How Much Does a Trip to Spain Cost? Budget Breakdown & Money-Saving Tips

Spain Travel Costs: The Big Picture

Spain sits comfortably in the middle range for European travel costs—more expensive than Eastern Europe, but significantly cheaper than Scandinavia, Switzerland, or the UK. Your daily budget can range from €50 for backpackers to €200+ for luxury travelers.

Quick Budget Overview

• Budget Travel: €50-80 per day
• Mid-Range Travel: €100-150 per day
• Luxury Travel: €200+ per day

Getting There: Flight Costs to Spain

Flights often represent your largest single expense, but Spain is well-connected globally with competitive pricing.

International Flight Costs

From North America:

• USA East Coast: €400-900 round-trip
• USA West Coast: €500-1,200 round-trip
• Canada: €450-1,000 round-trip
• Peak season premium: Add €200-400 to summer prices

From Europe:

• UK: €80-300 round-trip
• Germany/France: €100-350 round-trip
• Scandinavia: €150-400 round-trip
• Eastern Europe: €80-250 round-trip

From Other Regions:

• Australia/New Zealand: €800-1,500 round-trip
• Asia (Japan/Korea): €600-1,200 round-trip
• Latin America: €400-800 round-trip
• Middle East: €300-700 round-trip

Money-Saving Flight Tips

• Book 2-3 months ahead: Best balance of price and flexibility
• Fly Tuesday/Wednesday: Cheapest days of the week
• Consider shoulder season: April-May, September-October
• Use flexible dates: ±3 days can save €100-200
• Compare airports: Barcelona vs Madrid, regional airports
• Open-jaw tickets: Fly into one city, leave from another

Budget Airlines to Spain

• Ryanair: Extensive European network, ultra-low base fares
• Vueling: Spanish carrier, good coverage
• easyJet: UK and European routes
• Eurowings: German budget carrier
• Level: Long-haul budget option from major cities

Where to Stay: Accommodation Costs

Accommodation costs vary dramatically by location, season, and comfort level. Spain offers excellent options across all budgets.

Budget Accommodation (€20-60/night)

Hostels:

• Dorm beds: €15-35/night
• Private hostel rooms: €40-70/night
• Major cities: Higher end of range
• Smaller cities: €15-25 common
• Facilities: Kitchen, WiFi, common areas included

Budget Hotels & Pensiones:

• Pensiones: €25-50/night (often family-run)
• 1-2 star hotels: €35-65/night
• Basic amenities: Private bathroom, daily cleaning
• Location: Often in city centers or near transport

Mid-Range Accommodation (€60-150/night)

3-Star Hotels:

• Standard rooms: €60-120/night
• Peak season: €80-150/night
• Amenities: Good bathrooms, breakfast options, WiFi
• Chains: NH Hotels, AC Hotels, Catalonia

Boutique Hotels:

• Unique properties: €80-160/night
• Historic buildings: Often converted palaces or monasteries
• Design hotels: Modern, stylish properties
• Personal service: More attention than chain hotels

Apartments (Airbnb):

• Studio/1-bedroom: €50-100/night
• 2-bedroom: €80-150/night
• Cleaning fees: €20-50 per stay
• Best for: Longer stays (4+ nights), families

Luxury Accommodation (€150+/night)

Paradores:

• Historic luxury: €120-250/night
• Unique locations: Castles, monasteries, palaces
• Excellent value: Luxury experience at reasonable prices
• All-inclusive feel: Often in stunning natural settings

4-5 Star Hotels:

• 4-star properties: €150-300/night
• 5-star luxury: €300-600+/night
• Resort properties: €200-500/night (coastal areas)
• City center luxury: €250-500/night in Madrid/Barcelona

Accommodation Cost Factors

Location Impact:

• Madrid/Barcelona city centers: 50-100% premium
• Coastal resorts (summer): 2-3x winter prices
• Secondary cities: 30-50% cheaper than major cities
• Rural areas: Often excellent value

Seasonal Pricing:

• Peak summer (July-August): Highest prices
• Easter week: Major price spike
• Shoulder season: Best value (April-May, September-October)
• Winter: Lowest prices (November-March, except Christmas)

For detailed accommodation guidance, explore our comprehensive Spain accommodation options.

