Is Spain Expensive?

Is Spain expensive to visit?

Spain is known as both a well-liked and moderately priced destination. It falls roughly in the middle range for overall travel costs. When compared to the rest of Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, it is a moderately priced country. It places in the top 50% of countries in Europe for its travel costs. This puts it on par with destinations such as Finland and Andorra.

As this is a very popular country for tourists, you'll find a number of great places in Spain to visit, all at a variety of price ranges. Some of the most expensive places to visit are Menorca, Ibiza, and Benidorm. If you're looking for lower cost destinations, you can visit places like Santiago de Compostela, A Coruna, and San Sebastian.


Average daily price of selected cities in Spain, by affordability
City Average Daily Cost
Benidorm $529
Ibiza $400
Menorca $340
Murcia $312
Tarragona $299
Cartagena $293
Playa de las Americas $260
Madrid $188
Almeria $146
Santillana $144
Vigo $142
Lugo $140
San Sebastian $129
A Coruna $127
Santiago de Compostela $120


Luanco, Asturias, Spain

How expensive is Spain?

The average daily spending amount for tourists in Spain tends to be around $211 (U.S. Dollars). Keep in mind that your travel style, spending habits, and trip length will influence these costs. However, you can keep fairly close to this budget if you opt for moderately priced hotels, dine at economical restaurants, and make use of public transportation when available. See more travel costs for Spain here.

How expensive is a one week trip to Spain?

A one week trip to Spain costs about $1,474 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $2,948.

How expensive is a two week trip to Spain?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a two week trip to Spain costs around $2,948 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a two week trip costs $5,896.

How expensive is a month long trip to Spain?

Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a one month trip to Spain will cost around $6,317 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a one month trip would cost $12,634.



Mojacar Village, Almeria, Spain

Is it expensive to backpack in Spain?

Spain is a very popular destination for backpackers, offering an extensive network of over 170 hostels across the country. The average cost for a dorm room in these hostels is approximately $30 per night. (See detailed information on hostel prices in Spain here.) Notably, backpackers often flock to the popular hostels in Tenerife, Madrid, and Granada. If you're looking for budget-friendly options, Madrid, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria has some of the most affordable hostels, averaging $28, $25, and $19 per night. Conversely, you'll find the most expensive hostels on average in San Sebastian, Pamplona, and Valencia with an average cost of $79, $55, and $35 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Spain.

  • $21 for a dorm bed at Lagarto Hostel Tenerife in Tenerife
  • $17 for a dorm bed at Hostel Puerta del Ángel in Madrid
  • $20 for a dorm bed at 4u Hostel in Granada

Where to find affordable hostels in Spain
City Number of Hostels Average Price for a Dorm
Tenerife 19 $25
Madrid 18 $28
Granada 11 $32
Gran Canaria 7 $19
Malaga 7 $30
Barcelona 7 $32
Pamplona 6 $55
Valencia 5 $35
San Sebastian 5 $79

Are hotels expensive in Spain?

Hotel prices in Spain are significantly cheaper compared to other countries around the world. You can expect to spend about $0 a night for a room on average. Some cities in Spain are more expensive than others, like Ibiza, where hotel prices average $291 a night. There are also even more affordable destinations such as Salamanca, averaging $76 per night for a hotel room.


Where to find affordable hotels in Spain
City Average Hotel Price
Ibiza $291
Palma de Mallorca $270
Marbella $264
Menorca $247
Playa Blanca $230
Madrid $120
Granada $85
Cordoba $83
Logrono $78
Lugo $76
Salamanca $76

Plaza Santo Domingo, 1, Lugo
Overall Rating 9.3
Avenida Samil, 15, Vigo
Overall Rating 9.4


The Cathendral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Spain?

In Spain, the cost of activities and things to do can vary by the type of activity, its length, and the location. To provide an estimate of what to expect during your visit, below are several popular activities that are common in the country. On average, previous travelers have spent around $30 per day on sightseeing and entertainment.

  • Canyoning Adventure Rio Verde in Granada: $109
  • Costa Brava Tour with Kayak, Lagoon Snorkeling & Rock Jumps: $103
  • Private Half Day Walking Tour of Seville: $114
  • Malasaña and Chueca A Tour That Shouts Freedom: $3.42
  • Granada: Nature, Wildlife and Authentic Villages E-bike Tour: $90
  • Elevate Your Photography - Barcelona Private Tour & Workshop: $113
  • Alhambra Private Tour: Nasrid Palaces and Generalife: $251
  • Guided mountain bike route - "Pata Negra" Tour: $94

Is food expensive in Spain?

In Spain, the cost of food can vary by the type of restaurant and food options available. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible. On average, previous travelers have spent around $79 per day on food, per person.

  • Madrid Food Tour in a Neighborhood Market with Churros: $102
  • PRIVATE Valencia Paella & Tapas Cooking Class in Chef Jose’s Home: $115
  • Barcelona´s Lunch or Dinner Tapas Tour: Food, drinks, happiness!: $126
  • Midday Market Tour and Spanish Cooking Class: $113
  • Bilbao Authentic Food Tour with 9 Pintxos and Local Drinks: $111
  • Traditional recipes cooking experience: $137


Hondarribia, Spain

Is transportation expensive in Spain?

Local transportation in Spain can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $33 on local transportation per person per day. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

Expenses for intercity transportation within Spain can vary based on the type of transportation used and the distance traveled. On average, previous travelers have spent $157 per person per day for intercity transit. To save money, it's advisable to choose long-distance buses or trains over air travel. This is generally a more cost-effective choice despite the potential increase in travel time.

More for Spain

If you're planning a trip to Spain, check out these other informative travel guides.



We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



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