Depending on the city and way of life, Indian students’ cost of living in Spain may change. The typical monthly cost for students, including housing, food, transportation, and other necessities, is between €700 and €1,200.
Smaller towns and cities may have a lower cost of living than larger ones, with major cities like Madrid and Barcelona typically being more expensive.
Table of Contents
What is the cost of living in Spain for Indian students?
Rent takes up a sizeable chunk of the budget; shared housing is a more cost-effective choice. Food costs can be reduced by cooking at home and shopping at nearby markets.
With student discounts, public transportation is both accessible and reasonably priced. The cost of health insurance must be included in the budget because it is required.
Depending on the city you choose to live in, rent costs can change in Spain. One-bedroom apartments typically cost between €734.83 ($802.84) and €603.18 ($659) per month in the city center and between those two amounts outside the center.
Affordable cities to live in Spain
Spain offers a range of cities with varying costs of living, making it possible to find affordable options for students and expatriates.
Here are some relatively more affordable cities to live in Spain:
1. Valencia:
Valencia is known for its affordability, vibrant culture, and beautiful beaches. It offers a lower cost of living than major cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
2. Seville:
Seville is famous for its historic charm, warm climate, and lower living costs. It’s a popular choice for students.
3. Granada:
Granada, home to the famous Alhambra, offers a more budget-friendly lifestyle, including lower housing costs and reasonably priced tapas.
4. Salamanca:
Salamanca is a student-centric city with an affordable cost of living and a rich academic heritage.
5. Zaragoza:
Located between Madrid and Barcelona, Zaragoza provides a more economical living experience while offering the amenities of a big city.
Also read- Study in France
Average Rent in Cities of Spain
| City | Rent |
|---|---|
| Madrid | €800 - €1,200 |
| Barcelona | €700 - €1,200 |
| Valencia | €500 - €800 |
| Seville | €450 - €750 |
| Granada | €400 - €600 |
| Zaragoza | €400 - €650 |
| Salamanca | €350 - €600 |
| Murcia | €350 - €550 |
| Alicante | €350 - €600 |
| Valladolid | €350 - €550 |
| Badajoz | €300 - €500 |
| Córdoba | €300 - €500 |
University Fees & Study Cost in Spain
Here’s a general overview of the costs:
1. Tuition Fees:
Public Universities (Non-EU/EEA Citizens): Non-EU/EEA international students usually pay higher tuition fees. For graduate programs, tuition costs can range from 1,000 to 3,500 euros per year.
Private Universities: Private universities generally have higher tuition fees, ranging from 5,000 to 18,000 euros per year for graduate programs.
2. Living Costs:
Housing: The cost of housing varies depending on the city and accommodation type. On average, you can expect to pay between 350 and 800 euros per month for rent, but costs can be lower in smaller cities and higher in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
Food: Monthly food expenses may range from 150 to 300 euros, depending on your eating habits and location.
Transportation: Public transportation costs vary by city but are generally affordable, with monthly passes costing around 20-50 euros.
Books and Supplies: Budget around 500 euros per year for books and supplies.
Health Insurance: International students may need health insurance, which can cost around 60-150 euros per month.
3. Miscellaneous:
Additional expenses may include visa fees, language courses (if required), and leisure and personal expenses.
Additionally, some universities may offer scholarships or financial aid to international students, so exploring those options is worthwhile to help mitigate the overall cost of studying in Spain.
Health Insurance for International Students
Health insurance is mandatory for all international students studying in Spain.
1. Public Health Insurance (EHIC/TIE):
This can include the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) for non-EU/EEA students. It provides access to the Spanish public healthcare system.
2. Private Health Insurance:
Even though they have access to public healthcare, many international students choose to get private health insurance. Private health insurance might offer more coverage and easier access to medical treatments.
Numerous foreign and Spanish insurance firms provide student-specific health insurance coverage. It’s important to examine choices and pick a plan that fits your needs and budget because these policies can differ in coverage and price.
3. University Health Insurance:
Some Spanish universities offer their health insurance plans for international students. These plans are designed to meet the specific requirements of students and may be more affordable than private insurance.
Cost of Living: Transportation, meals & attractions and activities
Madrid:
- Public Transport: €54-€84 per month
- Meals: €200-€400 per month
- Attractions and Activities: €50
- Rent (1-bedroom apartment): €850-€1,200 per month
Barcelona:
- Public Transport: €40-€60 per month
- Meals: €200-€350 per month
- Attractions and Activities: €50
- Rent (1-bedroom apartment): €850-€1,300 per month
Valencia:
- Public Transport: €30-€50 per month
- Meals: €150-€250 per month
- Attractions and Activities: €30
- Rent (1-bedroom apartment): €550-€850 per month
Seville:
- Public Transport: €30-€50 per month
- Meals: €150-€250 per month
- Attractions and Activities: €30
- Rent (1-bedroom apartment): €500-€750 per month
Granada:
- Public Transport: €20-€40 per month
- Meals: €100-€200 per month
- Attractions and Activities: €20
- Rent (1-bedroom apartment): €400-€600 per month
Tips to cost cut as a student
Cost-cutting is essential for students to manage their expenses efficiently.
Here are some practical tips to save money & reduce costs while studying:
1. Create a Budget: Create a monthly budget that lists all of your spending and income. You can use this to keep track of your expenditures and find areas where you can make savings.
2. Cook at Home: Eating out or getting takeaway might be pricey. Home cooking is not only more affordable but also healthier. Make a meal plan, stock up on food, and pack lunches in advance.
3. Use Student Discounts: Many places, from restaurants to clothing stores, offer student discounts. Always carry your student ID and ask about discounts wherever you go.
4. Buy Used Textbooks: Textbooks can be very expensive. Look for used books, check out the library’s holdings, or investigate digital editions. You might also think about lending textbooks to classmates.
5. Use Public Transportation: If you need transportation, consider using public transit instead of owning a car. Public transportation is often more affordable and eco-friendly.
6. Carpool or Bike: If you need a car, consider carpooling with friends to share expenses. Alternatively, use a bike for short trips.
Conclusion
Spain offers students from all over the world a vibrant and open learning environment with various academic programs taught in English, renowned universities, and a friendly attitude.
Spain is a desirable location for international students since it offers the chance to fully immerse oneself in the Spanish language and culture while pursuing higher education and the availability of scholarships and low cost of living.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
Also read- Top 5 exams to study abroad
