Life in Spain rests on its immaculate charisma and culture. Itโs a small paradise on Earth that thousands of students wish to see.
Staying in Spain as a student is an experience like no other. But behind the glamor, there are plenty of duties to fulfill.
First, you must determine the cost of living in Spain. This will give you an insight into how you will use your funds in the country.
Living costs in Spain are generally affordable. To give you a better idea, hereโs a breakdown of the cost of living in Spain.
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Calculate the cost of living in Spain and plan better!
Accommodation costs
The cost of accommodation is one of the highest expenses when calculating the cost of living in Spain. Rental costs vary depending on the city and type of accommodation.
- On-campus accommodation: โฌ250โโฌ400 per month
- Shared flats: โฌ300โโฌ500 per month
- Private apartments: โฌ600โโฌ900 per month
Cities like Barcelona and Madrid tend to have higher rental costs compared to smaller cities like Rota or Denia.
Food and dining out expenses
Spanish cuisine is a food loverโs greatest delight. So it may surprise you that dining out in Spain doesnโt cost much.
A single meal in a mid-range restaurant ranges from โฌ6 to โฌ20 only. Even eating out during weekends wonโt make you feel guilty.
If you plan to buy your own groceries, prepare at least โฌ125 per month. This budget can already get you some meat, milk, and snacks.
Comparison of food costs in popular cities
City |
Average monthly groceries (Euros) |
Dining out (per meal) (Euros) |
Barcelona |
โฌ150 | โฌ12 |
Marbella | โฌ130 |
โฌ10 |
Rota |
โฌ120 | โฌ8 |
Denia | โฌ125 |
โฌ10 |
Madrid |
โฌ140 |
โฌ15 |
Please note: These costs are approximate and may vary, depending on various factors.
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Transportation costs
Spain boasts an excellent transportation system that students can enjoy. A single-trip ticket on the bus costs โฌ1 to โฌ2. A single ticket on the metro costs roughly the same.
Taxis are generally cheaper too compared to European standards. It costs around โฌ2.50 per kilometer. You may have to pay extra depending on the time of day.
If you are planning long-term travel, public transport passes offer significant savings. For instance:
- Barcelona: Monthly pass: โฌ40
- Madrid: Monthly pass: โฌ54
- Valencia: Monthly pass: โฌ38
These options make commuting easier and more affordable, contributing to a manageable monthly cost of living in Spain.
Costs of clothing
Did you know that Spain is a fashion powerhouse? Every year, tourists (and fashionistas) visit the country for the Madrid Fashion Week.
There are plenty of upmarket boutiques in Spain. But if thatโs too extravagant for your taste, you can shop locally instead.
Staying on-trend in fashion wouldnโt be hard in Spain. The best part is, you wonโt have to break the bank to stay stylish.
You can buy your clothes in malls, department stores, outlets, and independent shops. A nice pair of jeans costs around โฌ70, while a summer dress costs around โฌ28.
Utility bills
Your utility bills largely depend on your accommodation and lifestyle. For example, your monthly rent may already cover these bills. If not, then itโs an additional expense to consider.
If you have opted for on-campus accommodation, services like laundry may come for free. But, if you are in a flat, you have to pay for the electricity, water, gas, and more. Expect to spend around โฌ300 per month. It may seem like a huge amount, but if you have roommates, you can split the bill.
Healthcare services costs
Spainโs efficient healthcare system is one of the best in the world. Youโre guaranteed to receive outstanding medical care while you are in the country.
Itโs vital to maintain your health while youโre studying. This reason alone makes regular doctor consultations necessary.
A trip to the doctorโs office would cost about โฌ50. If you have health insurance, this would cost less.
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Additional expenses to consider
Entertainment and recreation
Life in Spain isnโt all about studying. Entertainment and recreation are integral to the experience. Hereโs what you can expect:
- Movie tickets: โฌ8โโฌ10
- Gym membership: โฌ30โโฌ40 per month
- Weekend outings: โฌ20โโฌ50
Internet and mobile services
Internet and mobile plans are relatively affordable in Spain. High-speed internet costs around โฌ30โโฌ40 per month. Mobile data plans with sufficient GB cost roughly โฌ15โโฌ20.
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Conclusion
If you are interested in studying in Spain, you now have a fair idea regarding how much it would cost you to live in different parts of the country. Budgeting is as important as choosing the right program and the university for a fulfilling study-abroad journey.
Apart from living costs, and choosing a university and course, there are many more aspects that need to be taken into consideration while studying abroad.
MSM Unify overseas education consultants can help you with expert guidance and all-around support for a successful overseas education journey. MSM Unify has helped more than 1,86,000 students attain their study-abroad dreams, now is your chance to succeed!
FAQs
1. What is the average cost of living in Spain per month for international students?
The average cost of living in Spain per month ranges from โฌ700 to โฌ1,200, depending on the city and lifestyle.
2. How affordable is the cost of living in Barcelona, Spain, compared to smaller cities?
Barcelona is relatively more expensive, with higher rental and dining costs. Smaller cities like Rota or Denia offer lower living expenses.
3. Is Spain affordable for Indian students?
Yes, Spain is affordable for Indian students, especially in smaller cities. Careful budgeting can help keep costs manageable.
4. Are there any free healthcare services for students in Spain?
Students with health insurance can significantly reduce healthcare costs. Some public universities also offer health plans.
5. How much should I budget for transportation in Spain?
Transportation costs in Spain are affordable. A monthly pass costs around โฌ40โโฌ54, depending on the city.
6. What are the cheapest cities in Spain for students?
Cities like Rota, Denia, and Granada are among the cheapest for students, offering affordable rent, dining, and utilities.