How Much Does a Trip to Spain Cost?
Spain is one of Europe's best-value destinations, where a 3-course lunch with wine costs under $16 and free tapas culture keeps food spending low. Vibrant cities and beaches deliver high quality at moderate prices.
UpdatedApril 2026· Currency: Euro (€)
Cost Breakdown by Category
🏨Accommodation
Hostel dorm$18-35
Budget hotel$50-80
Boutique hotel$90-170
Luxury hotel$200-450
🍽Food & Dining
Tapas portion$3-6
Menu del dia (set lunch)$12-16
Paella for two$20-35
Pintxos bar (Basque)$2-4 each
Fine dining$60-120
🚆Transport
Madrid metro single$1.70
AVE train Madrid-Barcelona$30-80
Regional bus$5-15
Taxi (per km)$1.20
🎯Activities
Sagrada Familia$28
Alhambra ticket$16
Flamenco show$25-50
Museum admission$8-15
Cheapest Time to Visit
CheapestNovember, January, February, March
ShoulderApril, May, October
PeakJune, July, August, September
Summer heat in the south can exceed 40C. Spring and fall offer the best balance of weather and value.
Tipping & Money
Tipping expected
Tipping is not expected but leaving small change is common.
restaurant: 0-10%
taxi: Round up
hotel: 1 EUR/night
Tour guide: 3-5 EUR
bar: Leave change
Cash vs Card
Cards are accepted widely. Some traditional bars and markets prefer cash.
Recommended cash: €30-50 per day
Full cash & card guide →Money-Saving Tips
- 1Order the menu del dia at lunch for a 3-course meal with drink for $12-16.
- 2Take advantage of free tapas with drinks in Granada and parts of Andalusia.
- 3Book AVE high-speed trains on Renfe early for fares as low as €9.
- 4Visit free museums on designated evenings (many offer 2 free hours per week).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a trip to Spain cost per day in 2026?
Budget travelers spend about $73/day, mid-range about $165/day, and luxury travelers around $405/day per person.
Is Spain cheaper than France or Italy?
Generally yes, Spain is 10-20% cheaper than France and comparable to Italy, especially for food and accommodation outside Barcelona.
What is the menu del dia?
A fixed-price lunch offered by most Spanish restaurants, typically including appetizer, main, dessert, bread, and a drink for €12-16.
When is the cheapest time to visit Spain?
November through March offers the lowest prices, with mild weather in the south and Canary Islands.
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See all country rankings →Sources: Numbeo 2025-2026, Renfe official fares, Spain Tourism Board · Last updated April 2026