How much money do I need to travel to Spain?

What is the average cost of a vacation to Spain?

Based on averages from recent traveler data, a one-week solo trip to Spain costs around $1,506 (€1,295), making it a moderately priced European destination. To give you a clearer picture, we've broken down the costs for three common travel styles: budget, mid-range, and luxury. Expect a two-week trip to average about $3,011 (€2,590), while a month-long stay can cost approximately $6,453 (€5,550).

But let's be real, these are just averages. So, what does that daily spending actually cover? This daily spending primarily covers four key areas:

• Accommodation
• Food
• Local transportation
• Sightseeing activities

What is a daily budget for a budget traveler?

A budget traveler in Spain can expect to spend about $85 (€73) per person daily. This low-cost approach requires careful spending, especially on lodging and meals. To keep costs down, you could try:

• Staying in hostels
• Using platforms like Couchsurfing
• Participating in WWOOFing

Budget travelers often self-cater and rely on public transport to stick to their budget. This travel style also focuses on free activities, meaning you'll trade a bit of comfort for big savings.

What is a daily budget for a mid-range traveler?

For a more comfortable experience, a daily budget of around $215 (€185) per person will suffice for a mid-range traveler. This allows you to stay in hotels instead of hostels and dine at mid-range restaurants without worry. This daily budget covers:

• Transportation
• A mix of paid sightseeing activities
• Some shopping

With this budget, the average cost for a two-week vacation is between €1,800 and €2,500. This budget allows you to enjoy comfortable hotels and restaurant meals without constant cost-checking.

What is a daily budget for a luxury traveler?

To experience Spain in style, a luxury traveler can expect to spend approximately $546 (€470) per person each day. This budget includes staying in plush 4- and 5-star hotels, gourmet meals, and exclusive activities like private tours. This budget allows for spontaneous decisions, like booking private tours, taking taxis instead of public transport, and enjoying high-end nightlife without hesitation.

Of course, your daily spending can climb higher depending on your nightlife choices and any personalized tours you book. For a two-week luxury vacation, the cost often exceeds €3,000.

What are the main travel costs in Spain?

You'll split your vacation budget in Spain across five main areas: flights, accommodation, food, local transportation, and activities. Your total budget depends on how you allocate funds across these areas, though accommodation is often the largest single expense. For instance, lodging costs per night can range from €40 for a budget hotel to over €250 for a luxury one. Food expenses can be as low as €2–€10 for tapas or as high as €13–€25 for a meal at a mid-range restaurant.

A typical budget breakdown allocates 30-40% to accommodation and 20-25% to food. The remainder covers transportation, activities, and miscellaneous costs. Spain's moderately priced compared to other popular European destinations. It's generally more affordable than the UK or France but more expensive than most Eastern European countries.

How much should I budget for flights to Spain?

Round-trip flights to Spain typically cost between $500 and $1,500. To find the cheapest flights, book your international travel 4 to 25 weeks in advance. Airfare's highest during the peak season in June and July and lowest in the off-season month of January.

Using flexible dates can help, as flying on a Tuesday often costs less than on a Saturday. You can also cut costs by checking out low-cost airlines or flying into alternative European airports for your round trip.

What are the accommodation costs in Spain?

A double room in a small hotel typically costs between €40 and €80, while luxury hotels range from €100 to €250 per night. Hostels are your most budget-friendly option, while vacation rentals make a cost-effective choice for families or longer stays. Here's a tip I always give people: for the best rates, travel during the off-season or book well in advance for peak season trips.

How much does transportation cost within Spain?

Transportation in Spain is efficient and affordable. When you're getting around cities, public transport like the metro or buses is economical, with single trips costing around €2. For travel between cities, buses are the most budget-friendly option at approximately €30 per journey. Trains, including the high-speed AVE network, are faster but increase travel costs to about €50.

While car rental gives you the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path locations, daily expenses rise due to fuel at roughly €1.25 per liter, plus tolls and parking. Buying a multi-day transport pass is a simple way to cut costs.

What is the average cost of food and drinks?

You'll find that food and drink in Spain are generally affordable, with a daily food budget typically ranging from €25 to €50. To save money on food, eating a 'menu del dia' (set lunch menu) is a popular strategy, and it's a trick I use all the time. Tapas are another budget-friendly choice, costing between €2 and €4 per dish. A meal in a mid-range restaurant costs between €13 and €25.

Drinks are also affordable; a small beer will cost you €1.50 to €3. Shopping at local markets for groceries can further reduce daily food costs.

How much do activities and sightseeing cost?

Entrance fees for major attractions like the Sagrada Família or the Alhambra typically range from €10 to €20. To reduce these expenses, look for discounts available to students, seniors, and visitors under 25. Many cultural sites also offer free entry on specific days, such as the first Sunday of the month or on certain weekday afternoons.

Focusing on free activities is another great way to manage your entertainment budget. Why not visit public beaches, explore parks, or take a free walking tour?

