What are the actual costs of food and housing in Spain?

Food expenses can vary significantly depending on individual preferences and tastes. Each of us has our own interpretation of concepts like "long" or "cheap," "large quantity" or "small." Some people prefer to dine out in restaurants frequently, while others only visit such places on special occasions. For example, some spend around 30 euros a week on groceries, while others spend significantly more, up to hundreds of euros. Instead of evaluating these expenses, it makes sense to consider the average prices of food products.

Prices for groceries in supermarkets

Here is a sample list of prices for basic products in one of the popular supermarkets in Spain:

• 1 liter of milk – €0.56
• Bread - €0.50
• Rice – €1 per kilogram
• A dozen eggs – €1.40
• Local cheese – €5.60 per kilogram
• Beef - €4.50 per kilogram
• Dorada - €6.40
• Salmon – €8.90

The prices for fresh vegetables and fruits at the markets vary:

• Tomatoes – from €0.80 to €1.60
• Potatoes – from €0.40 to €1.60
• Onion - €0.40
• Apples – from €1.20 to €2
• Bananas – from €0.99 to €1.60
• Oranges - about €0.90

Regarding wine in a volume of 0.75 liters, its price is around €4, while 1 liter of water can be found for as low as €0.50. Olive oil in 1 liter will cost between €1.80 and €4. Locals usually prefer to buy vegetables and fruits at markets, while other products are most often purchased at supermarkets located near their homes.

Prices for lunches in restaurants and cafes

When it comes to dining in cafes and restaurants, prices can range from €12 to €50 per person, depending on the establishment's level and its menu. The location of the restaurant also affects the cost of a meal. For example, in the center of tourist areas like Barcelona or Valencia, a meal can cost at least €15 per person, even if the menu only includes pizza and a glass of beer. While walking around the city, you may come across small cafes that are not as well-known to tourists, where a full three-course meal costs around €12.

In some establishments, you can find a buffet where, for a fixed price, you can enjoy an unlimited amount of food; these meals cost approximately €15-18. More affordable dining options can be found in fast food places:

• A serving of paella on the street costs about €3.50.
• Lunch at American fast food chains costs around €8.

Alcohol prices

It's interesting that alcohol prices vary depending on the location: a glass of fresh beer in a Barcelona restaurant can cost €6, while in a bar on the Costa Blanca, you can find the same drink for just €1. Depending on your culinary tastes and preferences, food expenses can range from €120 a month to several hundred euros. The key point is that cooking at home can significantly reduce costs per person, while frequent dining out can substantially increase these expenses.

However, if you organize a business dinner at a restaurant, some of those expenses can be classified as corporate costs. Meanwhile, a dinner on a romantic date can be considered an entertainment expense, which is quite justified.

Working with housing and budget

Now about housing costs: the rent for an apartment in Spain also depends on the region and the overall size of the property. Considering all of the above, you will be able to better understand what financial obligations await you in Spain. All these variables need to be taken into account to create a more accurate budget for living in this country.

The cost of renting housing

In the central areas of Barcelona, the rent for a three-room apartment, which includes two bedrooms and a living room, is approximately €900 per month. For the same amount, you can rent a fairly spacious house located just half an hour's drive from the capital of Catalonia.

In smaller coastal towns, rental prices are noticeably lower than in larger cities like Barcelona or Madrid. For example, in some areas of the Costa Blanca, a three-bedroom property can be rented for just €200-250.

It is also important to consider that the cost of housing by the sea depends on its distance from the beach: apartments located in close proximity to the sea, that is, within 100 meters from the shore, will be significantly more expensive compared to those that are a 30-minute drive from the coast.

Utilities and expenses

Utility services in Spain, such as lighting and water supply, are paid according to meter readings. For a family of three, the average costs for these services range from €100 to €200 per month.

In addition to this, there is a fixed subscription fee that can reach €30, and it is charged even when the services have not been used.

Responsibility of tenants

All residents of apartment buildings in Spain are responsible for maintaining common areas and contribute to the homeowners' association. The amount of these contributions can vary depending on the range of services provided, such as security, the presence of a pool, or a gym.

• In elite residential complexes, annual fees can range from €10,000 to €20,000.
• In regular houses, they start at €300 per year.

Typically, housing maintenance costs are paid by the apartment owner; however, in some cases, these obligations may be placed on the tenants according to the rental agreement.

Road trips in Spain

In Spain, many families prefer to travel in their own cars, which often turns out to be a more financially advantageous solution. For example, the annual cost of car insurance is around 300 euros, and the vehicle tax is approximately 130 euros.

Clothing expenses

Many foreigners who have moved to Spain note that clothing expenses here are significantly lower than in their home countries. This is explained by the fact that popular mass-market brands have more affordable prices. Brands like Zara, Stradivarius, Uterque, Bershka, and Pull&Bear can be purchased in Spain at lower prices than in Russia, Kazakhstan, or Ukraine. This price difference is due to their Spanish origin, which allows for the avoidance of customs duties.

Moreover, the lack of a pronounced brand culture in Spain also contributes to decreasing spending on clothing. There is no need to showcase one's status through expensive items. For example, one can buy an outfit consisting of jeans, sneakers, and a t-shirt for less than 100 euros.

Medical expenses

It is also worth mentioning medical expenses. In Spain, if you are registered at your place of residence, you are entitled to free medical care. However, not all medical services are available without payment. The waiting time for a doctor's appointment can be significant, and health insurance generally helps you receive the necessary assistance more quickly.

• The cost of health insurance can range from 15 to 60 euros per month.
• Without insurance, a consultation with a specialist can cost between 100 and 300 euros.
• In emergency situations, medical expenses can be quite substantial.

Leisure and entertainment

When discussing leisure activities, it's worth noting that ticket prices for visiting museums can be found on official websites, and let's be honest, we rarely do that. Spaniards are more likely to visit museums while traveling than in their everyday lives.

The most popular among locals are fitness clubs, with a membership costing an average of 50 euros per month. Renting a bike will cost at least 2 euros per hour, although for people who live in Barcelona permanently, it is more advantageous to get an annual subscription for unlimited access to the city’s bike network, which costs about 40 euros.

Minimum living wage in Spain

In summary, it can be said that, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Spain (INE), the minimum living wage here is 645 euros per month.This value will help you plan your financial expenses more accurately.if you are considering moving to Spain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be noted that expenses for food, housing, and transportation in Spain can vary significantly depending on various factors such as the choice of residence, lifestyle, and food culture preferences. I have tried to approach this topic from different angles, providing the reader with information that will help create a more comprehensive understanding of current prices and living conditions in the country.

It's important to remember that the prices of goods and services can vary depending on the region, the time of year, and even the popularity of a place. For example, in large cities like Barcelona or Madrid, the cost of living can be significantly higher than in small towns or along the coast.

Financial planning

From a financial planning perspective, it's important to carefully consider where you will shop or eat, as well as to plan your transportation budgets in advance. I recommend that residents align their lifestyle with their financial capabilities and, whenever possible, organize their lives in a way that minimizes expenses. For example:

• Grocery shoppingIt may be more cost-effective to buy them at markets than to purchase them in supermarkets.
• Meal planningIn restaurants and cafes, it can help control expenses.

Personal experience and advice

Finally, it’s worth adding that if you decide to live in Spain for a long time, it can be a great opportunity to discover your own preferences regarding food and housing. Understanding the price realities will not only help you adapt more easily to your new surroundings but also significantly save your personal finances.

Based on the provided data and my own experience, I hope that my article will serve as a useful resource for those planning to spend time in Spain, helping to look behind the scenes of everyday life and better understand how to manage their expenses.