Food & Dining: What to Expect

Spain offers incredible culinary experiences across all budget levels. Understanding meal patterns and options helps you budget effectively.

Budget Dining (€15-25/day)

Self-Catering:

• Supermarket groceries: €20-30/day for two people
• Local markets: Fresh produce, often cheaper
• Breakfast essentials: Bread, coffee, fruit (€3-5)
• Simple dinners: Pasta, local ingredients (€5-8/person)

Street Food & Quick Eats:

• Bocadillos (sandwiches): €3-6
• Empanadas: €2-4
• Churros con chocolate: €3-5
• Bakery pastries: €1-3

Budget Restaurant Options:

• Menú del día (lunch special): €9-15
• Pizza slices: €2-4
• Kebab shops: €5-8
• Chinese restaurants: €8-12

Mid-Range Dining (€25-50/day)

Traditional Spanish Restaurants:

• Menú del día: €12-18 (excellent value)
• Casual dinner: €15-25/person
• Tapas crawl: €20-30/person (3-4 bars)
• Weekend paella: €12-18/person

Café Culture:

• Coffee + pastry: €3-5
• Café con leche: €1.50-2.50
• Light lunch: €8-12
• Afternoon merienda: €4-7

Wine & Drinks:

• House wine (restaurant): €3-6/glass
• Local beer: €2-4
• Sangria: €4-8/glass
• Coffee: €1-2.50

High-End Dining (€50+/day)

Fine Dining:

• Michelin-starred restaurants: €80-200+ per person
• High-end tapas bars: €40-70 per person
• Wine pairing dinners: €60-120 per person
• Celebrity chef restaurants: €50-100 per person

Premium Experiences:

• Wine tasting tours: €50-100 per person
• Cooking classes: €60-120 per person
• Food tours: €40-80 per person
• Market tours + cooking: €70-130 per person

Regional Food Cost Variations

Most Expensive:

• Basque Country: Premium ingredients, Michelin-starred cuisine
• Barcelona: International city prices
• Resort areas: Tourist pricing in coastal destinations

Best Value:

• Andalusia: Traditional tapas culture, generous portions
• Inland cities: Lower costs, authentic local cuisine
• Galicia: Excellent seafood at reasonable prices

Getting Around: Transportation Costs

Spain has excellent transportation infrastructure with options for every budget level.

Inter-City Transportation

High-Speed Trains (AVE):

• Madrid-Barcelona: €35-120 (2.5 hours)
• Madrid-Seville: €30-100 (2.5 hours)
• Madrid-Valencia: €25-80 (1.5 hours)
• Advance booking: Save 20-40% booking weeks ahead
• Flexible tickets: Cost 20-50% more but allow changes

Regional Trains:

• Medium-distance routes: €15-40
• Local/commuter trains: €3-15
• Scenic routes: Often same price as direct routes
• Multi-journey passes: Available for some regions

Long-Distance Buses:

• ALSA premium routes: €20-50 (Madrid-Barcelona €25-35)
• Budget buses (FlixBus): €15-35
• Regional routes: €10-25
• Advance booking: 10-30% savings possible

Domestic Flights:

• Mainland routes: €50-150
• To/from islands: €60-200
• Budget airlines: €30-80 (plus extras)
• When to consider: Long distances, island hopping

City Transportation

Metro/Public Transport:

• Single metro tickets: €1.50-2.50
• Day passes: €4-8
• Multi-day passes: €12-25 (3-7 days)
• Airport connections: €3-6

Taxis & Rideshare:

• Taxi meter starts: €2-3
• Per kilometer: €1-1.50
• Airport transfers: €25-50 to city center
• Uber/Cabify: Similar to taxi prices

Car Rental:

• Economy car: €25-50/day
• Mid-size car: €35-70/day
• Insurance: €10-25/day
• Fuel costs: €1.40-1.60/liter
• Toll roads: €5-20 for major routes
• Parking: €15-30/day in city centers

Transportation Money-Saving Tips

• Book trains early: Significant savings on AVE routes
• Consider buses: Much cheaper than trains
• Walk when possible: Spanish cities are very walkable
• Use public transport passes: Better value than individual tickets
• Avoid taxis for short distances: Metro usually faster and cheaper
• Car rental: Only worthwhile for specific regions or group travel

For comprehensive transportation guidance, read our detailed Spain transportation guide.

