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Spain is a delightful place to visit any time of the year. Its gorgeous beaches, breathtakingarchitecture, fun festivals, and delicious tapas and sangria attract millions of visitors yearly.And in addition to that, Spain is a safe country with a low crimerate. A vacation in Spain will leave you with lots of delightful memories.
Visiting Spain does not cost a fortune. Your travel style and accommodation preferences determinehow much you'll spend on your trip to Spain. And if you're yet to visit this beautiful countrybecause you're not sure you can afford the cost of a trip to Spain, you needn't worry. Spain hassomething for everyone, whether you're an ultra-budget or luxury traveler.
This guide gives a breakdown of the cost of a trip to Spain and the best time to visit Spainto save money.
How Much Does It Cost to Go to Spain?
The average daily cost for a budget Spain trip is $127 per person. You’ll typically spend about$34 on food and $25 on local transportation daily. Also, expect to pay between $55 and $65 foraccommodation per night. On average, a three-day visit to Spain will cost you about $381, whilea week-long trip will cost around $889.
If you’re traveling as a couple or a family, your budget will cost less than multiplied solotrips because of shared accommodation. The average price for a standard double-occupancy room inSpain is $113 per night. A one-day budget couple trip will cost around $248, while a week’s tripfor two persons will cost about $1,736.
Note that the stated prices do not include flight tickets and travel insurance.
Cost of a 2-Week Trip to Spain
For a budget traveler, a two-week solo trip to Spain will cost about $1,778. It will cost lessif you choose to travel ultra-budget nomad style and more if you’re looking for a mid-range orluxury trip. An ultra-budget nomad-style two-week trip will cost as low as $1,300, a mid-rangetrip for two weeks costs $2,400 on average, and a luxury two-week holiday in Spain will costfrom $4,800 to as much as you’re willing to spend.
Cost for 1 Week Trip to Spain
How much you’ll spend on a week’s trip to Spain depends on the type of traveler you are, thelocation(s) you’re visiting in Spain, and the activities you want to engage in. On average, abudget traveler's cost of visiting Spain for a week is $889. If you’re on an ultra-budget, youcan get by in Spain for a week with $650 on average. The average cost of a one-week mid-rangetrip is $1,200, while a luxury Spain trip starts from $2,500 on average.
Cost of Trip to Spain for Two
The daily cost of visiting Spain as a couple is sometimes cheaper than double solo trips becauseof shared accommodation costs. A budget couple's vacation in Spain costs about $1,736 a week. Ifyou’re planning a mid-range or luxury travel, you should prepare to spend more. A one-weekmid-range couple trip typically costs around $2,400, while a luxury vacation will cost $5,000and above.
Plan to spend about $3,500 for a two-week couple trip. You should expect to spend about $4,800if you’re planning a mid-range couple's vacation.
Spain Trip Cost: Accommodation Prices
The cost of accommodation in Spain depends on the cities you’re visiting, the time of the year,and your accommodation preferences. As in most places, accommodations in big cities are generallymore expensive than those in smaller cities and towns, especially in peak season. But you’re sureto find something for you, whether traveling on an ultra, midrange, or luxury budget.
You’ll find hostel accommodations in Spain for as low as $25 per night. 2-star hotel rooms withshared bathrooms cost about $55 per night, while a standard double occupancy private room in 3 - 4star hotels costs between $90 and $120. Some three to four-star hotels offer complimentarybreakfast, and they generally have pools. And while luxury trips provide maximum comfort, the averageprice per night for a room in luxury hotels starts from $200.
You can save money by going the Airbnb route. In most Spanish cities, you’ll find private Airbnbrooms for between $40 and $65. If you’re traveling as a couple or family, vacation rentals are usuallymore convenient and affordable. You can rent an entire one-bedroom apartment for $80 to $120 pernight. You'll usually have a kitchen to make your meals and cut food costs, plus free parking, butyou're not likely to have a pool.
Another way to save on accommodation costs is to stay in smaller towns and take day trips to explorethe major cities. You’ll also find the best deals when you book in advance.
Transportation Prices
Transport costs are an essential aspect of your Spanish travel budget because you’ll have to movearound to explore this gorgeous southern European country. You’ll typically spend $25 per day onlocal transportation. Rental cars, taxis, buses, and trains are great local transportation options,but public transportation is the most budget-friendly option.
Bus transport is the best public transport for budget travel, and the bus network covers smallertowns that the train system does not reach. Taxi rides in Spain cost an average of $7.5, and youcan get one-way metro tickets for $2.5, but bus rides are the cheapest. Intra-city bus rides cost$1.5 on average, while inter-city bus tickets go for $20 to $35, depending on the travel distance.Inter-city train tickets cost about $15 for a one-way day trip, but you can get good discounts ifyou book in advance.
