Student Living Costs in Spain: A Realistic Budget Guide for Erasmus & Education

You've decided to go to Spain for Erasmus, undergraduate, or postgraduate studies. Bags are packed, tickets are being checked. But the crucial question on everyone's mind is: "How much money should I have in my pocket?" 💸

Between the online myths that "Spain is very cheap" and the pessimism that "the Euro has increased so much, it's impossible to live there," it's difficult to find accurate information. Some claim to be able to live on 500 Euros, while others say 1,500 Euros is not enough.

In this article, we're putting aside urban legends and examining current living costs in Spain based on grocery receipts, rental agreements, and real student experiences . Get your pens and paper ready? Let's start budget planning! 👇

🤔 Is student life expensive in Spain?

Short answer: It depends on which city you're in.

Spain is still a more "student-friendly" country compared to northern countries like France or Germany. However, there is almost a twofold cost difference between living in central Madrid and living in Granada.

Now let's look at the average (rent + living) costs by city.

🏙️ Average Monthly Expenses by City

The figures are based on a standard student lifestyle (room in a shared apartment + groceries + transportation + social life).

1. Madrid & Barcelona (Major League) 🚩

These are the two most expensive cities in Spain.

• 🏠 Room Rent: €450 – €750 (Proximity to the center determines price)

• 🚇 Transportation: €20 – €55 (Monthly passes for those under 26 are very cheap in Madrid: €20)

• 🛒 Grocery & Food: €250 – €350

• 💰 TOTAL: €850 – €1,200 / Month

2. Valencia (Golden Center) 🍊

A popular Erasmus city offering both the amenities of a large city and relative affordability.

• 🏠 Room Rental: €350 – €550

• 🚇 Transportation: €20 – €40

• 🛒 Grocery & Food: €200 – €300

• 💰 TOTAL: €650 – €900 / Month

3. Seville, Granada & Southern Cities (Budget-Friendly) 💃

Andalusia is a paradise for students on a budget.

• 🏠 Room Rental: €300 – €500

• 🚇 Transportation: €15 – €30 (Everywhere is within walking distance)

• 🛒 Grocery & Food: €200 – €280

• 💰 TOTAL: €600 – €850 / Month

🏠 The Biggest Cost: Rent and Accommodation

Be prepared to allocate half of your budget to accommodation.

• Shared Apartment (Piso Compartido): This is the most common and economical option. Be sure to ask if bills (gastos) are included. If not, you might receive an additional bill of €30-50 per person in winter.

• Student Residence (Residencia): In Spain, private residences are generally more expensive than renting an apartment (monthly rates can range from €700 to €1000, with options including meals being more expensive).

🛒 Kitchen and Social Life: Will I Go Hungry?

Absolutely not! Grocery prices in Spain are reasonable.

• Mercadona, Lidl, Aldi: These are favorite supermarkets for students. You can stock your refrigerator for €40-50 a week.

• Eating Out: In Spain, there's a culture of "Menú del Día" (Menu of the Day). For lunch, you can eat like royalty for €10-€15, including a starter, main course, dessert, and a drink.

• Coffee & Beer: A cup of coffee costs an average of €1.50 - €2.00, while a beer (caña) ranges from €1.50 to €3.00.

🚌 Transportation and Hidden Expenses

Those "small" details often forgotten when budgeting:

• Youth Cards: Many cities offer significantly discounted transportation cards for those under 26 (Abono Joven). Get one during your first week there.

• Telephone Line: €10 - €20 per month (Vodafone, Orange, Yoigo).

• Health Insurance: Private insurance purchased for your visa typically costs between €30 and €60 per month.

🎓 The Critical Question: Is the Erasmus Grant Sufficient?

This is the most frequently asked question. The honest answer: Usually no, it's not enough on its own.

The Erasmus grant (depending on the country group) usually covers your rent and basic grocery shopping . However, you may need an additional monthly support of at least €200-€400 from your family or savings for travel, socializing, and unexpected expenses.

💡 Tip: In southern cities (like Granada), there are students who barely make ends meet with grants alone, but in Madrid/Barcelona, this is nearly impossible.

🤑 4 Golden Tactics to Save Money

1. Cook at Home: Having breakfast and dinner at home can ease your budget by 40%.

2. Second Hand Groups: Download the "Wallapop" app. It's Spain's Letgo. It's great for buying and selling items.

3. Museums are free: Many museums are free for students or for everyone on Sundays.

4. Botteón Culture: Like Spanish students do, buying your drink from the market and socializing in parks is much cheaper than sitting in a bar.

   
   

Conclusion: Don't be afraid, plan!

Being a student in Spain, with proper budget management, can turn into one of the best memories of your life, not a nightmare. The key is to set expectations correctly and prepare your Excel spreadsheet beforehand instead of saying "I'll sort it out as soon as I arrive."

Remember; an experience worth every Euro you spend awaits you! ✨