Attractions & Activities: Entertainment Budget

Spain offers numerous free and low-cost attractions alongside premium experiences.

Major Attractions

Museums & Cultural Sites:

• Prado Museum (Madrid): €15 (free hours: Mon-Sat 6-8pm, Sun 5-7pm)
• Alhambra (Granada): €14-20 (book months ahead)
• Sagrada Família (Barcelona): €26-36
• Guggenheim (Bilbao): €13 (free for under 12)
• Reina Sofía (Madrid): €12 (free hours available)
• Picasso Museum (Barcelona): €12 (free first Sunday each month)

Historic Sites:

• Royal Palace (Madrid): €12-15
• Alcázar (Seville): €13.50
• Cathedral tours: €5-10
• Mosque-Cathedral (Córdoba): €11

Free Activities

Always Free:

• Park Güell gardens (Barcelona): Free areas
• Retiro Park (Madrid): Beautiful gardens and monuments
• Beach access: All Spanish beaches are public
• Historic city centers: Walking tours of old quarters
• Viewpoints: Miradoresacross Spain
• Markets: Browsing food and local markets

Free Museum Hours:

• Most major museums: 2-4 hours weekly
• First Sunday monthly: Many museums free
• EU citizens under 25: Free entry to many sites
• Students: Discounts at most attractions

Tours & Experiences

Walking Tours:

• Free walking tours: Tip-based (€5-15 typical tip)
• Private tours: €150-300 for groups
• Audio guides: €5-10
• Bike tours: €20-35

Food & Drink Tours:

• Tapas tours: €40-80
• Wine tastings: €25-60
• Cooking classes: €60-120
• Market tours: €30-50

Day Trips:

• Toledo from Madrid: €70-120 (including transport)
• Montserrat from Barcelona: €50-80
• Wine regions: €80-150
• Beach towns: €40-70

Money-Saving Attraction Tips

• City tourist cards: Often include transport + attractions
• Free museum hours: Plan visits during free periods
• Student/senior discounts: Bring ID for reduced rates
• Group bookings: Discounts for 10+ people
• Combo tickets: Multiple attractions for reduced price
• Book online: Often cheaper than gate prices

Sample Daily Budgets by Travel Style

Here are realistic daily budgets for different travel styles, broken down by major expense categories.

Budget Backpacker (€55/day)

• Accommodation: €18 (hostel dorm)
• Food: €22 (self-catering breakfast, menú del día lunch, budget dinner)
• Transportation: €8 (metro passes, walking)
• Activities: €7 (free attractions, occasional museum)

What This Gets You:

• Shared dorm accommodation with kitchen access
• One restaurant meal daily plus self-catered meals
• Public transportation and lots of walking
• Free attractions plus 1-2 paid sites weekly
• Basic nightlife (drinks in hostels/cheap bars)

Mid-Range Traveler (€120/day)

• Accommodation: €75 (3-star hotel or nice Airbnb)
• Food: €30 (café breakfast, menú del día, nice dinner)
• Transportation: €10 (mix of public transport and occasional taxis)
• Activities: €20 (museums, tours, some paid experiences)
• Miscellaneous: €15 (shopping, extra drinks, tips)

What This Gets You:

• Private room with good amenities
• Mix of dining out and quality restaurants
• Comfortable transportation with some convenience
• Most major attractions and some tours
• Moderate nightlife and shopping

Luxury Traveler (€250/day)

• Accommodation: €180 (4-5 star hotel or luxury parador)
• Food: €80 (quality restaurants, wine, special dining)
• Transportation: €25 (taxis, first-class trains, convenience)
• Activities: €50 (premium tours, experiences, cultural events)
• Miscellaneous: €30 (shopping, spa, drinks, tips)

What This Gets You:

• Luxury accommodation with full services
• Excellent dining including some fine restaurants
• Maximum convenience in transportation
• Premium experiences and private tours
• Shopping, spa treatments, quality souvenirs

Family Budget (2 Adults + 2 Children) (€180/day)

• Accommodation: €90 (family room or apartment)
• Food: €60 (mix of dining out and apartment cooking)
• Transportation: €15 (public transport with family discounts)
• Activities: €25 (family-friendly attractions, children's discounts)
• Miscellaneous: €15 (snacks, souvenirs, emergency expenses)

Family Considerations:

• Many museums free for children under 12-18
• Family rooms often better value than separate rooms
• Apartments with kitchens save significant money
• Public transport family passes available
• Children's menus and sharing portions common

Regional Cost Differences

Spain's costs vary significantly by region. Understanding these differences helps with destination selection and budgeting.

