How much would it cost living in Spain?

Spain is a new destination for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) offering about 100,000 jobs in the health care sector. With regards to that, many OFWs have thought how much of their salary would be spent while living and working in Spain.

Cost of living in Spain is less than those in the United Kingdom and the lifestyle here is better. Since you have to send money for your family, you need to make financial arrangements with your accommodation, food, transportation, other bills, and relaxation after a long workweek. Here’s a breakdown of your monthly expenses in Spain.

Accommodation
Rental costs greatly depends in location, apartments located in cities are more expensive than those in rural areas. Fully furnished studio type apartments located in metropolitan centers such as Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Sevilla, etc, range from 350€ to 700€ per month, two bedroom apartments range from 600€ to 1200€ per month, three bedroom family style apartment range from 1000€ to 1500€ or more per month.

Apartments in smaller centers and rural areas are cheaper, studio type apartments range from 200€ to 500€ per month, two bedroom apartment range from 400€ to 800€ per month and a three bedroom family style apartment range from 700€ to 1500€ or more per month.

Since you have to minimize your expenses, room for rent is the most economic accommodation. Rooms for rent in cities range from 200€ to 400€ per month or more and those located in smaller centers and rural areas starts from 125€ per month.

Food
Food allowance cost about 200€ per month, if you choose to eat in a restaurant, a good lunch cost from 5€ to 9€ and an average bill of a person is 12€.

Other Bills
Electricity bill is about 20€ per month and about 30% rise during summer if you have air conditioning.

After a week of working, you need to take a short break, you can spend time with other Filipinos or you can watch a movie. A movie theatre ticket is 6€ and if you need a hair cut, it only costs about 12€.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on December 4, 2006