Cost of living · Europe · Eurostat HICP 2023
🇪🇸 Cost of living in Spain
Spain undercuts most of the EU-27 across rent, groceries and transport - see the categories driving that gap and how far local income actually stretches.
- Cost index (EU-27=100)
- 91
- Rent index
- 78
- Median net income
- €17,500
- Cost-adjusted income
- €19,231
Spain sits at 91 on the 0-200 scale shown above.
Key takeaways
- Overall cost of living is 9% below the EU-27 average (index 91, EU-27 = 100).
- Most expensive category: utilities at index 119.
- Cheapest category: rent & housing at index 78.
- A typical income of €17,500 is worth about €19,231 in EU-average purchasing power.
Cost by category in Spain
Spain - price level by category (EU-27 = 100)
In Spain, utilities is the most expensive category and rent & housing the least.
What the Spain cost-of-living data shows
Spain's overall consumer price level is 9% below the EU-27 average. (How this index is built →)
Utilities lead the cost table in Spain at index 119, ahead of rent & housing at index 78 - heating, power and water outpace every other category here.
That price gap works in Spain's favor: because prices run below the EU average, the headline income of €17,500 stretches further than the sticker figure suggests, worth roughly €19,231 in EU-27-average purchasing power.
Cities in Spain
National averages hide the big-city premium. See real monthly rent, groceries and transit costs for Spain's cities.
Countries with a similar cost of living
Frequently asked questions
Is Spain expensive to live in?▼
Spain's overall cost of living is 9% below the EU-27 average (index 91). Utilities is the priciest category and rent & housing the cheapest.
What does it cost to rent in Spain?▼
Spain's rent and housing price index is 78, below the EU norm.
How does income compare to costs in Spain?▼
That price gap works in Spain's favor: because prices run below the EU average, the headline income of €17,500 stretches further than the sticker figure suggests, worth roughly €19,231 in EU-27-average purchasing power.
Source: Eurostat, Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) and comparative price levels Eurostat, Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) and comparative price levels Price-level indices, EU-27 = 100, 2023. Income: Eurostat/OECD median equivalised net income.
Important: these figures are official Eurostat averages for general information and comparison, they are not personal financial advice. Your own cost of living depends on your city, housing and lifestyle, so treat this as a starting point and check current local prices before making any relocation or budget decision.
Read our methodology - how these indices are sourced and computed.