Most Expensive Regions

Catalonia (Barcelona):

• Daily budget increase: +25-35%
• Accommodation: Highest in Spain
• Dining: International prices
• Why expensive: Major tourist destination, international business hub

Balearic Islands (Summer):

• Daily budget increase: +40-60% in peak season
• Accommodation: Resort pricing
• Food: Tourist restaurant premiums
• Transportation: Island premium, limited competition

Basque Country:

• Daily budget increase: +20-30%
• Food costs: Premium ingredients, Michelin culture
• Accommodation: Limited supply in San Sebastián
• Why expensive: Wealthy region, culinary destination

Best Value Regions

Andalusia:

• Daily budget decrease: -15-25%
• Food: Generous tapas portions, local prices
• Accommodation: Excellent value
• Why cheaper: Less international tourism, local economy

Castile and León:

• Daily budget decrease: -20-30%
• Accommodation: Great value, including luxury options
• Food: Traditional pricing, hearty portions
• Transportation: Less tourist markup

Galicia:

• Daily budget decrease: -15-25%
• Seafood: Excellent value for quality
• Accommodation: Lower demand outside Santiago
• Why cheaper: Off-beaten-path, local economy

Madrid vs Barcelona Cost Comparison

Madrid:

• Accommodation: 10-15% cheaper than Barcelona
• Food: Similar to Barcelona, more variety
• Transportation: Excellent public transport value
• Attractions: World-class museums, many free hours

Barcelona:

• Accommodation: Most expensive in Spain
• Food: Tourist premium in some areas
• Transportation: Good public transport, higher prices
• Attractions: Premium pricing (Sagrada Família, Park Güell)

Proven Money-Saving Strategies

These strategies can significantly reduce your Spain travel costs without sacrificing experience quality.

Accommodation Savings

Timing Strategies:

• Shoulder season travel: Save 30-50% vs peak summer
• Sunday-Thursday stays: Often 20-30% cheaper
• Book early: 2-3 months for best rates
• Last-minute deals: Sometimes available but risky

Location Strategies:

• Stay outside city centers: Use metro to reach attractions
• Airport hotels: For late arrivals/early departures
• University areas: Cheaper neighborhoods near universities
• Business districts: Lower weekend rates

Booking Strategies:

• Compare all platforms: Booking.com, Expedia, direct booking
• Package deals: Flight + hotel sometimes cheaper
• Membership discounts: AAA, student cards, loyalty programs
• Long-stay discounts: Weekly/monthly rates for apartments

Food & Dining Savings

Meal Timing:

• Menú del día: Best dining deal in Spain (weekday lunches)
• Early bird dinners: Some restaurants offer pre-8pm discounts
• Happy hour tapas: 6-8pm specials common
• Late-night kitchen deals: Restaurants clearing inventory

Shopping Smart:

• Local markets: Fresher and cheaper than supermarkets
• Supermarket chains: Mercadona, Carrefour for basics
• Local brands: Spanish wine €3-8 vs imported €12+
• Seasonal produce: Cheaper and better quality

Dining Strategies:

• Follow locals: Avoid tourist-heavy restaurants
• Share tapas: Better value than individual mains
• House wine: Usually excellent and affordable
• Lunch specials: Even fancy restaurants offer lunch deals

Transportation Savings

Advance Planning:

• Book trains early: Up to 40% savings on AVE routes
• Compare transport modes: Bus often 50% cheaper than train
• Group travel: Car rental competitive for 3-4 people
• Open-jaw flights: Sometimes cheaper than round-trip

Local Transport:

• Walk when possible: Spanish cities very walkable
• Metro day passes: Better value than individual tickets
• Bike sharing: Available in major cities
• Night buses: Cheaper than taxis for late returns

Activity & Attraction Savings

Free Options:

• Free museum hours: Plan visits during free periods
• Free walking tours: Tip-based, excellent introduction
• Public beaches: All Spanish beaches free access
• Parks and gardens: Most parks free, perfect for picnics

Discount Strategies:

• Student ID: Bring international student card
• Senior discounts: Available for 65+ in many places
• Group bookings: 10+ people often get reduced rates
• City tourist cards: Calculate if savings justify cost

Seasonal Budget Planning

Understanding seasonal price variations helps you budget accurately and time your trip for best value.

