Photo: Google Maps
Cost of Food in Spain
Daily food budget: $18–$40 per person. Here's what meals actually cost.
Budget
$18
per person/day
Mid-range
$40
per person/day
Luxury
$95
per person/day
What Meals Cost
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
Money-Saving Food Tips
- ✓Order the menu del dia at lunch for a 3-course meal with drink for $12-16.
Dining in Spain
Eating well in Spain doesn't have to be expensive. Here's what to expect and how to make the most of your food budget:
- ✓Look for lunch specials — many restaurants offer set menus at lower prices during midday.
- ✓Street food and markets are the best value and often the most authentic local cuisine.
- ✓Ask locals for recommendations — tourist-area restaurants typically charge 30-50% more.
- ✓Self-catering for breakfast (grocery store bread, fruit, coffee) saves $5-15/day per person.
- ✓Use apps like Google Maps or TripAdvisor to find highly-rated budget restaurants nearby.