Standard and Cost of Living in Spain in 2026

Spain is consistently among the most popular countries to move to: a mild climate, good healthcare, solid infrastructure and prices that are moderate by Western European standards. But before choosing a city, two things matter: what people actually earn and spend here, and what income you need to get a residence permit. We look at both using fresh official data for 2026.

Salaries: official statistics

According to Spain's National Statistics Institute (INE), in data published on 28 May 2026, the average gross annual salary in 2024 was €29,540, 5.3% more than a year earlier. The median salary is lower: €24,497 per year. The gap is explained by the fact that there are far more modest salaries than very high ones.

Income levels vary greatly by region:

• Basque Country: €35,170 per year, the highest figure.
• Madrid: €34,410.
• Catalonia: €31,730.
• Extremadura: €24,979, the lowest figure.

Cost of living

Housing is the main expense in Spain. Renting and buying are most expensive in Madrid, Barcelona, the Balearic Islands, Málaga and the resort towns of the coast. In small towns in the inland regions (for example Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura, Castilla y León) housing is several times more affordable. Food, transport and utilities are generally cheaper than in France, Germany or Italy.

Prices change quickly, so before moving we recommend looking at current rental listings in your chosen area and budgeting with a margin.

Where to live: cities in brief

• Madrid: the business capital, with the most vacancies and the highest salaries, but also expensive housing.
• Barcelona: an international environment, the sea and a lively cultural scene; one of the most expensive rental markets.
• Valencia: the country's third city, with more affordable prices, beaches and good infrastructure.
• Málaga: the centre of the Costa del Sol, popular with foreigners and remote workers; prices have risen noticeably.
• Torrevieja and the Alicante coast: traditionally a large Russian-speaking community and affordable housing.

Work

Seasonal work in tourism and services is easy to find but poorly paid. Doctors and medical staff, IT specialists, engineers and technical professions are in steady demand. A non-EU foreigner needs a separate permit to work as an employee, so many people who move choose remote work on a digital nomad visa.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Spain is split into public and private. The public system is free for those who pay social security contributions and are registered with the social security system. Private healthcare is available through insurance; for some residence types, such as non-lucrative residence, private health insurance without a deductible is mandatory.

What income you need for residence in 2026

Important. Spain's golden visa for property investment was abolished on 3 April 2025. New applications are no longer accepted.

• Non-lucrative residence: at least 400% of IPREM for the applicant (€2,400 per month in 2026) and 100% of IPREM (€600 per month) for each family member.
• Digital nomad visa: remote work income of at least 200% of the Spanish minimum wage, about €2,849 per month in 2026 (in practice better from €3,000 to €3,500).
• Startup visa: an innovative project with a positive assessment from the ENISA agency.
• Employment: a job offer from an employer and a work permit.

How MIRBEZVIZ helps you move to Spain

• We select a residence type for your income and lifestyle: passive income, remote work or your own project.
• We calculate the income requirements for the whole family and prepare documents.
• We help choose a city for your budget and goals: schools, healthcare, rent.
• If Spain does not suit your circumstances, we offer alternatives in Europe.

Message Victoria: we will tell you which residence permit suits you and what income you need to show.

Information is current as of 15 October 2026. Bank and program rules and terms change, so please check the details with our specialists before making a decision.