Last Updated on December 23, 2024 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
Can someone tell me about how much I can expect to spend a month for a family of 3 living in a 2-bedroom apartment in Madrid? Including groceries, utilities, etc. What other cities are more affordable? Gracias!
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
Planning your move to Spain?
Get the free step-by-step roadmap used by 10,000+ expats — covering visas, budget, housing, and the mistakes to avoid.
Start the Moving to Spain Hub →“We pay $2,300 just for rent in Madrid. Utilities are $350, and groceries depend on what you eat, but it’s way cheaper than in the US.”
“Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in the city center ranges between €1,400 and €2,500, depending on location and amenities.”
“Madrid is expensive. Outside the city, rent might be cheaper. Prices range from €1,200 to €4,000 a month. Idealista is a good website to find listings.”
“Not less than €3,500 if you’re in or near Centro. Rent alone will be at least €2,500, probably more. Utilities, phones, internet, public transportation, and food all add up. Living further out can reduce costs slightly, but you’ll spend more if you add a car.”
Need an immigration lawyer?
Spainguru's vetted lawyers have helped 10,000+ expats with NLV, Digital Nomad, Student, and Golden Visa applications.
See Vetted Lawyers →“If you’re willing to squeeze a little, you might manage with €2,500 per month.”
“No less than €3,500 monthly without a car or extras like travel or entertainment.”
“Salamanca and other cities are much more affordable than Madrid.”
“Madrid is expensive for Spain, but not for what it offers.”
“Almost any other city in Spain would be less expensive.”
“Here’s a video with budget scenarios depending on location and renting vs. buying: Can you live in Spain with $2,000 per month?.”
Conclusion
The monthly cost for a family of three living in Madrid varies greatly depending on lifestyle and location. Rent is the largest expense, ranging from €1,200 on the outskirts to over €2,500 in central areas. Additional costs like utilities, groceries, and transportation push the total monthly budget to €2,500–€3,500 for a modest lifestyle.
Exploring neighborhoods outside the city center or considering more affordable cities like Salamanca can help lower costs. Using resources like Idealista for housing and budget planning tools can further optimize expenses.
Get your free step-by-step Spain move plan
10 emails over 2 weeks covering visas, budget, housing & the mistakes to avoid.
Join 10,000+ expats who used this roadmap.
100% free · No credit card · Unsubscribe anytime
