Cost of living in Spain for international students: what you should plan for

Moving to Spain to pursue higher education involves a range of expenses beyond tuition fees. The cost of living in Spain has changed significantly in recent years, especially in major cities, which means international students need to plan their budget in advance. 

According to the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE), average spending on housing, food and transport has increased steadily since 2022, a trend that directly affects student life. Understanding these dynamics is essential for anticipating financial needs and making informed decisions before beginning an academic experience in Spain.

How much money does a student need to live in Spain?

Determining how much money a student needs to live in Spain depends on several factors. The cost of living for students in Spain varies according to the destination city, type of accommodation and daily spending habits. As a general guide, the monthly budget usually ranges from €800 to €1,500, a broad range that reflects the differences between regions and cities across the country.

The 2024 INE Household Budget Survey shows that average spending per person in Spain exceeds €1,135 per month, although students often reduce this amount by choosing shared accommodation or making extensive use of public transport. In medium sized cities, monthly spending can remain lower, while in major metropolitan areas it increases considerably.

In this context, studying a postgraduate degree or an international master’s degree is an investment that should be considered from a broader perspective. It is not only about the immediate cost, but also the potential professional return associated with internationally focused programs such as the Master in International Business STEM, where financial planning is an important part of making the most of the academic experience.

From an administrative perspective, Spain requires non EU students to provide proof of sufficient financial resources, using the IPREM as a reference. However, this legal threshold does not reflect the real cost of student life in Spain, especially in cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, where monthly expenses can easily exceed this minimum requirement.

Accommodation costs for students in Spain

Accommodation is the main component of the cost of living in Spain for students, accounting for between 40% and 60% of the monthly budget. Renting a room in a shared apartment is the most common option, especially in major cities, where renting an entire property is not financially viable for most students.

According to a detailed Idealista analysis of how much it costs to maintain a home in Spain, monthly spending is not limited to rent. It also includes utilities such as electricity, water, gas and internet, which can significantly increase the final accommodation cost. For this reason, sharing an apartment can be more affordable because these costs are divided between residents, typically adding around €60 to €90 per person.

In cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, the cost of a room often exceeds €600 per month, while in smaller university cities there are options available for less than €350. University residences are generally more expensive, although they include additional services that provide greater stability and reduce uncertainty around variable expenses. This can be an attractive option for students enrolled in demanding programs such as the Master in Project Management.

Transport, food and daily expenses

Beyond accommodation, the cost of living in Spain also includes a range of daily expenses that directly affect a student’s budget. 

1. Public transport is one of the strengths of the Spanish system, thanks to discounted fares that allow unlimited travel at reduced prices in most major cities.

2. Food is another key expense. Studies on household consumption in Spain show that, despite the moderation of overall inflation, food prices continue to put pressure on household budgets. Consumer spending reports indicate that food remains one of the most sensitive components of household expenditure, particularly among young people and students.

   In practical terms, a student who mainly shops at supermarkets and cooks at home can keep monthly food spending between €200 and €300. University cafeterias and subsidized meal options can also help optimize this expense while maintaining a balance between cost and nutritional quality.

3. Other common expenses include mobile phone services, academic materials and leisure. Together, these costs usually range from €150 to €250 per month. Maintaining a balance between social life and spending control is essential for managing student life effectively.

All these expenses represent an investment, so it is important for students to consider master’s degrees with strong career opportunities in order to maximize the future professional return on the financial effort involved in studying in Spain.

Differences in the cost of living between Spanish cities

The cost of living in Spain varies significantly from one city to another. 

• Madrid and Barcelona are among the most expensive cities, driven by high housing demand and strong economic activity. In these cities, a student’s monthly budget rarely falls below €1,100.
• Other cities such as Valencia, Málaga and Seville offer an attractive balance between cost and quality of life. According to INE data and recent economic analyses, these cities combine more moderate rents with good infrastructure and academic opportunities, with monthly spending typically ranging from €850 to €1,000.
• Finally, traditional university cities such as Salamanca and Granada stand out for their lower cost of living, with budgets that can remain below €800. These cities offer an immersive academic experience and an active student lifestyle, although the local labor market is more limited, which often means relocating after completing your studies.

Studying in Spain in 2026 requires careful financial planning, but the country continues to offer a balanced combination of quality of life, infrastructure and academic opportunities. The cost of living for students in Spain depends largely on the chosen city and on decisions related to accommodation, transport and daily spending.

Using reliable data and anticipating the main expenses makes it possible to create a realistic budget adapted to each student’s circumstances. This allows students to approach their academic experience in Spain with greater financial security and a clearer understanding of the investment it represents in their professional development.