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

By Betsy Burlingame

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

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: €500 - €700 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: €400 - €600 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: €800 - €1,200 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: €600 - €900 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: €1,800 - €2,500
  • Price per square meter outside city center: €1,200 - €1,800
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: €1.40
  • Monthly transport pass: €40 - €50
  • Taxi starting tariff: €3.50
  • Taxi 1km tariff: €1.00 - €1.50
  • Gasoline (1 liter): €1.30 - €1.50
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): €0.80 - €1.20
  • Bread (500g): €1.00 - €2.00
  • Rice (1kg): €1.00 - €2.00
  • Eggs (12): €1.50 - €3.00
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): €5.00 - €9.00
  • Beef round (1kg): €10.00 - €15.00
  • Apples (1kg): €1.50 - €2.50
  • Bananas (1kg): €1.00 - €2.00
  • Oranges (1kg): €1.00 - €2.00
  • Tomatoes (1kg): €1.00 - €2.50
  • Potatoes (1kg): €0.50 - €1.50
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): €0.50 - €1.00
  • Bottle of wine (mid-range): €5.00 - €10.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): €0.70 - €1.50
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €1.00 - €2.50
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €10.00 - €15.00
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: €30.00 - €50.00
  • McMeal at McDonald's: €6.00 - €8.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): €2.00 - €3.50
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €2.00 - €4.00
  • Cappuccino: €1.50 - €2.50
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): €1.50 - €2.50
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): €1.00 - €2.00
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: €100 - €200 per month
  • 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): €0.10 - €0.20
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): €30.00 - €50.00 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: €300 - €500 per month
  • Elementary school tuition: €400 - €700 per month
  • Middle school tuition: €500 - €800 per month
  • High school tuition: €600 - €1,000 per month
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on the specific area of Girona, personal preferences, and lifestyle. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Girona

"The cost of living in Girona, is relatively affordable compared to larger cities like Barcelona and Madrid. Housing costs, such as rent and utilities, are generally lower, with a decent apartment available at a reasonable price. Groceries and food expenses are also quite affordable, with a wide variety of fresh produce and local products available at local markets and supermarkets.Transportation costs are moderate, with public transportation options like buses and trains being reasonably priced. Owning a car can be more expensive due to fuel costs and parking fees. Dining out and entertainment options are also reasonably priced, with a variety of restaurants, bars, and cultural activities available at various price points.Healthcare in Girona is generally affordable, with both public and private options available. Education costs can vary depending on whether one chooses public or private schools, but overall, the quality of education is good.In summary, the cost of living in Girona, Spain, is relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for those looking to enjoy a high quality of life in a beautiful, historic city," said one expat living in Girona.

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

"I've been living in Girona 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 place to live. I recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Santa Eugenia, Can Gibert del Pla, or La Devesa. These areas are more affordable compared to the more expensive neighborhoods like Barri Vell or Montjuïc.When it comes to transportation, you can save money by using public transportation or even better, biking around the city. Girona is a very bike-friendly city, and you can easily get around without a car. If you do need a car occasionally, consider using a car-sharing service instead of owning one.For groceries and other essentials, you'll want to shop at local markets and discount supermarkets like Mercadona or Lidl. Eating out can be quite affordable if you stick to local tapas bars and avoid the more touristy areas. Look for places that offer a "menu del dia" (menu of the day) for a reasonably priced lunch.You'll also need to be mindful of your entertainment expenses. Going out for drinks or attending events can add up quickly, so try to find free or low-cost activities to enjoy. Girona has many beautiful parks, museums, and historical sites that you can visit without spending a lot of money.In terms of healthcare, if you're working in Spain, you'll have access to the public healthcare system, which is quite good. However, if you're not working, you may need to purchase private health insurance, which can be an additional expense.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Girona is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, shopping smart, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Girona.

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

"I've been living in Girona 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 at areas like Eixample, La Devesa, or Montjuïc. These neighborhoods are more affordable and still offer a good quality of life. You'll find supermarkets, shops, and public transportation nearby, which will help you save on daily expenses. On the other hand, I'd avoid neighborhoods like Barri Vell or Sant Narcís, as they tend to be more expensive and might not fit your budget.Another thing to consider is transportation. Girona is a small city, so you can easily walk or bike to most places. This will save you money on transportation costs, as you won't need to rely on public transportation or a car as much. If you do need to use public transportation, consider getting a monthly pass to save on costs.Eating out can also be quite affordable in Girona, especially if you take advantage of the daily menu options offered by many restaurants. These usually include a starter, main course, dessert, and a drink for a reasonable price. However, if you're used to eating out at high-end restaurants frequently, you might need to cut back on that to stay within your budget.Overall, living in Girona on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on transportation costs, and being smart about eating out, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful Spanish city," said one expat living in Girona.

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

"I've been living in Girona 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. In fact, I've found that the cost of living here is generally lower than in many other European cities. However, there are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more affordable areas in Girona include Sant Narcís, Santa Eugènia, and La Devesa. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of residential and commercial areas, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and parks nearby. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Barri Vell, Montjuïc, and Palau, as the cost of living in these areas can be significantly higher.When it comes to housing, you can find a decent apartment for around $800 to $1,200 a month, depending on the size and location. If you're willing to live a bit further from the city center, you can find even cheaper options. Keep in mind that utilities and internet will add to your monthly expenses, but they shouldn't be too costly.As for transportation, Girona has a reliable public transportation system, including buses and trains. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $40, which is quite affordable. If you prefer to drive, you'll need to factor in the cost of a car, insurance, and fuel, which can add up quickly.Eating out in Girona can be quite affordable, especially if you take advantage of the daily lunch specials, known as "menu del dia," which usually cost around $10 to $15. Groceries are also reasonably priced, and you can save money by shopping at local markets and discount supermarkets.One sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on luxury items and high-end shopping, as these can be quite expensive in Girona. However, there are plenty of affordable clothing stores and shopping centers where you can find good deals.Overall, living in Girona on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities. Just be mindful of your spending and choose an affordable neighborhood to live in, and you should be able to make it work without too many sacrifices," commented an expat living in Girona.

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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