12 Expensive Cities in Spain Where Living the Good Life Comes With a Hefty Price Tag
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Have you always dreamt of moving to Spain but don’t know where to start? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Spain is a beautiful country famed for its rich cultural heritage, fascinating history, and iconic cuisine. However, it’s also an expensive place to live, with many cities having a high cost of living.
Therefore, you must know what to expect before deciding where to live in Spain. To help, we’ve compiled a list of 12 of the most expensive cities to live in Spain so you can avoid any nasty surprises and create your budget. We selected these cities because they have a high cost of living.
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Barcelona
Let’s start with one of Spain’s most visited cities, Barcelona. According to a Statista report, Barcelona is the most expensive place in Spain to rent property. On average, it costs €20.5 ($22.16) per square meter to rent a house in the Catalonian capital, almost €3 ($3.24) more than in Madrid.
Worst yet, Expatistan reports that living in Barcelona costs a single person approximately $2,336 monthly. However, we must admit that the extra costs are worth it because Barcelona is breathtaking. When you’re not admiring Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces or sunbathing on Barceloneta Beach, you’ll find yourself tucking into local cuisine in La Boqueria and buying souvenirs along La Rambla.
Travel Tips
- Try the Menu del Dia: Enjoy a lunch meal at Restaurant La Llama, which includes a starter, main course, and dessert for €13.50 ($14).
- Explore the Gothic Quarter: Wander through historic streets, filled with hidden cafes and shops, but stay alert for pickpockets in crowded areas.
Read more: Best Things To Do in Barcelona
Madrid
Rather unsurprisingly, Madrid, Spain’s bustling capital city, is also on our list. Like Barcelona, Madrid is a historic city jam-packed with fascinating attractions, national landmarks, and busy streets. It’s also an expensive place to live. The average cost of living without rent is almost $900. With apartment rental included, you can expect to spend over $2,000 monthly.
Luckily, Madrid has many exciting attractions to distract you from the high cost of living. Significant points of interest in the city include Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace of Madrid, Museo Nacional del Prado, and Retiro Park. Sports lovers can also watch Real Madrid CF at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Travel Tips
- Visit Museums for Free: Explore Museo del Prado for free weekdays from 6 PM to 8 PM.
- Explore the Literary Quarter: Walk through bookshops and cafes in Barrio de las Letras, which was home to writers like Cervantes.
Read also: Cheap Places in Spain
Bilbao
A surprising addition to this list is Bilbao, a vibrant port city in Northern Spain best known for its industry. The largest city in Spain’s Basque region, Bilbao is also renowned for its distinctive architecture, which includes the iconic Guggenheim Museum. You can learn more about the city’s culture, art, and industry here.
Bilbao is also home to lively music venues, beautiful galleries, fascinating theaters, and picturesque waterfront walking trails. The city’s modern infrastructure also makes it a big hit with digital nomads. Unfortunately, you will have to pay a lot to live in Bilbao. The average cost of living is approximately $1,952 monthly, including rent and utilities.
Travel Tips
- Explore Mercado de la Ribera: Enjoy pintxos for €2.20 ($2.31) each in a market with fresh seafood and meats.
- Visit the Guggenheim Museum: Arrive at 10 AM to explore the museum‘s exhibits and architecture for €15 ($15.74).
Read also: Things To Do in Spain Before You Die
San Sebastian
If you’ve always dreamed of living by the sea and spending your free time surfing, San Sebastian, a coastal city in Northern Spain, might be the perfect location for you. However, the promise of golden sand beaches and turquoise waters comes with a cost. To live in this gorgeous seaside city, you must spend over $1,500 monthly.
If you want to rent a better apartment or home, don’t be surprised to see your monthly costs pass $2,000. You’ll spend most of your time in San Sebastian, strolling along the waterfront, tucking into paella, and swimming in the sea. Points of interest in the city include Playa de Ondarreta, Playa de la Concha, and Parte Vieja (Old Town).
