Estimation of cost of living in Spain
Can you afford to live in Spain? Find out now!
At our consulting firm, we analyze your salary, your regular expenses, and your goals to determine whether moving to Spain is a profitable decision in the short and long term.
How much does it cost to live in Spain?
Spain is one of the most attractive countries in Europe to live in, thanks to its climate, lifestyle, and safety, as well as its relatively low cost of living compared to other European countries. But… how much does it really cost to live in Spain?
Spain has a moderately low cost of living index within Western Europe.
According to some rankings, Spain’s index typically ranges from 50 to 60, indicating that it is between 40% and 50% cheaper than New York and significantly more affordable than other countries, such as Switzerland, Norway, the United Kingdom, or Germany.
| Type of salary | Approx. monthly gross income | Estimated monthly net income |
|---|---|---|
|
Interprofessional minimum wage (SMI) |
1.134€ |
~1.050€ |
|
Average salary (general) |
2.100€ |
~1.750€ |
|
Qualified professionals |
3.000 – 4.500€ |
~2.300 – 3.300€ |
🔎 Keep in mind that net salary in Spain depends on several factors: whether you pay taxes as a resident or not, whether you are eligible for tax benefits such as the Beckham Law, and whether you are self-employed or employed by someone else, among others.
| City | Specifications | 1 bedroom rental, downtown |
|---|---|---|
|
Madrid |
Capital, highly dynamic labor market, excellent public services |
1.100€ – 1.400€ |
|
Barcelona |
Cosmopolitan city, tourism, headquarters of multinational companies |
1.000€ – 1.300€ |
|
Málaga |
Excellent climate, attracting digital nomads |
800€ – 1.000€ |
|
Valencia |
Quiet life, good climate, average cost |
750€ – 950€ |
|
Sevilla |
Andalusian culture, low prices, warm climate |
600€ – 750€ |
|
Asturias |
Nature, tranquility, affordable prices |
500€ – 750€ |
|
Granada |
Student city, accessible, with a good atmosphere |
550€ – 700€ |
Spain offers a great advantage: there are options for all profiles.
- If you are looking for professional projection , Madrid or Barcelona may be the place for you.
- If you prioritize quality of life with low living costs, cities such as Valencia, Granada, or Seville are excellent options.
- And if you want to combine peace and quiet, nature, and saving money, the north of the country and the Mediterranean coast offer some very attractive opportunities.
What does the service include?
-
Initial diagnostic session
- Contact within the first 24h after payment.
- 1-hour consultation via Google Meet with a specialized manager.
- Analysis of your situation and resolution of doubts.
- Personalized report with monthly expense estimation, tax analysis and expected net salary, general recommendations according to your profile and destination city.
- Follow-up session for resolving questions and closing the service.
⚠️ This service does not guarantee the obtaining of visas, employment, or accommodation, nor the approval of procedures before public or private entities.
These complementary services are available separately with Entre Trámites.
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Frequently asked questions
General info
Which Spanish city is the cheapest to live in?
The most affordable cities in Spain are generally located outside the Madrid–Barcelona axis. Notable examples include:
- Granada: rents from €550, student life, excellent quality of life.
- Alicante: Mediterranean climate, rents from €600, very popular with retirees.
- Zaragoza: stable prices, good transport links, rents from €650.
- Oviedo or Lugo: in the north, quiet cities, nature, rents from €500.
In general, living in the south or inland Spain means lower rents, more affordable living costs, and a more relaxed lifestyle.
What happens if I work remotely from Spain but get paid abroad?
If you work for a foreign company but reside in Spain, you will most likely have to pay taxes in Spain as a tax resident (if you stay more than 183 days a year). However, there are several considerations:
- Your employer must allow international remote work (by contract or agreement).
- You may be required to issue invoices as a self-employed person (autónomo), which involves registering with Social Security and tax obligations in Spain.
- You can also explore options such as hiring through an Employer of Record (EOR) or applying for the special regime for expatriates (Beckham Law), if you meet the conditions.
How high are taxes in Spain and how do they affect the cost of living?
Spain has a progressive tax system: the higher your income, the higher the percentage of tax you pay. Income tax (IRPF) for residents can range from 19% to 47% depending on your income bracket.
However, it is important to consider that:
- Public education and universal healthcare reduce significant monthly expenses.
- Housing, food, and transportation costs are low compared to other European countries.
- There are tax deductions and benefits that can be applied to optimize the tax burden.
Can I access tax benefits as a foreigner in Spain?
Yes. Spain offers specific tax incentives for foreigners who move for work or professional reasons. The best known is:
- Special regime for expatriates (Beckham Law): allows you to pay tax only on income generated in Spain and apply a reduced fixed rate (generally 24%) for 6 years, if you move for work reasons.
Other benefits may apply if:
- You move with a job offer from abroad.
- You are a highly qualified professional.
- You work as an autónomo for foreign companies (Digital Nomad Visa).
- You are a pensioner from another country with a double taxation agreement.
Process
How does it work?
- One of our experts will contact you quickly to start analyzing your case in depth and tell you the best process to follow, step by step.
- You will know which is the necessary documentation you need to provide and you will also be able to contact us to solve any doubts you may have.
- We will start the procedure immediately and inform you of how it is going, always keeping you up to date with any notifications.
What documentation do I need to hire?
Depending on each case, the documentation to be provided is different.
When you sign up for one of the plans, we will analyze your case and contact you to tell you the exact documentation you need to provide.
Payment
What is the price and payment method?
The prices you see in our price section are the final prices (+ 21% VAT to be applied).
Each month, from the date of contracting, we will charge you a recurring payment.
Take a look at our contracting conditions.
Can I ask for a refund?
Yes, you can request cancellation of the service as long as your personal agent has NOT started to manage your documentation to initiate the process. The money will be refunded to your card within 14 days.
Check our contracting conditions.
Our team
How do I contact the advisor handling my case?
Is there another way to contact Entre Trámites?
We want to listen to you and know what your doubts are or what you need in relation to our services. You can count on the advice of our experts to clarify all your doubts.
Write to us at [email protected] and we will contact you as soon as possible or, if you prefer, call us.