Peak Season (July-August)

Price Increases:

• Accommodation: +50-100% coastal areas, +30-50% cities
• Flights: +40-60% from most origins
• Car rentals: +50-80% due to high demand
• Restaurants: Tourist menus with higher prices

Additional Costs:

• Beach clubs: €15-30 for sunbed/umbrella rental
• Crowds: Longer waits, need reservations everywhere
• AC costs: Higher electricity bills if staying in apartments
• Water: Increased hydration needs

Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October)

Sweet Spot Pricing:

• Accommodation: 20-40% cheaper than peak
• Flights: Best deals outside major holidays
• Activities: Full availability without peak premiums
• Weather: Ideal conditions for sightseeing

Value Advantages:

• Restaurant attention: Better service, no rush
• Attraction access: Easier bookings, shorter lines
• Local interaction: More authentic experiences
• Perfect weather: Comfortable for all activities

Off-Season (November-March)

Maximum Savings:

• Accommodation: 40-60% below peak prices
• Flights: Lowest annual prices (except Christmas)
• Long-term stays: Monthly apartment rates very reasonable
• Local prices: Less tourist markup

Trade-offs:

• Weather: Cooler, some rain (varies by region)
• Reduced hours: Some attractions close early
• Less atmosphere: Fewer festivals, quieter streets
• Limited services: Some seasonal businesses closed

Practical Budget Planning Tools

Use these tools and strategies to create an accurate budget for your Spain trip.

Budget Calculation Worksheet

Pre-Trip Costs:

• Flights: €_____
• Travel insurance: €_____
• Visa fees (if applicable): €_____
• Pre-booked accommodation: €_____
• Pre-booked transportation: €_____
• Pre-booked tours/attractions: €_____

Daily Costs (multiply by trip length):

• Accommodation per night: €_____
• Food per day: €_____
• Local transportation per day: €_____
• Activities per day: €_____
• Miscellaneous per day: €_____

Emergency Buffer:

• Add 15-20% contingency: €_____
• Total estimated budget: €_____

Money Management Tips

Banking Preparation:

• Notify banks: Inform of travel dates/locations
• Check ATM fees: Some banks reimburse international fees
• Backup cards: Bring multiple payment methods
• Cash planning: Get some euros before arrival

Daily Spending Control:

• Daily cash allowance: Withdraw daily amount only
• Track spending: Use apps or simple notebook
• Separate fun money: Budget for splurges
• Weekly budget reviews: Adjust if over/under spending

Budget Apps & Tools

Expense Tracking:

• Trail Wallet: Specifically for travel budgets
• Splitwise: For group expense sharing
• Mint: Overall financial tracking
• Google Sheets: Custom budget tracking

Price Comparison:

• Booking.com: Accommodation comparison
• Skyscanner: Flight price tracking
• Rome2Rio: Transportation option comparison
• TripAdvisor: Activity and restaurant prices

Making Spain Affordable Without Sacrificing Experience

Spain offers incredible value for travelers who plan smartly and understand local patterns. The key is balancing your priorities—splurge on experiences that matter most to you while saving strategically on others.

Remember that some of Spain's greatest pleasures cost very little: wandering through historic neighborhoods, watching sunset from a plaza, sharing tapas with new friends, or discovering a hidden local restaurant. The joy of Spanish travel often lies in these spontaneous, affordable moments that no amount of money can guarantee.

Whether your budget is €50 or €250 per day, Spain rewards travelers who embrace local customs, eat where locals eat, and remain open to the unexpected. Your careful financial planning provides the foundation for experiences that will last a lifetime—from admiring masterpieces in Madrid's museums to savoring perfect paella in Valencia to watching flamenco in Seville.