Lifestyle
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.
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