Cost of Living in Spain in 2026: Transport and Grocery Prices

The cost of living in Spain in 2026 remains one of the most affordable in Western Europe. In this guide, we break down monthly living expenses, focusing on transport costs and grocery prices, with real numbers and practical examples.

The main points related to property and utility bills in Spain have been covered. Next up are transport costs and food prices in Spain. So, how much does it cost to live in Spain?

Average transport costs in Spain (2026)

Many people prefer to travel by public transport. This mainly applies to life in large cities, where the system is convenient, inexpensive and well-organised.

Public transport in Spain

• Metro. A single journey on the metro, for example in Barcelona , costs €2.55, 10-journey ticket or T-casual - 12,15 €. In other large cities, metro prices are about the same.
• Bus. The average cost of a bus ticket in Spain is €1.50 within the city.

You can travel between cities by bus and train. For example, a bus ticket from Madrid to Alicante costs from €29, depending on the time of day (it is cheaper to travel at night).

• Taxis. This mode of transport is also common here. The initial fare is €2.55, and €1.50 for each kilometre. This means that a 20 km taxi ride, for example, will cost you approximately €25.

Also, bicycle rental (MiBici) has recently become popular in large cities, costing approximately €40 per year.

An unlimited number of trips lasting less than 30 minutes are available, but after 31 minutes, the meter starts running and you are charged €0.50 for every additional 30 minutes.

Electric scooters are also often rented to get from one point of the city to another. The cost of a trip starts at €0.13 per minute.

Personal car

In small towns and villages in Spain, people prefer to use their own transport.

Having a driving licence and, accordingly, a car is much more convenient here, as all the necessary facilities are located far from each other, and it is much more practical to get to them by car.

And parking your car is usually not a problem in such places either.

Usually, after moving, if interested in purchasing a vehicle, people rent a car for a certain period (the cost varies, but is generally from €25 per day) to search for a suitable option.

The cost of a used car starts at €4,000. Although you may be lucky and find something cheaper, the main thing is to check everything thoroughly, because cheap does not necessarily mean good.

Thanks to modern technology, the search should not take long. And if you have a good budget for buying a new car, you will quickly find a vehicle to get around in.

Other car maintenance costs

• Car tax. Most drivers in Spain pay between €60 and €145 per year.
• Insurance. Depending on the car you choose, insurance will cost you €400–800 per year.
• Fuel. The cost of petrol is from 1.60 per litre, diesel from 1.45, depending on the region.

Food products — prices in supermarkets

Spain is famous for its variety of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, smoked meats and much more.

Of course, the cost depends on many factors, but here are the average prices for basic products in Spanish supermarkets for 2026:

These prices are approximate; for example, at the height of the season, tomatoes can be bought for as little as €1 per kilogram.

💡 Large supermarkets often offer discounts on certain products, such as in-store promotions or items with expiry dates approaching, which often does not reduce the quality of the goods.

📊 Example of a monthly budget (food + transport)

One person

• Food: 200–300 €
• Transport: 40–60 €

Total: 240–360 €

Couple

• Food: 350–450 €
• Transport: 70–100 €

Total: 420-550 €

How much does it cost to go to a restaurant in Spain?

The average bill for a meal for four people in a restaurant is €80. A bottle of water in such places costs €1.50, a cup of coffee €1.50-2, a glass of wine €2.50, a glass of beer €2.50-3, and juice €2.50 per glass.

The cost of dishes starts at €10. A serving of paella (a typical Spanish dish), for example, can be enjoyed in some restaurants for €15, while in others it costs €20 or even more.

Grilled meat (carne parillada) - from €18 per serving, usually served with French fries as a side dish. Pasta and lasagne - €10-15 per serving.

The prices are approximate, of course, as restaurants are all different.

Very often, you can find small stands near restaurants and cafés with menus and prices written on them - this is the menu del dia (menu of the day) - lunch, which includes one drink (water, juice or a glass of beer/wine), a first course, a second course, dessert and/or coffee.

This menu is only available from 12:00 to 16:00.

If you want to have lunch at a restaurant and you see a menu del dia, go ahead, you'll be fed to your heart's content! And the bill won't be as high as if you ordered dishes from the menu.

The only downside is that this menu only includes what the restaurant has prepared for that day, and you can choose from two or three dishes, but that makes it even more interesting, as you have the opportunity to try something you might never have thought of ordering!

Well, a visit to a Spanish McDonald's will cost around €12-15 per person. There are many similar cafés in Spain where you can enjoy an inexpensive and tasty snack.