🏡🇪🇸🇦🇺 Cost of Living Comparison: Spain vs Australia – Cities and Countryside

Whether you’re relocating to a bustling city or looking for a peaceful rural retreat, the cost of living plays a key role in your relocation decision. This guide compares Spain and Australia in detail, helping you understand the key differences in housing, food, utilities, healthcare, transport, and salaries — in both urban and rural areas.

📊 OVERVIEW: Spain vs Australia – At a Glance

Expense Category	Spain (City)	Australia (City)	Spain (Rural)	Australia (Rural)
Rent (2-bed flat)	€900	€1,900	€500	€1,100
Home Price (avg/m²)	€3,000	€8,000+	€900	€3,000
Utilities (monthly)	€130	€200	€110	€180
Groceries (monthly)	€250	€400	€200	€350
Dining Out (meal)	€12	€25	€10	€20
Public Transport	€40/month	€150/month	Limited	Limited
Fuel (per litre)	€1.65	€1.80	€1.60	€1.75
Internet	€35	€65	€30	€60
Avg Net Salary	€1,700	€4,500	€1,400	€3,500

🏠 HOUSING COSTS

🏙 Cities

Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane): Housing is significantly more expensive than in Spain. A two-bedroom apartment in a good suburb can cost between AUD $2,800–$4,000/month (€1,700–€2,500) to rent, with purchase prices averaging over €8,000/m² in central areas.
Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia): Offers much more affordable urban living. A similar apartment might rent for €800–€1,200/month, and property prices are around €3,000/m² in top cities.

🏡 Countryside

Spain: Rural housing is incredibly affordable, especially in inland provinces. You can buy a village house for under €100,000, and rent for less than €500/month.
Australia: Rural properties are more expensive than in Spain, but still cheaper than cities. Regional houses average €2,500–€3,500/m², and renting a house can cost around €1,000–€1,300/month, depending on proximity to cities.

✅ Verdict: Spain is the clear winner on housing affordability — especially in rural areas.

🛒 GROCERIES & FOOD

Spain: Basic groceries are cheap, especially fresh produce, bread, olive oil, and local wines. A weekly shop for two might cost €60–€70.
Australia: Groceries are around 40–60% more expensive, especially for dairy, meat, and imported goods. Expect €90–€110/week for two people.

🥘 Dining Out:

Spain is known for affordable dining and tapas culture. You can eat out well for €10–€15/person.
In Australia, even a casual meal out costs €20–€30/person.

✅ Verdict: Spain offers a better cost-to-quality ratio for food, both at home and in restaurants.

🔌 UTILITIES & INTERNET

Spain: Utilities (electricity, water, gas, waste) for an 85m² apartment average €120–€140/month, with internet around €30–€40/month.
Australia: Expect to pay €180–€250/month for utilities and around €60–€70/month for reliable internet.

✅ Verdict: Spain is more economical for utilities, though rural areas in both countries may have limitations with internet speed.

🚗 TRANSPORT

🚊 Cities:

Spain has affordable and efficient public transport. Monthly metro/bus passes cost around €40–€55.
Australia’s cities have decent transport, but fares are higher — around €120–€160/month, depending on the city.

🚙 Rural Areas:

Both countries require a car in rural areas. Fuel is similar in price, but vehicle ownership and maintenance is more expensive in Australia.

✅ Verdict: Spain has better urban transport affordability and infrastructure.

🏥 HEALTHCARE

Spain: Universal public healthcare (free for residents), plus affordable private care. Many expats use a mix of both. Private insurance starts from €40/month.
Australia: Public healthcare (Medicare) is excellent, but only available to citizens, permanent residents, or select visa holders. Private health insurance can cost €100–€150/month.

✅ Verdict: Spain provides better healthcare access at a lower cost for residents and expats.

💼 SALARIES & INCOME

Australia: Average net salary is much higher — around €4,000–€5,000/month, especially in skilled sectors.
Spain: Average net salary is €1,600–€2,200/month, depending on the region and industry. Unemployment in some rural areas remains high.

✅ Verdict: Australia wins for earning potential, but keep in mind the higher living costs.

🏖 LIFESTYLE COSTS & TAXES

Spain offers low-cost leisure options: beaches, festivals, cafes, and travel within the EU is cheap.
Australia has a fantastic lifestyle, but activities like eating out, childcare, or domestic travel are more expensive.

🧾 Income Taxes:

Both countries have progressive income tax systems.
- Spain: 19%–47%
- Australia: 0%–45%
  Tax rules vary based on residency and income type. Consult a tax advisor if you’re relocating.

🔚 FINAL VERDICT – WHICH COUNTRY IS CHEAPER TO LIVE IN?

Living Area	Overall Winner	Why?
City Life	🇪🇸 Spain	Lower housing, food, transport, healthcare
Rural Life	🇪🇸 Spain	Extremely affordable property and living
Higher Income	🇦🇺 Australia	Higher wages, more job opportunities
Retirement	🇪🇸 Spain	Cost-effective, relaxed pace, great healthcare
Families	🇦🇺 Australia	High-quality services, schools, and infrastructure