Cost of Living in Spain for an American (Monthly Budget)

Where these numbers come from

Spain prices close to Portugal but with slightly lower bills and transport. Numbeo, updated 29 September 2026, lists a one-bedroom at EUR 904 in a city centre and EUR 715 outside it, or $1,027 and $812 at 1 euro = $1.1355 (ECB, 30 September 2026). Prices shown in US dollars. Check current exchange rates. Its estimate for one person before rent is $814 a month, and a monthly pass is EUR 30.

Our budgets for one person are $1,545 low, $1,898 mid and $2,391 high. A couple sharing one home needs $2,042, $2,600 and $3,414. Basic utilities of EUR 133 plus EUR 29 internet come to about $184.

The retiree route is the non-lucrative (non-working) residence visa. The Spanish consulate in Washington ties the money test to 400% of the IPREM index, which it gives as EUR 28,800 a year for the main applicant ($32,702, or about $32,000 per the consulate) and EUR 7,200 for each dependent ($8,176). That works out to EUR 2,400 a month for one person, about $2,725. You may not work in Spain on this visa.

The consulate also requires health insurance with unlimited coverage that pays 100% of medical and hospital costs, valid for at least a year and recognized by Spanish authorities. Travel policies are excluded. The fee is $140 for US citizens, plus $13 for the residency permit. Documents include three months of bank statements, bank certificates showing 12-month averages, proof of periodic income and your latest tax return.

Worked example: a retired couple with $4,000 a month from pensions has $48,000 a year. The test for two is EUR 28,800 + EUR 7,200 = EUR 36,000, or $40,878, so they clear it. Their mid budget of $2,600 a month is $31,200 a year. A single person on $2,400 a month ($28,800 a year) would fall short of the $32,702 line even though the budget of $1,898 is affordable.

On health, International Living says basic private plans start near EUR 50 a month and a 60-year-old pays about EUR 125 to 135 a month. We use EUR 50, EUR 130 and EUR 250 for one person ($57, $148, $284). The top figure is our assumption for comprehensive cover, and the consulate's no-copay rule may cost more. This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Test your savings in the how long will my money last abroad calculator, compare Portugal, or read Portugal vs Spain and Spain vs Italy.

Sources

• Consulate of Spain in Washington: non-working residency visa
• Numbeo cost of living: Spain
• ECB euro foreign exchange reference rates (30 Sep 2026)
• International Living: health care in Spain

Figures checked on September 30, 2026.

Prices shown in US dollars. Check current exchange rates.

This page is general information, not legal, insurance or travel-agent advice. Fees, rules and limits change, so confirm the figures with the official sources listed above before you book or travel.