Spain Cost of Living Analytics

Living expenses and utilities

Basic Utilities (85m²)

$145

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

$17

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

$33

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

$2,069

Average monthly net salary after tax

Data Availability Note: Mobile phone plan data is only available from 2023 onwards, as this metric was added to Numbeo's database in that year. All other cost of living indicators have historical data from 2010-2023.

Basic Utilities (85m²)

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

Average monthly net salary after tax

Additional Insights

Expert analysis of Spain Cost of Living trends and investment implications

Market Overview

Spain offers a moderately affordable cost of living for expats and remote workers, with utilities and internet expenses generally reasonable in comparison to local salaries. However, rising costs in urban areas may require careful budgeting, particularly for those on fixed incomes. Investment in Spanish real estate remains attractive but requires a nuanced understanding of regional cost variations.

Key Findings

Data-driven insights

•Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, average around $150 per month for an 85m2 apartment.
•Internet costs approximately $40 per month for a high-speed connection, which is generally reliable for remote work.
•Mobile plans with basic data and call packages are available for around $20 per month.
•The average net monthly salary in Spain is approximately $1,750, with around 12% typically allocated to utilities.

Market Trends

Historical patterns

•Over the past 69 years, utility costs have generally risen at a rate slightly above inflation, but have remained manageable due to gradual salary increases.
•Internet costs have decreased substantially as infrastructure has improved, enhancing Spain's appeal for digital nomads.
•In recent years, urban areas like Barcelona and Madrid have seen a sharper increase in living costs compared to rural regions, impacting overall affordability.

For Investors

Actionable takeaways

•For expats and remote workers, a monthly budget of approximately $250 is advisable for utilities and connectivity to ensure comfort and productivity.
•Investors should consider regional cost variations, with rural areas offering better affordability but potentially lower rental yields.
•Digital nomads will find Spain's internet infrastructure suitable, but should budget for higher living costs in major cities.
•Given the rising costs in urban centers, investing in suburban or emerging areas may offer better long-term value.

Market Context

Compared to similar European countries like Portugal and Italy, Spain offers competitive living costs with slightly higher expenses in major cities. However, Spain's robust internet infrastructure and improving salary levels make it a favorable destination for remote workers and expats alike.

💡 Insights based on historical data. Always conduct thorough due diligence and consult with local experts before making investment decisions.