Travel Tips
- Visit Monte Igueldo: Take a funicular ride for €3.50 ($3.67) round trip to enjoy breathtaking city and bay views.
- Explore Cristina Enea Park: Enjoy peaceful strolls in this free park with beautiful gardens and a relaxing atmosphere.
Read also: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain
Ibiza Town
To live the island lifestyle, many people head to Ibiza, a picturesque Balearic island that promises long sunny days, hot weather, pristine beaches, and an epic party. Most people in Ibiza spend the day exploring Dalt Vila and sunbathing on the many beaches, such as Playa d’en Bossa. Then, when night rolls in, it’s time to party.
However, you’ll likely be shocked at how expensive it is to live in Ibiza Town, the island’s largest city. According to Living Cost, the average cost of living in Ibiza is a whopping $2,629 monthly, with rent and utilities costing an incredible $1,997—quite the price for some sun, sea, sand, and parties.
Travel Tips
- Eat at Local Chiringuitos: Enjoy a seafood paella for €27.50 ($28.84), good for two, at The Boat House Ibiza.
- Visit Dalt Vila: Explore the historic streets of Dalt Vila with free entry and panoramic harbor views.
Read also: Small Towns in Spain for an Affordable Getaway
Marbella
The next expensive Spanish city on our list is Marbella, a luxurious coastal city and resort area along Southern Spain’s Costa del Sol. A playground for the rich and famous, this city is known worldwide for its stunning beaches, glitz, and glamor. As such, it’s one of Spain’s most expensive cities.
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The average cost of living in Marbella, including rent, utilities, transport, and food, is approximately $1,800 monthly. We don’t know about you, but the promise of fine wines, world-class cuisine, and tropical-esque beaches is worth it. Some of the best beaches in Marbella are Playa Nueva Andalucía, Playa de Cortijo Blanco, and Playa Río Verde.
Travel Tips
- Explore the Old Town: Stroll through narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and plazas for free.
- Try Local Seafood: Enjoy fried sardines, pescado frito, and fried squid at Bar El Cordobes.
Read also: Places in Spain for Digital Nomads
Palma
Another popular Spanish city with hot weather, turquoise waters, and soft sand beaches is Palma. It’s a resort city and the capital of Mallorca, one of the most famous Balearic Islands. Located in the Western Mediterranean, this city is known for its picturesque coastline, 13th-century architecture, and Spanish cuisine.
Beachgoers can relax at Playa de Palma, foodies can get lost in Mercat de Santa Catalina, and history buffs can explore the past at the Royal Palace of La Almudaina. Meanwhile, small children can have plenty of fun at Palma Aquarium. Regarding living costs, a single person’s average estimated monthly costs are $2,312, although these costs can be reduced through cheaper accommodation.
Travel Tips
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- Enjoy Free Entry at Historical Sites: Visit the Royal Palace of La Almudaina on Wednesdays and Sundays from 3 PM to 6 PM for free.
- Visit Beaches Early: Arrive at Playa de Palma by 9 AM to enjoy a quiet beach with cooler water and less crowded space.
Read also: Fun Facts About Spain
Valencia
Famous worldwide for its juicy oranges, Valencia is a gorgeous city with many exciting things to see and do. It’s also the third largest city in Spain, with a population of approximately 800,000. Valencia is one of Spain’s most expensive cities, but it’s much more affordable than Barcelona and Madrid.
The average person can live in Valencia for approximately $1,800 monthly, including rent and utilities. That’s over $500 less than Barcelona and Madrid, despite still being pricey. Valencia offers a high standard of living, a Mediterranean lifestyle, and many attractions. Popular points of interest in the city include the Central Market, Turia Gardens, Serranos Towers, and the City of Arts and Sciences.
Travel Tips
- Explore Turia Gardens on a Bike: Rent an electric bike for €10 ($10.70) per hour or €25 ($26.75) per day to bike through the beautiful 9-kilometer park.
