How Much Does It Cost to Study Abroad in Spain? A City-by-City Guide for American Students
Spain is one of the most popular destinations for American students studying abroad. With its vibrant culture, sunny weather, delicious food, and welcoming people, it’s easy to see why. But before you book your flight, it’s important to understand how much it really costs to live and study in Spain.
From Madrid to Granada, each city has its own lifestyle, housing costs, and student-friendly options. In this guide, we’ll break down the estimated monthly expenses for six popular cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Malaga, and Granada. This will give you a clear picture of what to budget before you go.
(Pro tip: Planning your budget can be overwhelming. My 1:1 coaching sessions help American students create realistic financial plans for studying abroad, so you can focus on enjoying your experience instead of stressing over money.)
1. Key Expenses to Consider
Before diving into city-specific costs, here are the main categories you’ll encounter:
Housing: The largest monthly expense. Options include student residences, shared apartments, or private studios.
Food & Groceries: Cooking at home saves money, but Spain’s tapas and café culture make dining out tempting.
Transportation: Public transit is cheap and efficient in most cities.
Social Life & Entertainment: Museums, nightlife, weekend trips, and cultural activities.
Miscellaneous: Mobile phone, internet, student fees, and small emergencies.
For most students, a realistic monthly budget in Spain ranges from €700 to €1,500, depending on the city and lifestyle.
2. Madrid: Spain’s Bustling Capital
Madrid is Spain’s largest city and a hub for culture, history, and student life, but it’s also one of the more expensive cities.
Category and Estimated Monthly Cost
Housing (shared apartment): €600–€1,000
Groceries: €200–€300
Transportation: €55–€70 (monthly metro pass)
Eating Out & Social: €150–€300
Misc / Phone / Essentials: €50–€100
Total: €1,055–€1,770
Notes:
Central Madrid apartments are pricey, but suburbs are more affordable.
Excellent cultural activities, nightlife, and travel connections.
Best for students looking for a vibrant urban experience.
3. Barcelona: Beaches, Architecture, and Student Life
Barcelona attracts students for its Mediterranean vibe, beaches, and modernist architecture.
Category and Estimated Monthly Cost
Housing: €600–€1,100
Groceries: €180–€250
Transportation: €50–€60 (monthly TMB pass)
Eating Out & Social: €150–€300
Misc / Phone / Essentials: €40–€80
Total: €1,020–€1,790
Notes:
Popular city for international students; housing fills up quickly.
Great for those who want beach access alongside city life.
Student discounts available for transportation and museums.
4. Valencia: Affordable Mediterranean Living
Valencia is a sunny, student-friendly city with lower costs than Madrid or Barcelona.
Category and Estimated Monthly Cost
Housing: €400–€700
Groceries: €150–€220
Transportation: €40–€50
Eating Out & Social: €120–€250
Misc / Phone / Essentials: €30–€70
Total: €740–€1,290
Notes:
Slightly slower pace, ideal for students who want beach + city life.
Lower rents make it more budget-friendly.
Active student scene and plenty of cultural events.
5. Sevilla (Seville): Andalusian Charm
Sevilla offers a mix of history, culture, and a warm, sunny climate.
Category and Estimated Monthly Cost
Housing: €350–€650
Groceries: €150–€200
Transportation: €30–€40
Eating Out & Social: €120–€220
Misc / Phone / Essentials: €30–€60
Total: €680–€1,170
Notes:
Smaller city but rich in festivals, flamenco culture, and student life.
Public transportation is affordable; biking is popular.
Great for students who want cultural immersion on a budget.
6. Malaga: Coastal Living & Relaxed Lifestyle
Malaga, on the Costa del Sol, combines beach life with city amenities.
Category and Estimated Monthly Cost
Housing: €400–€700
Groceries: €150–€200
Transportation: €30–€40
Eating Out & Social: €120–€220
Misc / Phone / Essentials: €30–€60
Total: €730–€1,220
Notes:
Smaller, slower-paced city with beautiful beaches.
Affordable student housing and lower living costs.
Perfect for students prioritizing sunshine and a relaxed lifestyle.
7. Granada: Student-Friendly & Affordable
Granada is famous for the Alhambra, tapas culture, and being a vibrant university city.
Category and Estimated Monthly Cost
Housing: €300–€550
Groceries: €150–€200
Transportation: €20–€30
Eating Out & Social: €100–€200
Misc / Phone / Essentials: €30–€50
Total: €600–€1,030
Notes:
Cheapest city on this list, especially for housing.
Active student population due to the University of Granada.
Great for budget-conscious students seeking cultural immersion.
8. Tips for Budgeting Smartly in Spain
Cook at Home: Tapas are fun, but cooking saves money.
Student Discounts: Museums, cinemas, and transport often have special rates.
Use Public Transport: Most cities have excellent metro/tram systems.
Plan Travel Wisely: Weekend trips are tempting, but costs add up fast.
Track Expenses: Apps like Revolut or Bunq help manage daily spending.
💡 Pro tip: I help students build personalized budgets for their city of choice, including lifestyle and travel plans, so you can enjoy Spain stress-free and save hundreds of dollars.
9. Which Spanish City Fits Your Budget?
City - Cost Range (€/month) - Best For
Madrid - €1,055–€1,770 - Urban life, cultural activities, networking
Barcelona - €1,020–€1,790 - Beach + city, international students, culture
Valencia - €740–€1,290 - Affordable Mediterranean lifestyle
Sevilla- €680–€1,170- Culture, festivals, Andalusian experience
Malaga- €730–€1,220 - Relaxed coastal lifestyle
Granada - €600–€1,030 - Budget-friendly, student-centric city
Your choice depends on budget, lifestyle, academic goals, and travel ambitions.
10. How Coaching Helps You Prepare
Spain is amazing, but managing money, housing, and travel can feel overwhelming.
In my 1:1 coaching sessions, I help American students:
Compare cities and their costs
Plan housing, groceries, and transportation budgets
Factor in travel and social expenses
Avoid surprises so you arrive confident and ready to thrive
Bottom Line:
Studying abroad in Spain can fit a wide range of budgets, from affordable Granada to vibrant Madrid and Barcelona. Understanding costs in advance and planning smartly ensures your experience is memorable for all the right reasons, not for financial stress.
