As the cost of living crisis continues around the world, expats in Spain may be curious to see how their cost of living compares to the rest of the EU.

According to Eurostat, despite rising costs across Europe, the lifestyle in Spain remains more affordable, especially compared to the UK and other popular destinations.

Household expenditure

According to the 2022 figures, housing, food and transport made up the largest share of household spending across the EU. These necessities were generally cheaper in Spain than in several other European countries. The average Spanish household spent about 22.3 percent of its budget on housing, including utilities. This was slightly less than in the UK, where housing costs accounted for 25.7 percent. The figures for France and Germany were 26.2 percent and 24.6 percent respectively.

Food (food and non-alcoholic beverages) was also a significant expense. In Spain, households spent around 13 percent of their budget on it, which was slightly lower than the EU average of 13.6 percent. In comparison, spending in the UK was higher at 16.7 percent. These results reflect the comparatively low cost of food in Spain, making it easier for expatriates to balance their budgets.

Transport costs

Transport costs are an important factor – especially for commuters and/or people living in remote areas. According to the figures, Spanish households spent around 11.9 percent of their budget on transport, compared to 13.1 percent in the UK and 13.5 percent in Germany. This, along with a continuously expanding public transport system, makes Spain attractive for a cheap life.

Health expenditure

While healthcare costs are typically low across the EU, Spain stands out for its affordability. In Spain, healthcare accounted for just 3.2 percent of household spending, compared to 4.6 percent in France and 4.9 percent in Germany. For those who rely on public healthcare, Spain offers high-quality services at a lower cost compared to several other European countries.

Comparing Spain with other popular expat destinations such as Italy, the data shows that Spain has a cost advantage. Italian households spent slightly less on food (14.7 percent), but housing costs were higher (24.9 percent).

In summary, despite the rising cost of living across Europe, Spain continues to offer a more affordable lifestyle, especially when compared to the UK, France, Germany and Italy. Spain remains one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for expats looking for a good standard of living without breaking the bank.