The cost of living is crucial to consider when thinking about a move abroad. Nestled in Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, Spain is distinguished by its stunning architecture, a vibrant food scene, and of course, plenty of sunshine. Living in Spain after Brexit has been on the rise amongst British nationals looking to enjoy Spain’s high quality of life for a low cost of living.
If you’re considering relocating, our comprehensive guide breaks down every aspect of the cost of living in Spain compared to the UK to help you plan your move.
Housing Costs in Spain vs the UK
Property prices take up a significant chunk of living costs. But unlike the UK, this is where you’ll save money in Spain as rent is 29% cheaper in comparison. Spain’s attractive housing is a bargain, especially when it comes to buying a property as overall costs are 40% cheaper than that of the UK.
Renting a Property
If you’re moving to Spain for a global mobility project, you may wish to head back at the end of your international assignment. Renting is a great way to experience a new place without the burden of long-term commitment.
| Item | Spain* | UK* |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre | £800 | £ 1,050 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment outside the City Centre | £600 | £ 900 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre | £1,300 | £ 1,800 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment outside the City Centre | £900 | £ 1,350 |
Buying a House
If you’d like to settle down in Spain, buying a property is a better option in the long run. Prices will vary based on the region, and whether you’d like to live in the town centre or somewhere a bit further out. Local estate agents are the best point of contact for getting the most accurate information.
| Item (Price per square metre) | Spain* | UK* |
| Apartment in the City Centre | £2,900 | £ 5,100 |
| Apartment outside the City Centre | £1,800 | £ 3,900 |
Utility Bills
Utilities can’t be overlooked in a cost-of-living analysis. These figures can vary significantly based on local regulations, energy efficiency, and market dynamics. Taking them into consideration will make sure you don’t go over budget during the transition period.
| Item | Spain* | UK* |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | £100 | £ 250 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | £15 | £ 12 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | £30 | £ 30 |
Food Prices in Spain vs the UK
The affordability of food and drink in Spain is widely recognized, be it a few tapas or some Spanish wine from the supermarket. One of the main reasons why moving to Spain is appealing to expats is due to the availability of good quality produce at cheap prices.
Grocery Prices
In the UK, supermarket costs have spiked significantly in recent years. A weekly food shopping spree in Spain, however, is still as affordable as ever. The figures seem even more attractive when some of the exotic produce of this coastal country is considered.
| Item | Spain* | UK* |
| Regular Milk (1 litre) | £0.90 | £ 1.20 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | £1.10 | £ 1.20 |
| White Rice, (1kg) | 1.10 | £ 1.60 |
| 12 Eggs | £2.10 | £ 3 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | £10 | £ 7 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | £6 | £ 6.50 |
| Ground Beef (1kg) | £12 | £ 10.50 |
| Apples (1kg) | £1.70 | £ 2.10 |
| Oranges (1kg) | £.150 | £ 2.10 |
| Potato (1kg) | £1.25 | £ 1.10 |
| Onion (1kg) | £1.30 | £ 1 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | £ 4 | £ 7.50 |
Restaurants
Dining out in Spain is quite affordable with prices being 20-25 % cheaper than that of the UK. But the real charm lies in the popular ‘menu del dia’ at lunchtime, where diners can indulge in 2-3 courses for around €10, typically with a beverage like beer, wine, or coffee included.
| Item | Spain* | UK* |
| 3-course Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant | £40 | £ 60 |
| McDonald’s McMeal (or Equivalent) | £7.50 | £ 7 |
| Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | £2.50 | £ 4.50 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | £1.50 | £ 3.10 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle) | £1.75 | £ 1.80 |
| Water (0.33 litre bottle) | £1.30 | £ 1.50 |
Transportation Costs in Spain vs the UK
Petrol prices in Spain average around £1.45 per litre, which is about 9% lower than the £1.59 per litre seen in the UK. The main reason for this price difference is Spain’s reduced fuel duty, which translates into consistent savings at the pump.
| Item | Spain* | UK* |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | £1.30 | £ 2.40 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | £25 | £ 70 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | £3 | £ 3 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | £1 | £ 1.20 |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | £1.30 | £ 1.50 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | £28,600 | £ 28.300 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | £22,150 | £ 24,800 |
Childcare Costs
For families considering a move between the UK and Spain, childcare costs are an important factor in a cost of living analysis. Public schools in Spain are free of cost, although you can also opt for some of the country’s top private institutions.
| Item | Spain* | UK* |
| Full Day at Private Preschool (Monthly) | £350 | £ 1,240 |
| International Primary School (Yearly) | £6,850 | £ 14,600 |
Recreation Costs
Recreation costs can be easy to overlook, but they significantly impact one’s quality of life. On top of its vibrant cultural scene, Spain’s sunshine means you can enjoy outdoor activities, especially on the beach, all year round. They’re also more affordable compared to the UK.
| Item | Spain* | UK* |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | £30 | £ 30 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | £10 | £ 10 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | £7 | £ 10 |
Spain’s vibrant culture, favourable climate, and the welcoming nature of its people make it an attractive destination for UK families seeking a change. While the lower cost of living in Spain is appealing, it’s essential to approach such a move with a comprehensive budget that includes all aspects of daily life.
If you’re thinking of relocating, our international moving guide has a lot of useful information. With over 60 years of experience in facilitating personal and professional relocation, Gerson is here to help you at every step of your move.
(*All prices are approx. as of April 2024)
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