Are you considering moving to Spain? You’re not the only one! Spain is one of the most popular destinations for British expats, who are eager to swap grey skies for sunny beaches and a more affordable way of life. But just how much cheaper is it really to live in Spain than in the UK? Before you start packing up your treasured belongings, you’ll want to make sure you have a firm understanding of the cost of living in Spain vs the UK.
From housing to groceries, transport to healthcare, there’s a lot to think about when planning an international move and having the facts from the get-go can make all the difference. Let’s take a look at the real difference in the cost of living between Spain and the UK!
Housing Costs: Spain vs UK
Let’s start by looking at one of the biggest monthly costs to people: housing. Depending on your lifestyle and situation, your housing costs will vary wildly, but here, we paint a picture of what you might be able to expect in Spain.
Renting a Home in Spain
The good news is, if you’re planning to rent, you’ll be elated to know that rental prices in Spain are typically much lower than those in the UK.
On average, in major Spanish cities like Madrid or Barcelona, a one-bedroom, city centre apartment typically ranges between €900–€1,200. The equivalent in London would easily set you back £2,000 or more per month, and even other major cities like Birmingham or Manchester average between £900–£1,200 for city-centre living.
Move outside the city centre in Spain, and you can find a similar apartment for around €700 or less.
Buying Property in Spain
If you’re in the position to purchase property in Spain, you can look forward to great value. The average price per square metre in Spain is drastically lower than in the UK. In some cities, such as Valencia or Alicante, you might pay somewhere around €2,000. In comparison, property prices in London can reach £10,000 per square metre or more.
But the chances are, if you’re looking to move to Spain, you might be looking to get away from it all and enjoy one of the country’s many sunny, sleepy coastal towns or seaside villages. These offer even more affordable options, making them ideal locations for retirees, remote workers, or families looking for a real change in lifestyle.
It’s important to bear in mind that in both Spain and the UK, costs can swing dramatically depending on where you are. Regional variations are important to consider, so make sure to factor this in when you’re deciding on the best place in Spain to live.
Cost of Groceries and Dining Out
Your weekly shop or meal out is another area where costs can vary greatly from Spain to the UK. If you’re looking to save on this particular cost, you’ll be pleased to know that this is another point for the Spain column.
Groceries in Spain
On average, essential groceries in Spain come in cheaper than in the UK. In particular, fresh produce is more affordable, thanks to Spain’s agricultural variety. Local markets, also known as mercados, are the perfect place to pick up fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as meat and fish. These are often cheaper and fresher than what you’ll find in Spanish supermarkets, so what’s not to like?
Here’s a quick look at the cost differences between some cupboard and fridge stables in the UK vs Spain:
Product
UK (avg cost)
Spain (avg cost)*
Milk (1 litre)
£1.00
€0.90 (£0.76)
Bread (loaf)
£1.30
€1.10 (£0.93)
Eggs (12)
£2.50
€2.00 (£1.70)
Chicken (1kg)
£6.00
€5.00 (£4.22)
Apples (1kg)
£2.00
€1.50 (£1.27)
Rice (1kg)
£1.50
€1.20 (£1.01)
Bottle of wine
£7.00
€4.00 (£3.37)
Dining Out
Spain’s irresistible cafe culture and restaurant scene are not just vibrant but also surprisingly affordable. A three-course meal at your typical, mid-range Spanish restaurant will cost you between €15–€25 per person, while the equivalent meal in the UK would set you back somewhere between £25–£40 per person.
Even an essential coffee (café solo or café con leche) costs just €1.50 in Spain, compared to a whopping £3–£3.50 in a UK high street coffee chain. Thanks to the consistently lower costs, dining out isn’t seen as a rare treat in Spain, but a common occurrence.
Transport Costs
Getting around is another important element to consider when looking at Spain vs the UK. This is especially true if you’re relocating to a city where you’ll need to rely on public transportation.
Public Transport
In general, Spain’s public transport system is cheaper than in the UK and is perfectly reliable. A monthly travel pass for buses, trams, and metro services in cities like Madrid and Barcelona typically costs between €40–€55. In comparison, a similar monthly pass in London can cost over £150, while regional UK cities like Manchester or Birmingham average between £70–£100.
Healthcare Costs
Another very important factor to consider is your health when moving abroad. This is especially important if you’re planning to retire in another country or live there long term.
Public Healthcare
Spain’s public health system, known as Sistema Nacional de Salud, is well-regarded and offers free or low-cost healthcare options to residents. Once you have registered with Spain’s social security system, you’ll be eligible for public health services. This includes visits to a GP and hospital care, which are typically free at the point of first use.
In comparison, the UK has the NHS, which also offers free care. However, this is funded through taxes and national insurance. This care is also free at the point of delivery, but waiting times for specialist appointments or to see a GP have grown in the last decade, which has led to many Brits also opting to take out private health plans.
Private Healthcare
Another popular option with expats who want to make sure they have fast access to private clinics and specialists is private healthcare. Typically, you can expect private health insurance to cost between €50–€150 per month, depending on your age and the level of coverage you need.
In comparison, private insurance in the UK can range between £100 to £250 per month for similar coverage, which is considerably more expensive. A large number of expats in Spain decide to take the hybrid approach – using public healthcare for day-to-day care, and private care for quick, specialist care. This is very similar to the approach that many Brits in the UK take, but comes at a lower price.
When comparing the cost of living in Spain and the UK side by side, it’s clear to see that Spain offers a better lifestyle in many areas. From lower housing and food costs to cheaper transport and better value healthcare, the overall cost of living in Spain can be a lot less than in the UK, while still maintaining a good quality of life.
Bear in mind that exact expenses will depend on your chosen area of Spain and your lifestyle, but for many, the savings can be significant. So, whether you’re dreaming of a busy lifestyle in a bustling Spanish city or the quiet life in a small village, your money will likely get you much further than in the UK.
If you’re ready to take the next step and start planning your move to Spain, working with an experienced and trusted removals company can make or break your experience when it comes to an international move. Our team is here to help every step of the way, from packing to unboxing, and everything in between.
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