Spain is a popular destination for language assistants looking for an international experience. One of the biggest factors to consider when deciding to live abroad is the cost of living. In this blog post, we will provide you with an overview of the average cost of living in Spain as a Language Assistant and give you some tips to help you budget and manage your expenses.
Cost of Housing in Spain
The cost of housing in Spain varies depending on the city and region. Madrid and Barcelona are the most expensive cities, while smaller cities like Granada and Valencia are more affordable. As a Language Assistant, you can expect to earn around €900 per month, and your monthly rent should not exceed 30% of your income.
In cities like Madrid and Barcelona, the average cost of renting a bedroom in a shared apartment is around €300-€500 per month. However, if you are willing to live outside the city center you can find more affordable options. In smaller cities, you can find a one-bedroom apartment for around €500-€700 per month.
Source: Idealista and Pisocompartido
Cost of Meals
Spain is known for its delicious food, and eating out is a big part of the culture. However, eating out can also be expensive, especially in touristy areas. As a Language Assistant, you can expect to earn enough to cover your basic needs, including food.
In Spain, it is common to have a big lunch and a lighter dinner. A typical lunch menu or “menú del día” includes a starter, main course, dessert, and a drink, and costs around €10-€15. If you prefer to cook at home, you can find affordable groceries at supermarkets like Mercadona, Lidl, and Aldi.
Cost of Transportation
Spain has an excellent transportation system, including trains, buses, and metros. The cost of transportation varies depending on the city and region. In Madrid and Barcelona, a monthly metro pass costs between €13-€20, while in smaller cities it can be cheaper.
If you prefer to cycle, Spain has an extensive network of bike lanes, and many cities have bike-sharing services like BiciMAD in Madrid and Bicing in Barcelona.
Other Expenses
Other expenses to consider when living in Spain include phone, internet, and entertainment. Utilities like electricity, water, and gas usually are included in the price when renting a room. If not, they could add around €20-€40 per month, depending on your usage. Internet and mobile phone plans start at around €15 per month.
Spain has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many free or affordable things to do, including visiting museums, parks, and beaches. However, if you want to attend concerts or events, the cost can range from €10-€50.
Average Cost of Living in Spain
Living in Spain as a language assistant can be an affordable and rewarding experience. By managing your expenses, you can enjoy all that Spain has to offer without breaking the bank. To summarize, your monthly expenses as a Language Assistant in Spain should be around:
- Housing: €300-€500
- Groceries: €70-€100
- Transportation: €13-€20
- Utilities: €20-€40 (if not included in the room rental price)
- Internet and mobile phone: €15-€30
- Entertainment: €50-€100
Keep in mind that these are average costs, and they can vary depending on your lifestyle and location. By doing your research and budgeting wisely, you can make the most out of your experience as a Language Assistant in Spain.
2 Responses
I think this article is very misleading. Groceries are extremely expensive now, I know no one who spends 70-100 on groceries per month. Not to mention, saying 300-500 in Barcelona and madrid is possible is just not realistic. Finding somewhere in madrid for less than 500 is nearly impossible. This article risks people being completely mislead and misunderstanding exactly how much money they will need to live here, which could cause them major problems.
Thank you for your feedback, Emma. It is always interesting to have a different point of view. The cost of groceries is an estimation based on the experience of other Language Assistants. Of course, this will vary depending on each person’s lifestyle. We just wanted to show that it is possible to budget if you want to. Regarding the rental costs, this information is based on the currently published ads on Idealista and Pisocompartido, which are two of the main shared accommodation websites in Spain. You can check the prices by clicking directly on the links provided in the blog post.