Is Spain expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Spain is good value for Western Europe: cheaper than France, Italy's big cities or the UK for food and drink, with Barcelona and Madrid the priciest places. A budget day is about €90 per person, mid-range about €180 and comfort about €400, before high-speed trains and flights. Rooms and headline monuments take most of the money; tapas and set lunches are cheap.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | €40 | €85 | €200 |
| Food & drink | €30 | €55 | €110 |
| Sights & tickets | €15 | €30 | €60 |
| Local transport | €5 | €10 | €30 |
| Per person, per day | €90 | €180 | €400 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Spain day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Tapa in La Latina, Madrid | about €3-5 a plate |
| Metro ride in Madrid | about €1.50-2 |
| Prado Museum | about €15 (free in the last two hours) |
| Alhambra | about €20 |
| Real Alcázar, Seville | about €15-25 |
| Sagrada Família | from about €26 |
| Flamenco at a tablao | €25-45 |
| Budget double in Lavapiés or Macarena | €70-110 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the main cost, highest in Barcelona (which adds a tourist tax of roughly €3-8 per person per night) and in Seville during Holy Week and the Feria. Big monuments such as the Sagrada Família, the Alhambra and the Alcázar cost €15-30 each and need timed tickets. High-speed AVE trains add a lot if booked late. Food is the bargain: tapas, menú del día lunches and markets are cheap.
When it is cheaper
November to February (outside Christmas) is the cheapest time, especially in Andalusia, with hotel prices often well below spring. Semana Santa and the Feria de Abril in Seville can triple prices.
How to spend less
- Eat the menú del día at lunch, about €12-18 for three courses with a drink.
- Visit the Prado free in its last two opening hours (from 18:00 Monday to Saturday).
- In Granada, order a drink and get a free tapa with it.
- Book AVE and Iryo or Ouigo trains early; low-cost operators often undercut Renfe.
- Use a 10-trip metro card in Madrid, which can be shared.
- Book the Alhambra and Sagrada Família only on official websites to avoid reseller mark-ups.
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Common questions
How much does a day in Spain cost?
About €90 per person on a budget, €180 mid-range and €400 for comfort, before high-speed trains and flights.
Is Barcelona more expensive than Madrid?
Usually somewhat, especially for hotels, and Barcelona adds a tourist tax of roughly €3-8 per person per night.
Do you tip in Spain?
Tipping is not required; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated.