As the global cost-of-living crisis continues, expatriates in Spain may wonder how their expenses compare to other EU countries. Despite rising costs across Europe, Spain remains one of the more affordable destinations, especially when compared to the UK and other popular European countries.
Household Expenses
In 2022, housing, food, and transportation were the biggest components of household expenses across the EU. In Spain, these costs are generally lower than in many other European countries. Spanish households spent about 22.3% of their budgets on housing, including utilities, which is less than in the UK (25.7%), France (26.2%), and Germany (24.6%).
Groceries, including food and non-alcoholic drinks, accounted for about 13% of household spending in Spain, which is slightly below the EU average of 13.6%. By contrast, UK households spent 16.7% on groceries. This indicates that food costs in Spain are relatively low, making it easier for expatriates to manage their budgets.
Transportation Costs
Transportation is another key expense, particularly for commuters and those living in remote areas. Spanish households spent about 11.9% of their budgets on transportation, compared to 13.1% in the UK and 13.5% in Germany. Combined with Spain’s efficient public transport system, this makes Spain an attractive option for those looking to save on living costs.
Healthcare Costs
While healthcare costs are generally low across the EU, Spain stands out for its affordability. Healthcare expenses in Spain accounted for just 3.2% of household spending, compared to 4.6% in France and 4.9% in Germany. For expatriates relying on public healthcare, Spain offers high-quality services at a lower cost than many other European countries.
Comparison with Other Expatriate Destinations
When compared to other popular expatriate destinations like Italy, Spain still has a cost advantage. Italy’s spending on food was slightly higher at 14.7%, and its housing costs were also higher at 24.9%.
Conclusion
Despite rising living costs across Europe, Spain continues to offer a more affordable lifestyle compared to the UK, France, Germany, and Italy. For expatriates seeking a good quality of life without high expenses, Spain remains one of the most appealing destinations in Europe.
