The full guide
Why the first month is expensive
Moving costs pile up in the first few weeks: you’re paying for temporary housing while you secure a flat, handing over deposits, buying things for the home and paying official fees. Plan for this separately from your normal monthly budget.
One-off costs
| Cost | Typical amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary accommodation | Varies by city and season | Two to six weeks is common |
| First month’s rent | 1 month | Paid on signing |
| Deposit (fianza) | 1 month | Returned at the end |
| Extra guarantee | Up to 2 months | Only if agreed |
| Agency fee (long-term rental) | €0 | The landlord pays |
| NIE certificate | €9.84 | If you need one separately |
| First TIE card | €16.08 | 2026 fee |
| EU registration certificate | €12.00 | EU citizens only |
| Padrón registration | Free | At the town hall |
| Furniture and kitchen basics | Varies | Many unfurnished flats lack appliances |
Monthly costs
| Cost | Guide price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | Varies widely by city | Your biggest cost |
| Mobile | €3 to €12 | Digi, October 2026 |
| Home fibre | €10 to €30 | Digi, October 2026 |
| Private health insurance | About €60 to €80 per adult under 40 | No co-payments; more as you get older |
| Electricity, water, gas | Varies by season | Air conditioning in summer adds up |
| Community fees | Often included in rent | Check your contract |
| Transport pass | Varies by city | Often heavily discounted |
Sources for guide prices: Digi’s published tariffs and Kelisto’s health insurance comparison, both October 2026. Prices change, so treat these as a starting point.
How to keep costs down
Rent where you live, not where tourists stay. Neighbourhoods one metro stop further out can be much cheaper.
Lunch is the main meal. A menú del día gets you two courses, bread and a drink at a fixed price on weekdays.
Use public healthcare when you can. Once you work or have an S1, you can register for the tarjeta sanitaria.
Switch providers. Budget mobile and fibre operators are often half the price of the big brands; see getting internet and a Spanish phone number.
Moving money
Exchange rates matter more than fees on large amounts. See sending money to and from Spain before you move your savings.
Frequently asked questions
How much savings should I bring?
Enough for your one-off costs plus at least three months of running costs is a common rule of thumb. Visas such as the non-lucrative visa set their own minimums.
Can I pay rent by card?
Usually not. Most landlords want a bank transfer or direct debit from a euro account.
