Spain is one of Europe's most visited countries, home to the most prestigious academic institutions, and a destination for students worldwide. In addition, universities in Spain have a stellar reputation with students worldwide. Among international students, Spain emerged as the most sought-after destination to study abroad, according to Times Higher Education. There's a good mix between theory and practice in Spanish higher education. Due to Spain's relatively low living expenses, it is a more affordable country than other European countries.
As a student who will soon be living in Spain and attending school, you are probably both eager and nervous about the experience. Many thoughts race through your mind – including how much it will cost to live in this beautiful country. Read further to know more about the overall cost of living in Spain, before that navigating the world of loans can be overwhelming, but 杏吧论坛's Loan Finder makes it easy! Get personalized loan options in just a few clicks.
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An Overview Of Cost Of Living In Spain For International Students
The cost of living in Spain varies from person to person. Ultimately, it depends on where you reside and what kind of lifestyle you prefer. Living in Spain can either be very affordable or very expensive, and which you choose is dependent upon your personal preferences. Students typically want to live as economically as possible, which means doing as much research as they can regarding housing options, shopping, schools, etc. An average student's cost of living in Spain per month will range from EUR 900 to EUR 1,000, including rent, utilities, food, and leisure activities.
Here is the list of student-friendly cities with the living cost in Spain per month:
|
Student Cities in Spain |
Average Cost of Living in Spain Per Month (EUR) |
Average Cost of Living in Spain Per Month (INR) |
|
Madrid |
800-1,500 |
67,194-1,25,989 |
|
Barcelona |
1,861 |
1,56,310 |
|
Valencia |
1,380 |
1,15,910 |
|
Seville |
1,309 |
1,09,928 |
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Cost of Accommodation in Spain
When moving to a new country, budget-friendly accommodations are essential. Although, it poses several challenges. Students in Spain are generally offered accommodation by their universities upon admission. Residence halls are the cheapest option for students, and it is the most popular choice. Listed below are several housing options for students with living expenses in Spain for international students:
|
Type of Accommodation |
Cost of living in Spain Per Month (EUR) |
Cost of living in Spain Per Month (INR) |
|
Residence halls |
365 - 660 |
30,822 - 55,651 |
|
One-bedroom apartment in city center |
655 |
55,214 |
|
One-bedroom apartment outside city center |
504 |
42,470 |
|
Renting an apartment |
203 - 1,016 |
17,120 - 85,614 |
|
Three-bedroom apartment in city center |
1,024 |
86,312 |
|
Three-bedroom apartment outside city center |
756 |
63,780 |
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Average Food Costs In Spain
Most people do not pay much attention to the daily costs of buying food, or going out to eat at a restaurant, as these seem infrequent and don't seem to add up. A reasonable estimate of what you might spend on food throughout a month is around EUR 150+, which is a significant sum.
Listed below are a few examples of common costs you might spend:
|
Item |
Cost (EUR) |
Cost (INR) |
|
Loaf of Bread |
0.94 |
79 |
|
Cheese 1kg |
8.85 |
746 |
|
Milk 1ltr |
0.78 |
65 |
|
12 Eggs |
1.63 |
137 |
|
Apples 1kg |
1.56 |
131 |
|
Bananas 1kg |
1.45 |
122 |
|
Water 1.5ltr bottle |
0.56 |
47 |
|
Bottle of Mid-Range Wine |
5.00 |
420 |
|
Spanish Beer 0.5ltr |
0.78 |
65 |
Check out the average prices for various types of dining out expenses in Spain:
|
Dining Out Expenses |
Cost (EUR) |
Cost (INR) |
|
McDonalds Meal |
7.00 |
588 |
|
Inexpensive Restaurant Meal |
10.00 |
841 |
|
Regular Cappuccino |
1.53 |
128 |
|
Coke/Pepsi 0.33ltr |
1.67 |
140 |
|
Spanish Beer 0.5ltr |
2.00 |
168 |
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Cost Of Utilities In Spain
In Spain, a typical monthly utility bill is EUR 110 (INR 9,238), including electricity, heating, cooling, water, rubbish collection, and internet. Although these might not seem like significant expenses, they can easily contribute to your average living cost in Spain when combined. Depending on where in Spain you live, you will pay different utility prices. In some cases, the cheaper areas may cost half as much as more expensive areas. Here are some examples:
|
Cities |
Average Monthly Utility Costs (EUR) |
Average Monthly Utility Costs (INR) |
|
Madrid |
120 |
10,097 |
|
Valencia |
110 |
9,256 |
|
Alicante |
80 |
6,732 |
|
Spain |
110 |
9,256 |
|
Malaga |
90 |
7,573 |
|
Barcelona |
130 |
10,939 |
|
San Sebastian |
160 |
13,464 |
|
Seville |
120 |
10,097 |
Transportation Costs In Spain
Generally, transportation costs in Spain are low, costing about EUR 1.54/ (INR 130) per trip if you take public transportation. For international students, monthly passes can help save significant amounts of money. Besides, traveling in Spain is also made much more affordable with the Youth Travel Card, offering substantial discounts.
Following is a table showing the average transportation cost that adds up to the average monthly cost of living in Spain:
|
Transportation Costs |
Cost (EUR) |
Cost (INR) |
|
Monthly transport pass |
40.68 |
3,423.16 |
|
One-way ticket of local transport |
1.47 |
124 |
|
Cost of Taxi for a km |
0.11 |
8.97 |
|
One Liter Gasoline |
1.39 |
117.30 |
Healthcare Cost In Spain
Undoubtedly, Spain's healthcare system is among the most advanced globally, and you can expect doctors to use the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment. As healthcare in Spain is primarily supported by the government, everyone has access to it. If you don't have insurance, the average doctor visit will cost you around EUR 50.
Listed below are the average healthcare costs and expenses that adds up to the living cost in Spain for international students:
|
Healthcare Expenses |
Cost (EUR) |
Cost (INR) |
|
Single doctor visit |
35.60 |
2,995 |
|
Tooth filing |
50.81 |
4,279 |
|
Tooth whitening session |
335 |
28,242 |
|
Average healthcare insurance fee |
101-203 per month |
8,558-17,116 per month |
Entertainment Cost In Spain
If you wish to make the most of your weekend or vacation time, you will surely enjoy exploring the stunning places Spain offers. Besides, everyone will discover something to meet their tastes and needs. There are museums, pubs, zoos, market places, shopping malls, art galleries, and more, which are all affordable.
Also, there are tons of free things to do in Spain, including parks, forests, and outdoor activities. If you go out frequently, you may spend between EUR 50 to EUR 100 (INR 4,204 to INR 8,408). However, the prices are much lower than in France.
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Tips To Reduce Cost Of Living In Spain For Indian Students
Living on a smaller budget is not difficult for international students in Spain. Also, the average cost of living in Spain will vary depending on course to study in Spain, you are pursuing and where you plan to live. During your stay in Spain, the following tips should help you save a lot of money:
- Spain has over 76 universities and a variety of language schools. In order to save money, you can study in less expensive cities.
- A Spain student visa allows you to work up to 20 hours a week. It is a great way to earn money while building a solid network and enjoying a more comfortable lifestyle.
- International students from countries such as India already have high living expenses in Spain, so why pay more when you can apply for scholarships? Look for scholarships according to the eligibility criteria. Besides covering your tuition fees, they also cover your living expenses.
- Buying second-hand furniture and books is a cost-effective way to save money. Once you complete your studies and move, you can sell them. Likewise, you can sell your clothes. A completely new product will cost you a lot of money.
All in all, the Spain living cost per month is at least 20% less than living in other European countries. By planning in advance, you can feel secure to live comfortably while attending universities in Spain.