If you want to explore Spain at your own pace and convenience, rental cars are excellent though moreexpensive options. The price of rental cars varies depending on the type and size of the car. Onaverage, car rental in Spain ranges from $5 per day to $65 per day, excluding gas costs, toll fees,and parking fees. Gas costs $1.5 per liter in Spain. Also, remember that you’ll need an InternationalDriver’s Permit to drive legally in Spain.
Cost of Food and Drinks
A trip to Spain is incomplete without feasting on Spain’s delicious cuisines, especially tapas andsangria. However, the amount you’ll spend on meals depends mainly on your eating habits andpreferences. While you can get breakfast for as low as $7, lunch and dinner are more expensive.You’ll get lunch and dinner for about $13 each at a local restaurant.
Food prices are higher in tourist hotspots and fine restaurants than in local restaurants. A dinnerfor two in a restaurant will cost you $45 on average, including drinks. And remember you'll have toleave a 5% - 15% tip. Eating meals at local restaurants or making your own meals are ways to savemoney if you're on a tight budget.
You can make some of your meals yourself if you’re renting an Airbnb room or a vacation rental. Youcan visit the local markets to get groceries at cheaper rates. You will get a liter of milk for $0.7,0.5kg of bread for $1.1, ten eggs for $2, 1kg of cheese for $11, and 500ml of beer for $1.5.
If your budget allows, you should indulge in a Spanish food tour. It’s an unforgettable culinaryexperience. Both group and private tours usually cost between $45 and $70.
Activity and Entertainment Prices
There’s so much to see and experience in pain, which is why you’re planning to spend your vacationhere in the first place. So activities and entertainment are essential components of your budget.You’ll need to budget for admission tickets to tourist attractions and museums, sightseeing expenses,concerts, and tours.
The price of admission tickets to Spain’s historic sites and museums ranges from $5 to $15.Sightseeing tours cost around $15, while food and wine tours can cost up to $60. If you’re big onconcerts and flamenco performances, then you should prepare to spend around $30 for one. Except ifyou're a luxury traveler, your daily activity and entertainment expenses should not exceed $25.
The Cheapest Times to Visit Spain
Like most tourist destinations, Spain buzzes with tourist activities during summer. So, summer isnot the best time if you want a cheap Spanish vacation. The most affordable time to visit Spain isin the off-season - autumn to early winter and late winter to spring.
The cheapest months to visit Spain are late September to early December and January to March. Butthe best time for a cheap vacation is to opt for a winter in Spain,anywhere from late January to early February. During these months there are fewer tourists,accommodations are more affordable, and tickets to attractions are often cheaper too.
Average Cost of a Trip to Spain
We’ve covered the major factors that will make up your travel budget in detail. In summary, the totalcost of your vacation to Spain largely depends on your preferences, but here’s the average amount youshould expect to spend per day.
- Accommodation: $25 - $120/night
- Getting Around: $20 - 30$/day
- Food and Drinks: $15 - $35/day
- Activities and Entertainment: $25 - $45/day
Visiting Spain: What Kind of Travel Documents Do You Need?
The Kingdom of Spain is one of the 26 members of the Schengen zone. Before 2023, citizens ofnon-European countries in a bilateral agreement with Spain and the Schengen area did not needa visa to travel to Spain. However, starting in 2024, they’ll need toobtain an ETIAS to enter Spain.
The ETIAS (Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System) is a visa waiver programdesigned to secure European borders and enhance ease of travel. It is a digital travelauthorization that admits entry for 90 days every six months. It is valid for three years.
Application for ETIAS is made online and takes less than fifteen minutes to complete. You willtypically get a response within 48 hours. Foreign nationals from countries not captured in thevisa waiver program will need a Schengen visa to visit Spain.
Trip to Spain Cost and Budget Breakdown - Final Thoughts
Spain is a beautiful travel destination any time of the year, and a trip to Spain does not haveto be expensive. Traveling in the shoulder season is a wonderful way to explore Spain at aquieter pace and more affordable price.
If Spain happens to be your dream summer getaway location, there are still many ways to make yourdream a reality without breaking the bank. You'll get reasonable discounts when you bookaccommodations and train tickets in advance. You can also opt for a shared Airbnb apartment.Limiting eat-outs (especially in touristy areas) and cooking your own meals is another greatway to save money.
In the end, visiting Spain is only as expensive as you want it to be. And if you can afford a luxuryvacation, ensure that you explore all the wonders of Spain.
