One thing I always recommend to future auxiliares is to come to Spain with some sort of financial cushion. That could mean having personal savings before you arrive, or at least having a support system back home you could lean on if needed. The reality is that those first few months can be a little financially awkward while you’re getting settled.
For starters, you’ll likely be waiting for your first paycheck, and depending on your region, that can take a little time. On top of that, there are all the little things you’ll need to buy when you move into your new place. Bedding, kitchen supplies, cleaning products, and random household items you didn’t think about before. Those costs can add up quickly.
And then sometimes, there’s the possibility of late payments, which can happen depending on the program and region. It doesn’t happen everywhere, but it’s something people should be aware of and financially prepare for just in case. With that said, I wanted to give you a general idea of what some everyday expenses might look like while living in Spain as an auxiliar.
Housing
Rent can vary a lot depending on the city, neighborhood, and how many roommates you have. On the lower end, you might find something around €250 a month, especially in smaller towns or if you’re sharing with multiple people. On the higher end, particularly in bigger cities, rent can easily be €700 or more. Most auxiliares choose to live with roommates, which helps keep costs manageable.
Groceries
Groceries also depend a lot on your habits and how well you can stretch what you buy. Do you eat a light breakfast, or do you need something high-protein to start your day? Do you cook most of your meals at home or eat out more often? Are you someone who meal preps?
Personally, I usually spend around €30 a week, give or take. Some weeks it’s a little less, and some weeks it’s a little more if I need to pick up things like spices, toilet paper, or laundry detergent. Those small household items can sneak up on you when you’re first setting up your kitchen and bathroom.
Transportation
Transportation in Spain can actually be pretty affordable. One nice perk is that Spain often considers young adults as youth, which means you might qualify for discounted transportation cards or bonos depending on your region. Because of that, your transportation costs might be anywhere from €5 to €25 a month, depending on your city and how often you’re traveling.
Utilities and Wi-Fi
Utilities usually include things like water, electricity, and Wi-Fi, and these costs are typically split between roommates. A rough estimate could be around €30 a month, but again, this really depends on how many people you live with and how your apartment manages utilities.
Phone Plans
Phone plans in Spain are surprisingly affordable. You can find plans for as little as €10 a month, which is pretty great. Of course, if you’re someone who’s constantly on your phone and using a lot of data, you might want to upgrade to a bigger plan.
One easy way to keep costs low is simply connecting to Wi-Fi whenever you can.
The Reality of Budgeting Abroad
At the end of the day, it’s hard to give exact numbers because everyone’s situation is different. Your city, region, rent, number of roommates, eating habits, and lifestyle will all play a role in what your monthly expenses look like. But hopefully this gives you an idea of what to expect financially while living in Spain as an auxiliar. Budgeting might not be the most exciting part of moving abroad, but having a general plan can make the transition a lot smoother. And once you settle in, you’ll start to find your rhythm and figure out what works best for you.
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
