# How much does it cost to live in Spain in 2026?

In October 2026, one person in Madrid or Valencia needs roughly $1,500 to $2,200 a month for rent, food, transport and public health cover. A couple needs about $1,950 to $2,900, and costs vary widely by city.

Dollar figures use the European Central Bank reference rate of 1.1181 dollars per euro for 12 October 2026. Prices come from Numbeo's crowd-sourced data, updated 10 to 12 October 2026, unless noted.

Rent: a one-bedroom outside central Valencia averaged about $1,058 a month, and about $1,421 in the center. In Madrid, the figures were about $1,192 outside the center and $1,489 in it.

Food: Numbeo's minimum grocery budget for Madrid was about $339 per person a month. We allow up to about $500 if you eat out often. Transport: monthly passes were 33 euros in Madrid and 35 euros in Valencia.

Health: after one year of registered residence, people without other public coverage can join the public system through the convenio especial. The Ministry of Health lists 60 euros a month under age 65 and 157 euros from 65. That is about $67 or $176, and you need other cover until you qualify.

Totals: these four lines come to about $1,500 to $2,200 for one person and $1,950 to $2,900 for a couple. Utilities, phone and leisure are extra. Madrid utilities averaged about $188 a month.

## Sources

- [Euro foreign exchange reference rates](https://www.ecb.europa.eu/stats/policy_and_exchange_rates/euro_reference_exchange_rates/html/index.en.html), European Central Bank
- [Convenio especial de prestación de asistencia sanitaria](https://www.sanidad.gob.es/servCiudadanos/internacional/convenioEspecial.htm), Ministerio de Sanidad, Spain
- [Cost of Living in Madrid](https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Madrid), Numbeo
- [Cost of Living in Valencia](https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Valencia), Numbeo
- [Food Prices in Madrid, Spain](https://www.numbeo.com/food-prices/in/Madrid), Numbeo

Facts checked 2026-10-13. Next review by 2027-01-13. Written and reviewed by Todd Allyn, Sovereo Intelligence Research. Canonical page: https://www.sovereo.com/answers/how-much-does-it-cost-to-live-in-spain-in-2026/
Educational research, not legal, tax, immigration or financial advice.