Daily Life

Spain — Living: Cost of Living

According to INE, average household consumption expenditure sits at around €1,093 per person or €2,718 per household per month as of 2026 — the highest levels recorded in the past decade, though still below most Western European peers. A single person should budget roughly €1,300-2,200/month including rent nationally, rising in Madrid/Barcelona where €2,000/month covers basics with little room for savings. City-center one-bedroom rents run €900-1,500/month in Madrid or Barcelona; average rent per square metre (Jan 2026) was €24.0 in Barcelona, €23.1 in Madrid, and €13.9 in Valencia. Groceries for one person run €200-300/month; combined electricity, gas, water, and rubbish collection average €100-150/month per flat, with electricity alone averaging around €65/month in early 2026.

Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) · Last verified 2026-07-18

Key Facts

  • INE: average expenditure ~€1,093/person or €2,718/household per month (2026), highest in a decade but still below most Western European peers.
  • Single-person monthly budget nationally: roughly €1,300-2,200 including rent.
  • City-center 1-bedroom rent (Madrid/Barcelona): €900-1,500/month; rent per sqm (Jan 2026): Barcelona €24.0, Madrid €23.1, Valencia €13.9.
  • Utilities (electricity, gas, water, rubbish) average €100-150/month per flat; electricity alone ~€65/month.

Costs

  • Single person, national average (incl. rent): €1,300-2,200/month
  • Family of four, national average: €3,000-4,200/month
  • Groceries, single person: €200-300/month
  • Utilities, typical flat: €100-150/month

Related Topics

major-citiesutilities
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