Exchange in Spain: cost of living in Madrid 2025
In 2025, the cost of living in Madrid for exchange students varies between €1,300 to €2,200 monthly, depending on your lifestyle and choices. It may seem like a considerable amount at first glance, but when you understand the details and discover the right strategies, you realize that it is possible to live well in the Spanish capital without breaking the budget.
Housing: the biggest investment in your exchange
Rent represents around 40-50% of monthly expenses in Madrid. A one-bedroom apartment in the historic center costs between €879 and €955 monthly, while in more remote neighborhoods you can find options between €650 to €724.
The good news? There are smart alternatives! Many exchange students choose to share an apartment, reducing costs to approximately €400-600 per person. Neighborhoods such as Lavapiés, Malasaña or Chamberí offer a great quality of life with more affordable prices than the center.
As mentioned in our guide on 5 best cities to study in Spain in 2025, Madrid stands out not only for its academic excellence, but also for the international networking opportunities that compensate for the investment.
Utilities and basic expenses: keeping the house running
Expenses for water, electricity, heating, and garbage revolve around €130-135 monthly for an average apartment. In summer, the electricity bill may rise due to air conditioning, but in winter heating also impacts the budget. Quality Internet costs about €30-40 monthly.
A valuable tip: many student apartments already include utilities in the rental price, making financial planning easier.
Transportation: connecting with the city
Madrid has one of the best public transport systems in Europe! The monthly pass only costs €30, offering unlimited access to subways, buses, and urban trains. For occasional trips, a single ticket costs €1.50.
Many students find that they don't even need a car - the city is super connected and walking around Madrid is one of the best ways to get to know it. Shared bikes cost around €25 per year and are perfect for short trips.
Food: savoring Madrid without weight on your conscience
Shopping at the supermarket costs approximately €250 monthly for a person. Local markets like Mercado de San Miguel offer fresh produce at fair prices, as well as being an incredible cultural experience.
Eating out doesn't have to be expensive! Menus del Día (daily dishes) cost between €10-15 and they're fed up. Tapas shared with friends cost around €3-5 each, transforming meals into social moments.
For those who want to save money, our article on delivery apps in Spain provides tips on how to find promotions and discounts on the main apps.
Realistic total cost: planning your budget
Economic budget (€1,300-1,500):
- Shared room in remote neighborhood: €450
- Food (market + some meals out): €280
- Shipping: €30
- Utilities (divided): €70
- Basic leisure: €100
- Miscellaneous: €120
Comfortable budget (€1,800-2,200):
- Own apartment or single room: €800
- Varied food: €350
- Shipping: €30
- Utilities: €130
- Leisure and travel: €200
- Miscellaneous: €150
Remember that in Madrid you can work up to 30 hours a week during the course, which may represent €800-1,200 monthly of extra income!
Smart strategies for saving
1. Taking advantage of student discounts Madrid is super friendly to students! Museums, movie theaters, transportation, and even some restaurants offer substantial discounts. The Carné Joven (youth card) offers discounts at dozens of establishments.
2. Exploring Free Culture As we highlighted in our article about 5 unique experiences in Madrid for your exchange, the city offers many free activities: parks such as the Retiro, museums at specific times, street festivals, and cultural events.
3. Cooking at home Investing in a good shared kitchen saves hundreds of euros monthly. Shop at local markets and try typical ingredients - it's going to be a food culture class!
Comparing with other Spanish cities
Is Madrid really more expensive than other Spanish cities? Yes, but the difference is not absurd! As shown in our Complete guide to the cost of living in Spain 2025, cities like Valencia or Seville may be 20-30% cheaper, but Madrid offers much more job and networking opportunities.
For those looking for cheaper alternatives in Spain itself, it's worth checking out our article on cost of living in Valencia, which offers excellent quality of life with a reduced budget.
Job opportunities: balancing expenses
Madrid has a hot job market for exchange students! Sectors such as tourism, language education, customer service, and technology offer good opportunities. As we detailed in our guide on The best cities to work in Spain in 2025, the capital concentrates the largest companies and offers more competitive salaries.
Part-time jobs for students pay between €8-12 per hour, and with 20-25 hours a week, it is possible to cover a large part of the monthly expenses.
Smart financial planning
Before boarding, set aside at least €3,000-4,000 for the first few months. This includes security for the apartment, initial expenses, and an emergency reservation. Remember: the first few months are always more expensive due to installation costs.
Also consider:
- Compulsory health insurance: €50-80 per month
- Spanish course (if necessary): €200-400 monthly
- Teaching material: €100-200 initials
- Clothes for different seasons: €200-500
Is it worth investing in Madrid?
Absolutely! Madrid offers exceptional return on investment. Professional experience, fluency in Spanish, international networking, and personal development largely offset the costs. Many exchange students get well-paid remote jobs after their experience or even a stay in Europe.
As highlighted in our article on Fun facts about the exchange in Spain, Spain offers an enviable quality of life and unique opportunities for growth.
Be Easy: turning Madrid dreams into reality
We know that budgeting for Madrid can seem challenging, but it doesn't have to be complicated! Na Be Easy, our specialized team helps you create a realistic and personalized financial plan for your exchange in Spain. We offer full support from choosing the program to practical tips for saving in Madrid, ensuring that you make the most of this transformative experience. Get in touch with us and discover how to make your Madrid dream an accessible and unforgettable reality!
