Discover The REAL Financial Costs Of Moving To Spain

Moving to Spain is a dream for many, but what does it really cost? In this guide, we break down the actual financial commitments involved in relocating — covering everything from renting versus buying a home to schooling, healthcare, and the cost of daily life. If you’re considering making the move, understanding these financial aspects will help you plan ahead and avoid unexpected expenses.

🏡 Renting vs. Buying in Spain – What Are the Upfront Costs?

One of the first big decisions when moving to Spain is whether to rent or buy. Renting can be a smart choice if you’re unfamiliar with the area and want flexibility before committing to a purchase. However, renting in Spain often requires a significant upfront payment. Most landlords request one or two months of deposit, an agency fee (equivalent to one month’s rent), and sometimes even six to twelve months of rent in advance—especially if you don’t have a Spanish work contract.

For a good rental property, expect to pay:

• €1,500 – €2,500 per month for a decent apartment or small villa in a desirable area.
• Upfront costs: €9,600 – €30,000+ (6-12 months of rent, deposit & agency fees).

If you choose to buy, Spanish banks offer mortgage financing, but typically only up to 70% of the property’s value for non-residents. A €400,000 property would require a €120,000 down payment plus closing costs of 10-12% (including taxes, legal fees, and notary expenses).

💰 Hidden Expenses – What Most People Forget to Budget For!

Beyond rent or a mortgage, there are plenty of additional costs that many new expats overlook. These include:

• Moving Costs: Shipping belongings can cost upwards of €12,000 for a container from North America.
• Utility Setup: Some landlords require tenants to set up their own electricity, gas, and water accounts.
• Furniture & Appliances: Many Spanish rentals come unfurnished, so you may need to budget for furniture.
• Renovations or Home Improvements: If buying, minor upgrades or adding air conditioning can cost thousands.

📜 Visa & Legal Fees – How Much Does It REALLY Cost to Get Residency?

Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and purpose for moving to Spain. If you’re an EU citizen, the process is relatively simple, but for non-EU residents, there are costs involved.

• Non-Lucrative Visa (for retirees or those with passive income): Around €1,000 in application fees, plus legal assistance if needed.
• Golden Visa (for property buyers investing €500,000+): Processing fees of €5,000-€10,000 plus real estate costs.
• Work or Digital Nomad Visa: Various costs depending on sponsorship and paperwork requirements.

If using a lawyer to handle the process, expect to pay an additional €1,500 – €3,000 for assistance with residency applications.

🚗 Buying or Renting a Car? – What’s the Better Financial Choice?

If you’re living in a walkable city like Málaga or Valencia, a car may not be necessary. However, in suburban or coastal areas like the Costa del Sol, owning a car is often essential.

• Renting a car: Can range from €350 – €900 per month, depending on the model.
• Buying a second-hand car: Prices start at €15,000 – €25,000 for a reliable vehicle.
• Insurance & Maintenance: Expect €800 – €1,200 per year in car insurance and service costs.

Many expats start with a rental before committing to purchasing a car. Keep in mind that second-hand cars in Spain tend to be more expensive than in other parts of Europe.

🏫 Schooling Costs – Public vs. Private & International Schools

If you’re moving with children, schooling is an important consideration. Spain offers free public education, but many expats opt for private or international schools, especially if they don’t speak Spanish fluently.

• Public Schools: Free but often require residency registration and Spanish proficiency.
• Private Schools: Costs range from €600 – €1,800 per month per child, depending on the institution.
• International Schools: These cater to English-speaking families and can cost between €10,000 – €20,000 per year.

In most cases, newly arrived expats need to enroll their children in private schools initially before transitioning to the public system.

🩺 Healthcare in Spain – Public vs. Private Insurance Costs

Spain’s healthcare system is ranked among the best in the world. While EU citizens can access the public system (Seguridad Social), non-EU residents must purchase private health insurance to qualify for visas.

• Public Healthcare: Free for registered residents and employees paying into social security.
• Private Insurance: Costs vary but typically range from €60 – €200 per month per person.
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Seeing a private doctor costs €50-€100 per visit, but hospital care is affordable.

Many expats use a combination of public and private healthcare for faster access to specialists.

🛒 Cost of Living Breakdown – Utilities, Groceries & Eating Out

Spain is known for its affordable cost of living, but expenses depend on your lifestyle and location.

• Utilities: Electricity bills range from €80 – €200 per month, water around €50 per month.
• Groceries: A family of four spends around €800 – €1,000 per month on food.
• Eating Out: A simple tapas meal can cost €10-€15 per person, while high-end dining is €50-€100 per person.

Many expats find that living in Spain allows for a great quality of life, with fresh produce and dining options at reasonable prices.

👔 Finding Work in Spain – Can You Work Remotely or Find a Job Locally?

Many new expats continue working remotely for companies in their home country, while others look for local employment.

• Tech & Digital Jobs: Málaga is becoming a major tech hub with opportunities in IT, startups, and remote work.
• Tourism & Hospitality: Seasonal jobs in hotels and restaurants are common but often pay lower wages.
• Real Estate & Sales: Expats with sales skills can find opportunities in property and relocation services.

If you plan to work in Spain, researching visa requirements and securing a job beforehand can make the transition smoother.

📊 2025 Real Estate Trends – Is Spain Still an Affordable Place to Live?

Spain has long been known for affordable property prices, but in recent years, costs have risen—especially in high-demand areas like Marbella, Málaga, and Madrid. However, there are still great investment opportunities in emerging locations.

• La Cala de Mijas, Calanova Golf & La Cala Golf: These areas offer a mix of beachfront, golf course living, and family-friendly communities.
• New Developments: Off-plan properties can offer better deals, often requiring a 30% down payment with flexible installment plans.
• Rental Demand: The rise of remote workers and retirees is driving rental prices up, making investment properties a strong option.

While Spain is no longer the ultra-cheap destination it once was, it still offers excellent value compared to other European countries.

Final Thoughts

Moving to Spain requires careful financial planning, but with the right preparation, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Whether you’re renting, buying, or investing in property, knowing the costs upfront will help you avoid surprises and make a smooth transition.

If you’re thinking of moving to Spain and need expert advice, Hoi Huizen is here to help! Contact us today to explore your real estate options and start your journey to a new life in Spain.

📞 Call/WhatsApp: +34 645 58 60 63
🌍 Visit our website: Hi Huizen Marbella
📧 Email: [email protected]