×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Granada 2024
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Granada, Spain


Cost of Living in Granada

By Betsy Burlingame

Balcells Group Lawyers
Balcells Group Lawyers

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Granada helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living Granada
Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from €400 to €800 per month, while outside the city center, rent can range from €300 to €600 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from €700 to €1,200 per month, while outside the city center, rent can range from €500 to €1,000 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Granada can range from €1,500 to €2,500 per square meter. The average price of a two-bedroom apartment in the city center is €150,000, while outside the city center, the average price is €100,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Granada is relatively inexpensive. A single ticket on the bus or metro costs €1.30, while a 10-trip ticket costs €9.50. A monthly pass costs €30. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride within the city center is usually around €10.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Granada is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around €1.50, a liter of milk costs €1.20, and a dozen eggs costs €2.50. A kilogram of apples costs €2.50, while a kilogram of potatoes costs €1.50.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Granada is relatively affordable. A meal at a mid-range restaurant for two people costs around €30, while a three-course meal at a more upscale restaurant costs around €50. A cup of coffee costs around €1.50.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Granada is relatively low. The average monthly cost for electricity, heating, water, and garbage for a two-bedroom apartment is around €100. Internet and cable TV can cost around €50 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Granada varies depending on the school. Preschool tuition can range from €400 to €1,000 per month, while elementary school tuition can range from €500 to €1,500 per month. Middle school tuition can range from €600 to €2,000 per month, while high school tuition can range from €800 to €2,500 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Granada

"The cost of living in Granada is generally considered to be quite affordable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively inexpensive compared to other cities in Europe. Eating out is also quite affordable, with many restaurants offering great value for money. Rent prices can vary depending on the area, but are generally quite reasonable," said one expat living in Granada.

Can I live in Granada on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Granada for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I recommend looking into areas like Zaidín, Chana, or La Cruz. These neighborhoods are more budget-friendly and still offer a decent quality of life. On the other hand, you should avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Albaicín, Realejo, or the city center, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.When it comes to housing, you'll likely need to rent a smaller apartment or share a flat with roommates to keep costs down. Utilities and internet can be relatively affordable, but you'll need to be mindful of your usage to avoid any surprises on your bills.As for transportation, Granada has a decent public transportation system, including buses and a metro line. A monthly pass costs around €40, which is quite affordable. However, if you want to save even more, consider walking or biking around the city, as it's not too big and the weather is generally pleasant.Eating out can be quite affordable in Granada, especially if you take advantage of the local tapas culture. Many bars offer free tapas with your drink, so you can have a cheap meal while enjoying the local atmosphere. However, you'll need to cook most of your meals at home to stay within your budget. Groceries can be affordable if you shop at local markets and avoid imported products.Entertainment and leisure activities can also be budget-friendly if you're smart about it. Granada has many free or low-cost attractions, such as the Alhambra, the Cathedral, and the Royal Chapel. There are also plenty of parks and outdoor spaces where you can enjoy the beautiful weather. However, you'll need to limit your spending on things like concerts, movies, and other paid events.In conclusion, living in Granada on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being smart about transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work and enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Granada.

Can I live in Granada on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Granada for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might need to live in a smaller apartment or share a flat with roommates to save on rent. When it comes to choosing a neighborhood, I'd recommend looking into areas like Zaidín, Ronda, or Camino de Ronda. These neighborhoods are more affordable and still offer a good quality of life. You can find a decent apartment for around $600-$800 per month, which should leave you with enough money for other expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation. On the other hand, I'd avoid neighborhoods like Albaicín or Realejo, as they tend to be more expensive and touristy. Rent in these areas can easily go over $1,000 per month for a small apartment, which might not leave you with enough money for other necessities. In terms of transportation, Granada has a decent public transportation system, including buses and a metro line. A monthly pass costs around $40, which is quite affordable. However, if you prefer to drive, keep in mind that parking can be difficult and expensive in some areas, so you might want to consider living within walking distance of your workplace or using public transportation instead. Eating out can be quite affordable in Granada, especially if you take advantage of the local tapas culture. Many bars offer free tapas with your drink, so you can have a nice meal for just a few euros. However, if you prefer to cook at home, groceries can be a bit more expensive than in other parts of Spain, so you might need to budget accordingly. Overall, living in Granada on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and transportation. But in my experience, the city's rich culture, beautiful architecture, and friendly locals make it well worth it," said one expat living in Granada.

Can I live in Granada on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Granada for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, you can maintain a good quality of life.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to save money, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Zaidín, Chana, or Huetor Vega. These areas are more affordable, and you can find a nice two-bedroom apartment for around $600-$800 a month. On the other hand, if you're willing to spend a bit more on housing, you can look into neighborhoods like Albaicín, Realejo, or the city center. These areas are more expensive, but they're also more picturesque and closer to the main attractions.As for transportation, Granada has a decent public transportation system, including buses and a metro line. A monthly pass costs around $40, which is quite affordable. However, if you prefer to drive, keep in mind that parking can be a challenge in the city center, and gas prices are higher than in the US.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll find that prices are generally lower than in the US. You can expect to spend around $300-$400 a month on groceries, depending on your preferences. Eating out is also quite affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $15-$20 per person.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there's plenty to do in Granada without breaking the bank. You can visit the Alhambra, one of the most famous landmarks in Spain, for around $15, or explore the many free museums and parks in the city. If you enjoy outdoor activities, the Sierra Nevada mountains are nearby, offering great hiking and skiing opportunities.In terms of sacrifices, you might find that some modern amenities you're used to, like central heating and air conditioning, are not as common in Granada, especially in older buildings. You might also need to adjust to the slower pace of life and the local customs, like the afternoon siesta when many businesses close for a few hours.Overall, I think you can live comfortably in Granada on $5,000 a month, as long as you're willing to make some adjustments and be mindful of your spending. It's a beautiful city with a rich history and culture, and I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here," commented an expat living in Granada.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


Balcells Group Lawyers
Balcells Group Lawyers

Balcells Group Lawyers
Balcells Group Lawyers

Granada, Spain

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Cigna Global HealthCigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Contribute to Spain Network Contribute
Help others in Spain by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Spain.

Balcells Group Lawyers
Balcells Group Lawyers

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides