Independent Travel
How expensive is Spain? How much money do I need for Spain?
How much does a trip to Spain cost? Is Spain cheap or expensive? The average Spain trip cost is broken down by category here for Independent travelers. All of these Spain prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers to find the price of travel.
Accommodation Budget in Spain
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Spain is €67. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Spain is €134. This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Spain? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Transportation Budget in Spain
Calculated from travelers like you
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The cost of a taxi ride in Spain is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent €27 per person, per day, on local transportation in Spain.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
€27
Typical prices for Transportation in Spain are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Transportation prices in Spain, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
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Metro
€2.10
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Bus Ride
€1.25
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Metro from Airport
€2.90
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Bus Ride
€3.50
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Airport Bus
€5.00
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7 Trip Bus Pass
€5.00
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Taxi Ride
€6.80
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10 Trip Metro Ticket
€7.80
Intercity Transportation Budget in Spain
Calculated from travelers like you
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Transportation between cities and towns in Spain costs an average of €114, based on spending from travelers. Naturally, prices vary by the length of the route, the type of transportation used, and the date.
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Intercity Transportation1
Travel between cities
€114
How much does it cost to go to Spain? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Spain will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Typical prices for Intercity Transportation in Spain are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Intercity Transportation prices in Spain, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Food Budget in Spain
Calculated from travelers like you
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While meal prices in Spain can vary, the average cost of food in Spain is €40 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Spain should cost around €16 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Spain is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
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Food2
Meals for one day
€40
Typical prices for Food in Spain are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Spain, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
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Breakfast for 2
€8.00
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Dinner for 2
€44
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Dinner for 2
€30
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Gelatto
€2.50
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Tapas on the beach
€8.28
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Lunch
€11
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Lunch for 2
€11
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Lunch for 2
€31
Entertainment Budget in Spain
Calculated from travelers like you
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Entertainment and activities in Spain typically cost an average of €27 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
€27
Typical prices for Entertainment in Spain are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Spain, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
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Food and Tapas Tour (for 2)
€54
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Walking Tour (for 2)
€60
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Catamaran Cruise (for 2)
€67
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Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)
€120
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Valle de los Caídos Monument
€6.00
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Tower of Hercules
€3.00
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Cadiz Sightseeing Tour
€15
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Concert
€31
Tips and Handouts Budget in Spain
Calculated from travelers like you
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Spain
Calculated from travelers like you
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Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Spain is €3.89, as reported by travelers.
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Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
€3.89
Alcohol Budget in Spain
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about €19 on alcoholic beverages in Spain per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
€19
Typical prices for Alcohol in Spain are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Alcohol prices in Spain, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
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Coffee
€3.10
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Drinks and Tapas (for 2)
€13
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1 Pint Beer
€2.00
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Beer
€2.80
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Celebratory Shots
€5.00
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Beer
€1.20
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Bottle of Wine
€1.65
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Beer
€3.00
Water Budget in Spain
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, people spend €3.38 on bottled water in Spain per day. The public water in Spain is considered safe to drink.
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Water2
Bottled water for one day
€3.38
Last Updated: Jul 11, 2023
Spain On a Budget
Madrid
Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula beside Portugal in southern Europe. It is at the western end of the Mediterranean Sea and has a pleasant climate with warm summers and mild winters. Spain has managed to maintain its unique culture, which is rooted in its history, architecture, art, cuisine, and of course, its people. People go to Spain for a variety of reasons ranging from its beaches, to its shopping, to its vibrant nightlife. There is also a rich catholic history in Spain which is apparent in its fascinating cathedrals and traditional small towns. One of the most popular activities in Spain is to participate in the Camino de Santiago, a 780 kilometer walk from France into Spain and ultimately ending in Santiago de Compostela. Those participating in the walk are referred to as "pilgrims" and the journey is as much spiritual as it is physical.
Spain's coastline has grown in popularity in recent decades to the point that most towns are filled with foreigners during the warm spring, summer and fall months. You'll be hard pressed to find a town that remains undiscovered, but you even in the most touristy cities you can still enjoy the turquoise waters, warm sun, and excellent restaurants and clubs that are in no short supply. Spain's Mediterranean climate offers a wonderful escape if you're visiting Europe during the chilly winter months. This is also a peak time in some areas so it is best to plan ahead and come armed with reservations.
Spain was once a budget travel destination, but it is no more. With the rapid influx of tourism has come a rise in costs for everything from accommodation to food and drinks. Particularly along the coastline you'll find that costs are surprisingly high. To help you keep costs down consider eating a nice lunch out and cooking for dinner. Most restaurants offer a discounted "menu of the day" during the lunch hours so you can enjoy a filling meal for a fraction of the cost. Buses are also much cheaper than trains, so if your schedule allows, consider skipping the train and taking a bus. Spain is also a great country to consider couchsurfing. There's an active community and it's a great way to experience the culture first hand.
At A Glance
- There's a surprising amount of things to do in the area during the winter months. If you're hoping to avoid the summer beach crowds, consider heading to some of the great cities during the cooler months. Many of the cultural sights are best visited during the winter when the crowds are at a minimum.
- While the trains throughout the country are efficient and of high quality, they do not always go by the high population areas. Many times you will also have to pass through Madrid, even if it isn't on the way. Consider all of your options as sometimes taking a bus can save you both time and money.
- If you're driving your own car, watch out for parking fines, particularly in the larger cities. The fees can be quite high and they are rarely lenient when passing out tickets.
- English is taught in most schools so if you are having a communication challenge it is best to reach out to a younger person. Even so, you'll do best if you stick to simple words.
- If you're looking for a social place to hang out, head to a bar. These are often packed full of people and they're a great way to meet some locals and brush up on your Spanish.
Related:
Looking for a party in
Barcelona or
Madrid?
Traveling alone to
Granada or
Seville?
Find a
Contiki tour to Europe.
Top Tourist Attractions
The Alhambra: This palace is world famous and recognized for its architectural, cultural, and historical significance. It is located in the city of Granada and dates back to the fourteenth century when it was constructed by Moorish rulers.
Gaudi Architecture: Gaudi took Art Nouveau to the extreme, creating fanciful buildings that have become landmarks. Most of the works are located in Barcelona, but some are sprinkled throughout the country.
Santiago de Compostella: A city in Galicia that has arcaded streets is filled with charm. It's also the ending point of the Camino de Santiago, a famous pilgrimage that has been taken by religious followers since the ninth century.
Popular Foods
Tortilla de Patata: This tapa style dish is similar to a potato omelet. It's a favorite in many restaurants is made very thick and fried in olive oil.
Paella: Paella is a famous saffron rice dish often made with seafood, sausage, and flavored with saffron. It originated on the eastern coast of Spain but is now available throughout the country.
Fabada Asturiana: Often referred to simply as fabada, this is a bean stew that is lightly spiced and quite enjoyable. It originated in the community of Asturias, but is now found everywhere and is even available in a canned form in most Spanish grocery stores.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.