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

By Betsy Burlingame

Balcells Group Lawyers
Balcells Group Lawyers

Summary: If you're moving to Cordoba, understanding the the cost of living in Cordoba 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 Category Estimated Cost
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom in City Center) €500 - €700 per month
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom Outside of City Center) €350 - €500 per month
Apartment Purchase Price (City Center) €1,500 - €2,500 per square meter
Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of City Center) €1,000 - €1,800 per square meter
Public Transportation (Monthly Pass) €30 - €40
Gasoline (1 liter) €1.20 - €1.40
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) €100 - €150 per month
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) €30 - €50 per month
Groceries (Milk, Bread, Eggs, Fruits, Vegetables, Chicken, Beef) €200 - €300 per month
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant €10 - €15
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course €30 - €50
Private Preschool Tuition (Monthly) €300 - €500
Private Elementary School Tuition (Yearly) €4,000 - €6,000
Private Middle School Tuition (Yearly) €6,000 - €8,000
Private High School Tuition (Yearly) €8,000 - €10,000
Please note that these are estimated costs and can vary based on various factors such as location, lifestyle, and personal preferences. The cost of living in Cordoba is generally lower compared to other major cities in Spain like Madrid or Barcelona. The cost of housing, whether renting or buying, is significantly lower. Public transportation in Cordoba is efficient and affordable, with a monthly pass costing between €30 and €40. If you prefer to drive, the cost of gasoline is between €1.20 and €1.40 per liter.The cost of basic utilities including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is between €100 and €150 per month. For internet service, you can expect to pay between €30 and €50 per month.Groceries are relatively affordable in Cordoba. A monthly budget of €200 to €300 should be sufficient for basic groceries including milk, bread, eggs, fruits, vegetables, chicken, and beef. Dining out is also reasonably priced, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing between €10 and €15, and a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costing between €30 and €50.Private school tuition varies depending on the level of education. For preschool, the monthly tuition is between €300 and €500. For elementary school, the yearly tuition is between €4,000 and €6,000. For middle school, the yearly tuition is between €6,000 and €8,000. And for high school, the yearly tuition is between €8,000 and €10,000.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Cordoba

"The cost of living in Cordoba is considered to be lower than in many other parts of Spain, especially when compared to major cities like Madrid or Barcelona. Housing is relatively affordable, with rental prices significantly lower than the national average. The cost of groceries and dining out is also quite reasonable, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower prices. Public transportation is efficient and affordable, and the cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and internet is also lower than in many other parts of the country. However, the cost of living can vary depending on lifestyle and personal spending habits. Overall, Cordoba offers a high quality of life at a relatively low cost," said one expat living in Cordoba.

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

"I've been living in Cordoba for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. The cost of living here is relatively low compared to other European cities, but it's not exactly cheap either. For instance, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $500 to $700 a month, while outside the city center, it can be as low as $400. So, if you want to save on rent, you might want to consider living in neighborhoods like Ciudad Jardin or El Higueron, which are a bit further from the city center but still have good amenities and are well-connected by public transport. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Centro or Jewish Quarter are more expensive and might not be the best choice if you're on a tight budget. Groceries can cost around $200 to $300 a month, depending on your eating habits. Eating out is quite affordable though, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing around $10. Utilities like electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage can add up to around $100 to $150 a month. Internet and mobile phone bills can be around $50 a month. Public transport is quite affordable, with a monthly pass costing around $30. However, if you live close to your workplace or if you prefer walking or cycling, you can save on this expense. Healthcare is another important factor to consider. If you're working here, you'll be covered by the Spanish public healthcare system, which is quite good. However, if you're not working, you might need to get private health insurance, which can cost around $100 a month. As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to do in Cordoba. You can visit the beautiful gardens, parks, and historic sites, or enjoy the city's vibrant cultural scene. However, if you're into high-end dining, frequent travel, or expensive hobbies, you might need to cut back on these. In conclusion, living in Cordoba on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires some sacrifices and careful budgeting. You might not be able to live a luxurious lifestyle, but you can certainly live comfortably and enjoy what this beautiful city has to offer," commented an expat living in Cordoba.

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

"I've been living in Cordoba for a few years 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 a few sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants every night or live in the most luxurious apartment, but you can certainly live a comfortable and enjoyable life. The cost of living in Cordoba is relatively low compared to other Spanish cities like Madrid or Barcelona. Rent, for example, is quite affordable. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment in the city center for around $600-$700 a month. If you're willing to live a bit further out, in neighborhoods like El Higueron or El Brillante, you can find even cheaper options. These areas are a bit quieter and more residential, but they're still well-connected to the city center. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Centro or Juderia are more expensive. They're right in the heart of the city, close to all the major attractions, but you'll pay a premium for that convenience. A one-bedroom apartment in these areas can easily cost over $1,000 a month. Groceries are also quite affordable in Cordoba. You can expect to spend around $200-$300 a month on groceries if you cook at home most of the time. Eating out is also relatively cheap compared to other European cities. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost you around $10-$15. Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, will cost you around $100-$150 a month. Internet and mobile phone plans are also quite affordable, around $30-$50 a month. Transportation costs are also low. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $30. If you prefer to drive, gasoline costs around $1.30 per liter. So, if you budget wisely, you can definitely live comfortably in Cordoba on $3,000 a month. You might not be able to afford the most luxurious lifestyle, but you'll certainly be able to enjoy the city's rich history, culture, and cuisine without breaking the bank," said one expat living in Cordoba.

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

"I've been living in Cordoba for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is more than possible, it's actually quite comfortable. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many other European cities. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center would cost you around $600-$700 per month, while outside the city center, you could find something for around $400-$500. If you're looking for more affordable neighborhoods, consider areas like El Higueron or El Brillante. They're a bit further from the city center, but they're quiet, safe, and still have plenty of amenities. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Centro or Jewish Quarter are more expensive, so you might want to avoid them if you're on a tighter budget. When it comes to utilities, you can expect to pay around $100-$150 per month, depending on the season. Groceries are also quite affordable. I usually spend around $200-$300 per month on groceries, and that's for high-quality, fresh produce. Eating out is also not too expensive. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant would cost you around $10-$15, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant would be around $30-$40. Transportation is another area where you can save money. A monthly pass for public transportation costs around $40. However, Cordoba is a compact city and it's very walkable, so you might not even need to use public transportation that much. As for healthcare, if you're an EU citizen, you can use the public healthcare system, which is free. If you're not, you'll need to get private health insurance, which can cost around $100-$200 per month, depending on the coverage. The only area where you might need to make some sacrifices is entertainment. While there are plenty of free or inexpensive things to do in Cordoba, like visiting the Mezquita or the Alcazar, going to concerts or other cultural events can be quite expensive. However, with a budget of $5,000 a month, you should still be able to afford to do these things occasionally. Overall, I'd say that living in Cordoba on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but it's also quite comfortable. You can afford a nice apartment in a good neighborhood, eat well, and still have plenty of money left over for entertainment and other expenses," commented an expat living in Cordoba.

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

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SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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