Spain's Living Cost

Housing costs are higher in urban communities and unfortunately, Spaniards who did not have a chance to purchase homes when prices were lower or reasonable, cannot find homes without paying more than the average income to for average housing.  Housing ends up costing a very high percentage of a persons’ income.  That seems strange to me because food or most cafes are only a Euro or two. 

Therefore, most people can afford to eat in the country for a lot less; the cost of food is a real bargain.  Unfortunately, food is not the only necessity though, housing is a huge cost, and most people in Spain pack their entire family in tiny apartments because they have too.  So, Spaniards spend the majority of their time in restaurants and café to socialize with others.  

  

Prices are on the rise and the Euro is slowly increasing costs.  Currently, the Euro has made prices raise and eventually round up to the nearest Euro.  So, obviously the conversion will continue to change.  Remember a few things if you decide to live in Spain: electricity is inexpensive, typically costing 30 to 35 euros per month.  Your telephone bill is based on a flat rate, costing only 20 euros per month.  

   

The cost of food for two people will run between 300 and 350 euros per month.  For example, the average restaurant bill would cost you ten euros for two people and if you order an alcoholic beverage, it would only be two euros extra on the bill.  That is extremely cheap compared to what you may pay in the United States.  If you are a movie person, you can plan on spending approximately five euros for each cinema.  

  

Also, for a full work week of child care, the average cost is twenty euros and for a full month of child care, the going rate is eighty euros.  This would include five hours a day of child care.  However, in Spain this amount fluctuates depending on the person’s qualifications for watching your child.  In addition, the country has public schooling and most of the schools are Catholic parochial schooling which is very much supported by the Spanish government.  All schooling fees are minimal and the education is worth every penny.