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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Tarragona 2024
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Cost of Living in Tarragona

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: If you're moving to Tarragona, understanding the the cost of living in Tarragona helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living Tarragona
Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Tarragona is €500-€700 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. A two-bedroom apartment can cost up to €900 per month.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Tarragona is €1,500-€2,000 per square meter. The cost of a two-bedroom apartment can range from €150,000-€200,000.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Tarragona is €1.50 for a single ticket and €10 for a 10-trip ticket. A monthly pass costs €30. Taxis are also available and the cost is €2.50 for the first kilometer and €1.20 for each additional kilometer.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Tarragona is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs €1.50, a liter of milk costs €1.20, and a dozen eggs costs €2.50.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Tarragona is relatively low. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs €15-€20 per person. A three-course meal at a high-end restaurant costs €30-€40 per person.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Tarragona is relatively low. The average cost of electricity, water, and gas is €100-€150 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Tarragona varies depending on the school. Preschool tuition can range from €500-€1,000 per month. Elementary school tuition can range from €1,000-€2,000 per month. Middle school tuition can range from €2,000-€3,000 per month. High school tuition can range from €3,000-€4,000 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Tarragona

"The cost of living in Tarragona is considered to be moderate compared to other Spanish cities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite affordable, while a similar apartment outside the city center is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also relatively low. Groceries in Tarragona are reasonably priced, with local markets offering fresh produce, meat, and dairy at competitive rates. Eating out in Tarragona can vary, with inexpensive restaurants offering meals at a lower cost, while a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant can be more expensive. Public transportation in Tarragona is also affordable, with monthly passes available for regular commuters. Alternatively, owning and maintaining a car can be more costly, with gasoline prices being quite high. Healthcare in Tarragona is of a high standard and is generally affordable, especially for those who are covered by public health insurance. Private health insurance can be more expensive, but it offers more comprehensive coverage. Overall, the cost of living in Tarragona is quite balanced, offering a good quality of life at a reasonable cost," said one expat living in Tarragona.

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

"I've been living in Tarragona 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 at areas like Torreforta, Bonavista, or La Granja. These neighborhoods are more affordable than others like Part Alta or Arrabassada, which are more expensive and might be out of your budget.When it comes to housing, you'll probably need to rent a smaller apartment or share a flat with roommates to keep costs down. Utilities and internet can be quite affordable if you're mindful of your usage. For groceries, I suggest shopping at local markets and discount supermarkets like Mercadona or Lidl to save money.Eating out can be quite affordable in Tarragona, especially if you take advantage of the "menu del dia" deals that many restaurants offer for lunch. However, you might need to cut back on dining out and cook more at home to stay within your budget.As for transportation, Tarragona has a decent public transportation system, and a monthly pass costs around €40. If you're used to having a car, you might need to give that up and rely on public transportation, walking, or biking to get around.Entertainment and leisure activities can also be affordable if you take advantage of free or low-cost events and attractions in the city. Tarragona has beautiful beaches, parks, and historical sites that you can enjoy without spending much money.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Tarragona is possible, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on dining out, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Tarragona.

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

"I've been living in Tarragona 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 and be smart about your spending. For example, you might need to cut back on eating out at fancy restaurants or going out for drinks every weekend. When it comes to housing, there are some affordable neighborhoods that you should consider. I recommend looking into areas like Torreforta, Bonavista, and La Granja. These neighborhoods are more budget-friendly and still offer a good quality of life. You can find a decent apartment for around $600-$800 a month, which will leave you with plenty of money for other expenses.On the other hand, there are some more expensive neighborhoods that you might want to avoid if you're trying to stick to a $3,000 a month budget. Areas like Part Alta, Eixample, and Serrallo tend to have higher rent prices, so it might be more difficult to find an affordable place to live in these neighborhoods.As for transportation, Tarragona has a decent public transportation system, so you can save money by using buses and trains instead of owning a car. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $40, which is much cheaper than paying for gas, insurance, and maintenance on a car.Groceries and other everyday expenses are also quite affordable in Tarragona. You can find local markets and supermarkets where you can buy fresh produce and other essentials at reasonable prices. If you cook at home most of the time, you can save a lot of money on food.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Tarragona. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, parks, and historical sites without spending a fortune. There are also many cultural events and festivals throughout the year that you can attend for free or at a low cost.Overall, living in Tarragona on a $3,000 a month budget is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank," said one expat living in Tarragona.

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

"I've been living in Tarragona for a few years 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 Torreforta, Bonavista, or Sant Pere i Sant Pau. These areas are more affordable, and you can find a decent-sized apartment for around $800 to $1,200 a month. On the other hand, if you're willing to spend a bit more on rent, you can look into neighborhoods like Eixample, Part Alta, or Serrallo. These areas are more expensive, but they're also closer to the city center and have more amenities.As for transportation, Tarragona has a decent public transportation system, so you can save money by using buses and trains instead of owning a car. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $40, which is much cheaper than paying for gas, insurance, and parking.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you can find affordable options if you're willing to shop at local markets and eat at more budget-friendly restaurants. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $20, while a meal at a more upscale place can be around $40 or more. If you cook at home, you can save even more money, as groceries are relatively inexpensive in Tarragona.Entertainment and leisure activities can also be affordable if you're smart about it. There are plenty of free or low-cost events and attractions in the city, like visiting the Roman ruins or going to the beach. If you're into sports, you can join a local gym for around $40 to $60 a month, or take advantage of the many outdoor activities available in the area, like hiking or cycling.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxury items or experiences you're used to, like eating at high-end restaurants or shopping at designer stores. However, I've found that the overall quality of life in Tarragona is excellent, and the lower cost of living allows me to enjoy my time here without constantly worrying about money.So, to sum it up, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Tarragona is definitely doable, as long as you're willing to make some adjustments and be mindful of your spending," commented an expat living in Tarragona.

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.


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