How can I get mobile data in Spain?

Staying connected with mobile data in Spain's easy and helps with navigation, communication, and travel research. The two main options for travelers are buying a local prepaid SIM card or using a modern eSIM. You can buy a physical SIM card from major operators like Movistar or Vodafone at airports and city stores, offering data plans to suit your budget and avoid high roaming fees.

Alternatively, eSIM cards work digitally, saving you the hassle of finding and swapping a physical SIM. For convenient connectivity, you can purchase a dedicated eSIM for Spain online before your trip and activate it upon arrival. It's a great way to manage your data plan directly from your phone.

Both options provide reliable connectivity and're much cheaper than using your home provider's roaming services. You can find data plans to match the length of your stay.

When is the best time to visit Spain for my budget?

The best time for a budget-conscious vacation to Spain is during the shoulder or off-seasons, as this directly impacts your largest travel costs. The peak season runs from June to August, when good weather brings large crowds and the highest prices for flights and lodging. The off-season from December to March offers the lowest prices, with January being the cheapest month. Traveling during this period's a great way to save money, though it comes with cooler weather.

If you want a balance of good weather and reasonable prices, aim for the shoulder season months of April, May, September, and October.

How do prices vary between peak and off-season?

Seasonal demand drives prices in Spain. Flights and accommodation cost significantly more during the peak summer season and major holidays. Traveling during the off-season, from December to March, is your best bet for saving money, but the trade-off can be cooler weather and reduced hours at some attractions. The shoulder season offers the ideal balance of moderate prices and pleasant weather, making it a good compromise.

How can I save money on a trip to Spain?

The biggest savings come from planning ahead, so try to book flights and accommodation at least four months in advance, especially if you can travel during the less expensive off-season. When it comes to lodging, choosing budget-friendly hostels or apartment rentals over hotels can also dramatically lower your daily costs.

You can also save on food by trying the 'menu del día' for lunch or finding bars that offer free tapas with drinks. Using Spain's efficient public transport is more economical than renting a car or taking taxis. Adding free activities and planning visits to attractions on days with discounted entry helps lower costs without sacrificing your itinerary.

What are some free activities in Spain?

And believe me, you don't have to spend a fortune on sightseeing in Spain. Many top museums, like the Prado Museum in Madrid, provide free entry on specific days or during certain hours. Beyond museums, you can join free walking tours in major cities, explore public parks, or relax on the country's many beaches. In regions like Granada, some bars offer complimentary tapas when you buy a drink—a perfect low-cost way to experience local food and culture.

How can I find cheap food like the menu del día?

To find cheap food in Spain, look for restaurants offering a 'menu del día,' a fixed-price lunch special that typically costs between €10 and €15. You'll often see these value meals advertised on chalkboards outside local spots away from the main tourist squares. For budget dining, also seek out tapas bars, where individual portions cost €2–€4.

You can identify authentic restaurants by finding places crowded with locals. You can also manage your food budget by shopping for groceries at local markets.

What other travel costs should I budget for?

Beyond flights, lodging, and food, remember to budget for other expenses. These include travel insurance, potential visa fees, and personal spending on souvenirs or shopping. It's wise to factor these into your budget.

Travel insurance is essential to cover medical emergencies or trip cancellations. For personal spending, a budget of around $25 per day can cover small treats or unplanned purchases. You can often find items like leather goods and high-street fashion at lower prices in Spain compared to the US or UK.

Non-EU travelers should check entry requirements. Starting in May 2025, citizens from visa-exempt countries, including the US, will need an ETIAS authorization to enter the Schengen Area, which will have an associated fee.

Do I need to budget for travel insurance?

We highly recommend including travel insurance in your budget. It protects you financially from unforeseen expenses from medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. The cost of a policy's a small investment compared to a potential out-of-pocket expenses.

Are there visa or ETIAS fees for Spain?

Yes, non-EU travelers may need to budget for entry fees. Visa requirements and their associated costs depend on your nationality, so check the official Spanish consulate website for current information. Starting in May 2025, citizens from visa-exempt countries, like the US, will need an ETIAS authorization to enter the Schengen Area. The fee for this travel document will be €7.

What is the best way to handle money in Spain?

The best way to handle money in Spain's to use a mix of credit cards and cash. The official currency's the euro (€). Using credit cards with no international transaction fees is a great way to manage your budget. When paying by card, you'll get a better exchange rate by always choosing to pay in the local currency (euros).

While most places accept cards, you will need to use ATMs to withdraw cash. Just keep in mind that ATMs often charge fees from both your bank and the local Spanish bank. One strategy to minimize these costs is to consider banking products that reimburse ATM fees or withdraw larger sums less frequently. Carry some cash for small purchases at markets or cafes where cards may not be an option.

Sources

• https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/spain
• https://www.museodelprado.es/en/visit/opening-times-and-prices
• https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias