Cost of Living in Spain vs the United States (2025 Comparison)

Key finding: Overall cost of living including rent in Spain is about 32% lower than in the United States.

Rule of thumb: A couple can live comfortably in a mid-sized Spanish city on about $2,400 to $3,000 per month, depending on rent, utilities, transport, groceries, and private health insurance. This estimate converts recent Spanish prices from euros to dollars at €1 ≈ $1.15 (November 2025).

Cost Comparison Table

All figures in USD. Euro prices converted at €1 = $1.15 on Nov 5, 2025.

Category	Spain (typical)	United States (typical)
Rent, 1BR city center	Madrid avg €1,336 → $1,535	Big-city range often $2,500–$4,100
Rent, 1BR outside center	Spain avg €703 → $808	National city-center avg around $1,726; outside centers vary
Groceries	Basket significantly cheaper	Higher national basket
Dining out	Lower than U.S. on average	About 35% higher than Spain
Public transport pass	Madrid €21.80–€32.70 → $25–$38	Major metros $85–$133
Utilities, apt ~85 m²	Total commonly $92–$138	Many cities ~ $200
Home internet	$29–$52	$55–$105
Healthcare	Private insurance $58–$115; GP visit $52–$81	Employer family premium high; individual plans ~$540/month
Alcohol	Generally cheaper	Higher average

Deep Dive by Category

Housing

Buying and renting: Madrid 1BR city center averages €1,336 per month. Outside center averages €976. Spain-wide 1BR city center averages €877 and €703 outside center. Converting at €1 = $1.15 gives about $1,535, $1,123, $1,008, and $808.

Context: Madrid and Barcelona cost more than Valencia, Seville, or Alicante. Smaller cities and towns show much lower rents, especially outside historic centers.

Groceries & Food

The United States grocery basket is roughly higher than Spain’s on average. Example prices in Spain for eggs, chicken, and bread are typically lower than in many U.S. cities.

Dining out & alcohol: U.S. restaurant prices are about 35% higher than Spain’s, which helps dining budgets stretch in Spain.

Transportation

Public transport: Madrid monthly passes run €21.80–€32.70 in 2025 depending on subsidy period, about $25–$38. U.S. monthly passes range around $85–$133 in large metros.

Car costs: U.S. gasoline and insurance vary widely by state. Transit is cheaper in Spain’s big cities where car ownership is less necessary.

Utilities & Internet

Electricity and utilities: Spain’s households often pay a total of $92–$138 per month for basic utilities in a typical flat, depending on usage and region.

Internet: Fiber plans commonly €25–€45 per month ($29–$52). U.S. plans are often $55–$105.

Healthcare

Spain: Public system covers residents. Many expats add private insurance, typically €50–€100 per adult per month. Private GP visits often €45–€70 ($52–$81).

United States: Employer plans have high total premiums. Individual-market premiums around $540 per member per month in recent data.

Education

Spain: Public schools are free. International schools charge tuition that varies by city and curriculum. Families should request quotes locally.

United States: Public schools are tax-funded. Private and international schools can be significant.

Taxes & Mandatory Payments

Spain VAT (IVA) is 21% standard. U.S. sales tax varies by state and locality. Tourist-rental rules in some Spanish regions are evolving and may affect local housing costs.

Leisure & Lifestyle

Spanish prices for gyms and cinema tickets are generally lower than in major U.S. cities. Walkable neighborhoods and frequent public events add value without high cost.

Regional / City Variation

In Spain, Madrid and Barcelona sit at the top end for rents. Valencia, Màlaga, Seville, Alicante, and mid-sized towns are cheaper, especially outside historic centers. In the U.S., New York, San Francisco, Boston, and Los Angeles are the priciest, with mid-tier metros costing less.

What Budget Looks Like / Living Comfortably Estimate

Spain, mid-sized city, couple:

• Rent 1BR outside center $800–$1,100

• Utilities $90–$140

• Internet $30–$50

• Transport (2 passes) $50–$75

• Groceries and dining modestly $500–$700

• Private insurance (2 adults) $120–$230

Total: roughly $2,400–$3,000 per month.

United States, comparable lifestyle: Many metros require $4,000–$6,000 per month for a similar standard once rent, transport, and insurance are included, with wide city variation.

Meaning: Spain offers sizable savings on housing, transport, dining, and healthcare premiums. Savings potential is highest outside Madrid and Barcelona.

Pros & Cons / What to Consider

Pros of Spain: Lower daily costs, strong public healthcare, good transit in big cities, walkable lifestyle, large expat hubs.

Cons: Salaries are lower on average, Spanish language is useful, admin can be slower, and tourist-rental rules are evolving.

Key Takeaways

Spain’s overall cost of living including rent is about 32% lower than the U.S. in 2025. Biggest gaps are rent, groceries, dining, transit, and routine healthcare.

A couple can live comfortably in a mid-sized Spanish city on $2,400–$3,000 per month. Do deeper research for your target city, salary, visa, and school needs.

FAQs

Can you live in Spain on $2,500 per month as a couple? Yes, in many mid-sized cities if rent is outside the center and lifestyle is moderate.

Is healthcare free in Spain? Public healthcare covers residents. Many expats add private insurance €50–€100 per month for faster access.

How much is rent in Madrid vs Valencia? Madrid 1BR city center about €1,336. Country averages are lower. Valencia and similar cities are cheaper, especially outside center.

Conclusion

Use this 2025 snapshot as a starting point. Prices vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and visa needs. Convert local quotes to USD at the current rate and compare total monthly budgets, not single items. Plan a scouting trip and confirm housing, transport, and healthcare on the ground. Consider how you move your money overseas. The YourPlaceInEurope community is here to help: https://community.yourplaceineurope.com/