GENERAL INFORMATION
Accommodation – Accommodation in Spain is pretty cheap when compared to other Western European countries. Dorm beds in hostels typically begin around $15 USD per night and go as high as $25 USD in major cities like Barcelona or Madrid. Hostel private rooms start around $45 USD per night for a double. Budget hotels begin at that price and go up from there. In some small towns, you can find accommodation for less.
Food – You can get cheap tapas and sandwiches meals for between $4-8 USD. If you want wine included, expect to spend about $12-14 USD per meal. A good restaurant meal will set you back around $15 USD. If you go out for paella, drinks, or appetizers, then you should plan to spend around $25 USD for a meal. Spain has a lot of expensive restaurants, and meals there begin around $30 USD with a drink. Fast food like McDonalds and Maoz cost around $7 USD. Groceries will cost around $35 USD per week, especially if you stick to the copious local markets around the country.
Transportation – City cetro and bus lines cost $2-3 USD per trip. The train system (Renfe) can be expensive. High speed trains can cost between $60-150 USD, depending on distance and how popular the route is. Slower regional trains range between $20-50 USD per trip. Overnight buses are the cheapest inter-city option and cost around $20 US.
MONEY SAVING TIPS
Get the menu of the day – Most restaurants have a cheap “menu of the day” during lunch around $8-10 USD. They are a good way to save money on food and taste delicious Spanish food. Skip eating out for dinner – it’s too expensive.
Take the bus – While the train system is fast, it’s expensive. If you have the time and want to save money, take the buses.
Get city passes – Most travelers don’t get city passes, but if you plan to do a lot of city sightseeing, they are good investment. All the major cities have multiple museums, attractions, and activities. Getting a city pass can save you up to 20% on these activities and get you free transport. If you are going on a sightseeing binge, get the pass.
