Cost of Living in Spain for International Students 2023

Being a country which offers much freedom, higher education opportunities and leisurely experiences to international students, it is no more concealed why expatriates from all across the globe are targeting Spain for academic as well as living purposes. Be it a short course or a long one which you wish to pursue from a Spanish university, you will need a proper residence to stay in and spend your academic tenure. Being one of the cheapest and most affordable European countries, it is one of the most popular study destinations in the world for overseas students. With such a friendly and cheerful living atmosphere, spending your academic tenure living in Spain is better than living in other expensive countries and totally worth it.

It is absolutely normal to worry and be excited at the same time before finalizing your decision. You will have to take care of budgeting while planning to move to Spain for studying. After all, spending so much and moving to an international location to pursue a program is an investment to secure your future. Act smart and do your homework well before you lock your choice. Do not just rely on the internet but also explore the possibilities of reaching out to the universities yourself.

You can visit the official website of your chosen institutes and call or e-mail them your query regarding how your stay would be taken care of and the kind of accommodations offered if any.

Check: International Students’ Guide to Study in Spain

Student-friendly cities in Spain

Figures shown as per current conversion rates (February 23, 2023)

Now, it depends on person to person how much he or she will have to expend while living in Spain. Every individual has a different liking and choice when it comes to staying at a place and maintaining a lifestyle. Many things such as utilities provided, food, location of the place, popularity, etc are taken into account when one searches for a place of residence. Depending upon your need and preference, staying in Spain can ultimately turn out to be very cheap or perhaps expensive for you. Most of the students coming from abroad wish to make their stay as economical as possible. On average, an international student may have to pay anywhere from 900 EUR to 1,000 EUR monthly. This figure also includes your food, rent, utilities, entertainment activities, and other miscellaneous things.

Student Accommodation: Types and Costs

Students who secure admission in Spanish universities are usually provided accommodation in student residence halls (Colegios Mayores) or apartments. Rent in each Spanish university varies according to its location and various other related factors. Those opting to study in Barcelona or Madrid will have to pay more than those choosing any other city in Spain. You will also have to include the cost of travel and food in your calculations when you plan an overall living budget. For the unversed, in Barcelona, an apartment costs around 850 Euro and in Madrid a one-bedroom apartment will of 1,000 Euro monthly.

• University dormitories: University dormitories are great to live in with students of the same age and course. But the only thing is that not every Spanish university offers them. Even if they offer, the same is allotted on a first-come-first basis. Students are therefore suggested to apply for these at the earliest. Staying in a dormitory is great for those who don’t wish to spend much on transport as you will be living just nearby the university campus only, which you can reach by walking.

         Price Range: 400 Euros to 800 Euros monthly

• Family Housing: You can always opt to live with a local Spanish family in order to get the home away from home feeling. These families being well versed in Spanish may be a great source of help for those yearning to learn the language in their free time. They can even help you get around and get acquainted with the new city and important places such as markets, hospitals, post offices, eateries, etc.

         Price Range: 15 Euros to 20 Euros per day

• Shared Apartments: In case you have classmates or friends with whom you wish to stay or who are also looking for residential accommodations, you all can rent an apartment. This way you’ll be individually paying for your rooms, washroom facilities, electricity, kitchen, hall, etc. Just keep in mind that such apartments are more expensive than most of the other types of living spaces.

         Price Range: 150 Euros to 300 Euros weekly

• Private Apartments: These are the most expensive of all. Students entering the first year of their college studies should avoid choosing this type of accommodation as it may burn a hole in their pockets.

         Price Range: 600 Euros to 1,000 Euros monthly

Check: Part-time work options in Spain for International Students

Average Food Cost in Spain

Figures shown as per current conversion rates (February 23, 2023)

Ways International Students can reduce living costs in Spain

• Choose a less expensive city to pursue your studies.
• Choose a university or college where the tuition fee is not too high.
• Apply for a scholarship if you meet all the set requirements for the same.
• Opt for programs with a shorter duration such as January programs, immersive 5-week summer programs, etc. This way you’ll be able to gain the right skills in a short period with less tuition fee.
• Earn while you learn. If your program allows, pick up a part-time job which will help you earn that extra cash.
• Buy second-hand study products when you’re living in Spain.

Students who have any queries related to studying in Spain or any other country can reach out to the Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors by clicking here.