One of the main reasons Canadians consider moving to Spain is the cost of living. Spain is more affordable than major Canadian cities but the difference depends heavily on where you choose to live and how you structure your lifestyle. Rent, dining, transportation, and everyday services are where the biggest savings show up. Where you land on the spectrum depends on the city you choose.

• Madrid and Barcelona: These cities sit at the top of the price range. Rent is the primary cost driver in both cities, and demand has kept prices elevated. Outside of rent, both cities are still noticeably more affordable than their Canadian equivalents in almost every other category. A single person living comfortably, should budget roughly €1,800 to €2,800 per month.
• Valencia, Malaga, and Seville: They offer meaningfully lower costs without sacrificing quality of life. These are real cities with strong infrastructure, growing expat communities, and genuine cultural depth. Rent for a one-bedroom in a central area is considerably lower than in the capitals, and daily expenses follow suit. A comfortable monthly budget for a single person sits around €1,400 to €2,200.
• Smaller cities and towns: Towns like Granada, Alicante, Murcia, and much of inland Spain, are more affordable. For Canadians who work remotely and have flexibility on location, these areas offer a very low cost of living without requiring any compromise on the Spanish experience. Budget from €1,200 to €1,800 per month.

These figures cover rent, groceries, dining, transport, and day-to-day expenses for one person. They do not include private health insurance premiums, which are a required ongoing cost for most visa holders, or one-time setup costs like rental deposits and relocation expenses.

A few categories where Spain surprises people on the upside:

• Electricity is expensive relative to the rest of Europe. Older apartments with poor insulation can produce high bills in summer and winter. Factor this into your accommodation decisions.
• Private health insurance is a required ongoing cost for most visa holders until public coverage kicks in. Premiums rise significantly with age. Canadians over 50 should get quotes before applying - the cost is manageable but not trivial.
• Initial housing setup can be higher than expected. Spanish landlords require a one to two months deposit plus the first month's rent upfront. Some require additional guarantees from foreign tenants without a local employment history. Arriving with sufficient setup funds matters more than most guides acknowledge.

Spain is not cheap in the way that some destinations are marketed as cheap. It is a developed Western European country with good infrastructure, strong healthcare, and a high standard of living. The affordability is relative and for Canadians, the comparison is favourable across almost every spending category that matters in daily life.