Spain (INR)* | USA (USD) | USA (INR)** |
| Rent (1-bedroom apt) | €700 – €1,200 | ₹68,670 – ₹1,17,720 | $1,200 – $2,000 | ₹1,02,948 – ₹1,71,580 |
| Groceries (monthly) | €200 – €300 | ₹19,620 – ₹29,430 | $300 – $450 | ₹25,737 – ₹38,606 |
| Transportation | €40 – €60 | ₹3,924 – ₹5,886 | $80 – $120 | ₹6,863 – ₹10,295 |
| Utilities | €100 – €150 | ₹9,810 – ₹14,715 | $150 – $200 | ₹12,869 – ₹17,158 |
| Dining Out | €10 – €20/meal | ₹981 – ₹1,962 | $15 – $30/meal | ₹1,288 – ₹2,574 |
| Healthcare | €50 – €100 | ₹4,905 – ₹9,810 | $300 – $500 | ₹25,737 – ₹42,895 |
| Entertainment | €40 – €80 | ₹3,924 – ₹7,848 | $60 – $120 | ₹5,147 – ₹10,295 |
Source – Housing Anywhere
Also Read – Cost of Living in Germany for Indians
How Supreme Forex Helps You Save in Spain
Supreme Forex ensures a cost-effective, secure, and stress-free experience when managing your finances in Spain.
- Best Exchange Rates on EURO – Get better INR to EUR conversion rates than banks or airport kiosks, saving you money on every euro exchanged.
- Forex Cards: Use prepaid forex cards for secure, contactless transactions in Spain – no hidden charges.
- Doorstep Delivery: Order your Euros online and get them delivered to your home or office before you fly, as per RBI Guidelines.
- Ideal for Tuition, Rent & Daily Expenses – Pay for your education, accommodation, or living expenses in Spain easily using Supreme Forex solutions, all as per RBI Guidelines.
FAQs – Studying and Living in Spain for Indian Students
1. Is Spain expensive for Indian students?
Spain is more affordable than the UK or USA. Monthly costs for students range between €800–€1,200 (₹78,000–₹1,17,000), depending on the city, lifestyle, and housing preferences.
2. How much does it cost to live in Spain as a student?
On average, Indian students spend €900–€1,100 (₹88,000–₹1,08,000) monthly. This includes rent, food, transport, internet, and personal expenses in student-friendly cities like Valencia, Seville, or Granada.
3. Is €1000 enough to live in Spain?
Yes, €1,000 (approx. ₹98,000) is enough for a student living modestly in cities like Valencia or Seville. However, in cities like Madrid or Barcelona, additional budgeting may be needed for accommodation.
4. How much can I earn in Spain as a student?
International students can work up to 20 hours/week during academic sessions. Average part-time jobs offer €7–€10/hour, allowing students to earn around €500–€800/month (₹49,000–₹78,000).
5. Do Indians settle in Spain?
Yes, many Indians have successfully settled in Spain for work, study, or business. The growing Indian community and favorable post-study work options make Spain attractive for long-term residence.
6. What are the disadvantages of studying in Spain?
While Spain offers affordable education, some challenges include language barriers, limited English-taught courses, and high competition for scholarships and part-time jobs in major cities.
7. Can I stay in Spain after my studies?
Yes, Spain offers post-study visa extensions. Graduates can apply for a “job-seeking visa” valid for up to 12 months, allowing them to search for employment or start a business.
8. Is Spain a good country for Indian students?
Spain is a great choice for Indian students due to low living costs, quality education, diverse culture, and increasing job opportunities – especially in tech, tourism, and business sectors.
Final Thoughts – Plan Your Spain Stay with Supreme Forex
Whether you’re studying, working, or traveling in Spain, understanding your costs and preparing financially makes all the difference. With Supreme Forex, convert INR to EUR at the best rates, get your forex card delivered to your home, and manage your spending stress-free abroad.
Reference
* 1 Euro equals 98.40 Indian Rupee 5 June, 2025 1:21 pm UTC
** 1 United States Dollar equals 85.79 Indian Rupee 5 June, 2025 1:17 pm UTC
