Worried about the Cost Of Living In Spain?
This blog breaks down Spain’s living expenses for Indian students, including tuition, accommodation, food, and more.
Average Cost of Living in Spain for Indian Students
- Monthly Living Cost: €700–€1,200 depending on city and lifestyle.
- Major Cities: Madrid and Barcelona are more expensive than smaller cities like Valencia or Seville.
Monthly Living Expenses in Spain
| Expense | Average Cost (€) |
| Accommodation | 300–600 |
| Food | 150–250 |
| Transport | 40–60 |
| Utilities | 50–100 |
| Internet/Phone | 30–50 |
| Miscellaneous | 100–200 |
Cost Variation by City
Madrid and Barcelona, being the largest cities, have higher rents and daily expenses.
In contrast, cities like Granada, Salamanca, or Zaragoza offer a more affordable lifestyle, with lower accommodation and food costs.
Smaller towns may also provide a quieter environment, which some students prefer for focused study, while reducing your monthly living costs in Spain by up to 30%.
| City | Avg. Monthly Cost (€) | Accommodation (€) | Food (€) | Transport (€) |
| Madrid | 1,000–1,200 | 400–700 | 200 | 55 |
| Barcelona | 1,000–1,200 | 400–650 | 200 | 50 |
| Valencia | 800–1,000 | 300–500 | 180 | 45 |
| Granada | 700–900 | 250–400 | 150 | 40 |
| Salamanca | 700–900 | 250–400 | 150 | 40 |
Cost of Living in Spain for Indian Students: Breakdown
Accommodation
| Type | Monthly Cost (€) | Utilities Included? | Notes |
| Student Residence | 350–800 | Sometimes | Meals & laundry often extra |
| Shared Apartment | 250–500 | No | Most popular, split bills |
| Private Rental | 500–900 | No | More privacy, higher cost |
| Homestay | 400–700 | Yes | Meals included, cultural exp. |
- Deposit: Usually 1–2 months’ rent.
- Contract: Always check what’s included (utilities, internet, etc.).
Food and Groceries
- Cooking at Home: Saves money compared to eating out.
- Dining Out: A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs €10–€15.
| Option | Monthly Cost (€) | Example |
| Cooking at Home | 100–150 | Groceries, snacks |
| Eating Out | 80–120 | 2–3 meals/week |
| Restaurant Meal | 10–15 (per meal) | Mid-range restaurant |
- Popular supermarkets: Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl.
- Stat: 70% of Indian students in Spain prefer cooking at home to save money.
Transport
- Public Transport: Monthly passes cost €40–€60.
- Biking/Walking: Many cities are student-friendly and walkable.
| Mode | Monthly Cost (€) | Student Discount? | Notes |
| Public Transport | 40–60 | Yes | Metro, bus, tram |
| Biking | 10–20 (rental) | No | Many cities have bike lanes |
| Walking | Free | N/A | Most campuses are walkable |
- Intercity travel: High-speed trains (AVE), buses, and budget airlines
- Over 80% of international students use public transport daily.
Cost to Study and Live in Spain from India
| Expense | Annual Cost (€) | Notes |
| Tuition Fees | 1,000–4,000 | Public universities, varies by course |
| Health Insurance | 500–700 | Mandatory for all students |
| Visa Fees | 60–100 | Student visa application |
| Books/Materials | 200–400 | Depends on course |
| Residence Permit | 15–20 | Renewal fee |
| Field Trips/Extras | 100–300 | Course dependent |
Stat: The cost to study and live in Spain from India is among the lowest in Western Europe.
Tip: Apply for scholarships to reduce your overall expenses.
Scholarships and Financial Aid:
| Scholarship Name | Amount (€) | Eligibility |
| Spanish Government | 1,000–3,000 | Merit-based, all nationals |
| University Scholarships | 500–2,000 | Varies by institution |
| Erasmus+ | 300–500/month | For exchange students |
- Tip: Apply early. Competition is high!
You Might Also Like: Living And Studying In London As Indian Students
Managing Your Budget Costs Living in Spain
| Tip | How It Helps |
| Use Budgeting Apps | Track daily/weekly expenses |
| Student Discounts | Save on transport, museums, events |
| Part-Time Work | Earn extra income (up to 20 hrs/week) |
| Open Local Bank Account | Easier payments, avoid conversion charges |
| Emergency Fund | For unexpected expenses |
Quick Stats: Indian Students in Spain
| Year | Indian Students Enrolled | % Increase YoY |
| 2020 | 2,500 | — |
| 2021 | 3,200 | +28% |
| 2022 | 4,100 | +28% |
Stat: The number of Indian students in Spain has grown by over 60% in the last three years.
Sample Monthly Budget: Indian Student in Madrid
| Category | Cost (€) |
| Accommodation | 500 |
| Food | 180 |
| Transport | 50 |
| Utilities | 70 |
| Internet/Phone | 40 |
| Miscellaneous | 120 |
| Total | 960 |
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
| Hidden Cost | Typical Amount (€) | How to Save |
| Registration Fees | 50–200 | Check university policies |
| Printing/Copying | 10–20/month | Use digital notes |
| Social Activities | 30–50/month | Attend free university events |
| Medical Emergencies | Varies | Have comprehensive insurance |
Plan Your Spanish Study Adventure
Knowing the cost of living in Spain helps you plan your finances and enjoy your study abroad experience.
For more tips and personalized guidance, visit Admitix and start your journey with confidence.
FAQs
A. Yes, Spain is generally more affordable than countries like the UK, France, or Germany, especially in terms of tuition fees and daily living expenses.
A. Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona have Indian grocery stores and restaurants. In smaller cities, you may find fewer options, but international supermarkets usually stock basic Indian ingredients.
A. It’s recommended to bring enough to cover your first month’s rent, deposit, initial expenses (around €1,500–€2,000), and some cash for daily needs until you open a local bank account.
A. While many universities offer courses in English, knowing basic Spanish helps with daily life, part-time jobs, and socializing. Many universities offer free or low-cost Spanish language classes for international students.
A. Cook at home, use student discounts, share accommodation, use public transport, and participate in free university events to keep your expenses low.