- Explore Mercat Central de València: Visit Europe’s largest fresh produce market and enjoy olives, tapas, jamón, and local spices.
Read also: Medieval Cities and Towns in Spain
Las Palmas
Las Palmas, officially known as Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is a coastal city in the Canary Islands. The capital of Gran Canaria is a big hit with tourists who seek sunny skies, scenic beaches, turquoise waters, and rich cultural experiences. If you lived in Las Palmas, you’d likely spend most of your time by the sea.
Some of the best beaches in the city include Playa de las Alcaravaneras, Playa de Las Canteras, and Playa del Confital. Other must-visit attractions include Plaza de Santa Ana, Casa de Colón, and Mercado del Puerto. Regarding the cost of living, it costs approximately $1,696 monthly for a single person to live in Las Palmas.
Travel Tips
- Visit Santa Ana Cathedral: Explore the twin-towered Santa Ana Cathedral, the first church in the Canaries, located in the Old Town.
- Check Out Local Festivals: Plan your visit in February to experience the Carnival of Las Palmas and its colorful parades.
Read also: Affordable Spanish Beach Towns
Santa Cruz
The following Spanish city on our list is another Canary Islands gem loved for its scenic coastline, sandy beaches, and immaculate architecture. This time, we have Santa Cruz, the most populated city on the island of Tenerife. This port city is much more affordable than other cities in Spain, but its cost of living is still high.
Single people who move to Tenerife can expect to spend up to $1,700 monthly. If you were to visit the city on vacation, you would pay approximately $136 daily. In Santa Cruz, there is something for every kind of traveler. Spend time swimming in the sea, visiting historic landmarks, tucking into local cuisine, and hiking.
Travel Tips
- Visit Playa de Las Teresitas: Relax on golden sands brought from the Sahara and enjoy calm waters.
- Stargaze at Teide National Park: Enjoy clear skies and minimal light pollution with tours starting at $56.95 per person.
Read also: Budget-Friendly Cities in Spain
Zaragoza
According to Living Cost, the cost of living in Zaragoza, the capital of Spain’s Aragon region, is $1,327 monthly, including rent, utilities, food, and transport. This is a relatively low figure, especially compared to other cities across Spain and Europe. However, many more cities in Spain are more affordable, so it’s still one of the most expensive.
The crown jewel of this city is Nuestra Señora del Pilar basilica, a world-famous pilgrimage site that overlooks the Ebro River in Central Zaragoza. Meanwhile, the 11th-century Aljafería Palace is also a sight to behold, as is the 12th-century Cathedral of the Savior. The best way to experience Zaragoza is to simply explore the city’s beautiful streets in search of the grandest attractions.
Travel Tips
- Visit Aljafería Palace: Explore the 11th-century palace with Islamic architecture for €5 ($5.39).
- Try Zaragoza-Style Tapas: Enjoy different kinds of tapas like anchovies, marinades, or mushrooms in El Tubo.
Read also: Hidden Gems in Spain
Murcia
The final city on our list of Spain’s most expensive cities is Murcia, a university city in southeastern Spain famed for its beautiful architecture, picturesque surroundings, and Spanish history. In the city, life moves slower, so you can enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle filled with leisurely strolls and lazy days by the coast.
The city’s most notable attractions include Plaza Cardenal Belluga, Episcopal Palace, Romea Theatre, and Veronicas Market. Regarding living costs in Murcia, the average single person spends approximately $1,365 a month. Meanwhile, a family of four could live in the city for roughly $3,042 monthly. Again, this isn’t much, but it’s still more expensive than many Spanish cities.
Travel Tips
- Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria: Explore the baroque cathedral for free and enjoy its art, architecture, and views of Murcia from the Bell Tower.
- Explore the Mercado de Verónicas: Visit this market for fresh produce, meats, and seafood.
Read also: Famous Landmarks in Spain
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