Smart Saving: 10 Ways to Save Money Living in Spain (With Bonus Tips)

Here's a quick glance at the best ways to cut costs while living in Spain:

• 💰 Take Advantage of Financial Aid: Check for BECAS (grants), rental assistance, and social security discounts for freelancers.

• 🥘 Eat Out Smart: Order a menú del día for a full meal under €15, or get free tapas with a drink in some regions.

• 🛒 Shop Smart at Supermarkets: Compare price per unit, buy local brands, and avoid pre-packaged produce.

• 🛍️ Save Big with Sales & Discounts: Shop during rebajas (seasonal sales) and use discount apps like Wallapop and Vinted.

• 🚆 Use Public Transport: Monthly travel passes are much cheaper than owning a car.

• 🏞️ Enjoy Free Public Facilities: Parks, libraries, and public sports centers offer free or low-cost entertainment.

• 💊 Reduce Healthcare Costs: Use your Tarjeta de Salud for discounted meds and free public healthcare.

• ♻️ Buy Second-Hand: Find deals on furniture, bikes, and clothes through online marketplaces.

• 📉 Lower Utility & Phone Bills: Use price comparison tools for energy providers and switch to budget-friendly mobile plans.

• 🏦 Avoid Bank Fees: Choose no-fee banks like N26 or ING, and use Wise for international transfers.

• 🏠 Know Your Tax Perks: Expats may qualify for special tax breaks, like the Beckham Law.

Eating out doesn't have to be expensive in Spain! Here's how to dine out on a budget:

• Menú del Día: Most restaurants offer a full 3-course meal (starter, main, drink, and dessert) for under €15!
• Free Tapas Trick: In some regions like Granada, León, or Almería, when you order a drink, you get a free tapa!

• Compare Price Per Unit: Check the shelf labels for €/unit, €/kg or €/liter to get the best deal, size does not matter and you'd be surprised how much you can save.
• Buy Local Brands: Spanish brands are amongst the best in the world and often much cheaper than international ones.
• Avoid Pre-Packaged Produce: Buying fresh by weight is usually cheaper.
• Discounted Supermarket Cards: Many stores offer loyalty programs with exclusive discounts, in stores like Corte Ingles, check your receipt, they often throw-in great discounts and offer.

Spain offers various financial assistance programs for residents, depending on autonomous community:

• BECAS (Grants): Educational grants for students that reduce school and university costs.
• Family Discounts (Familia Numerosa): Large families (three or more children) receive discounts on transport, museums, and utilities.
• Tarjeta de Salud: Spain's public health card provides free healthcare in public hospitals and discounted medications.
• Rental Assistance (Bono Alquiler Joven): Young renters under 35 can apply for a €250/month rent subsidy in certain regions.
• Self-Employment Grants (Ayudas para Autónomos): New freelancers can access reduced social security fees (Tarifa Plana), significantly lowering startup costs.

• Search for coupons and discount codes, sites like Groupon offer great deals on restaurants, activities and more.

• Rebajas (Sales): Major sales during Black Friday (November), in January (usually after Los Reyes Magos) & in July-August offer huge discounts that would blow your mind!

• Discount Apps: Use apps like Wallapop, Vinted, Milanuncios and Too Good To Go for saving on second-hand items and even delicacies.

• Travel Passes: Public transport is way cheaper than owning a car.
• Ditch the Car: Fuel, insurance, and parking costs add up fast.
• Long-Distance Deals: Book AVE train tickets in advance or use BlaBlaCar for cheap intercity travel.
• For long-distance travel, check AVLO (Renfe's low-cost train) or Ouigo, which offer significantly cheaper tickets .

• Parks & Beaches: Enjoy picnics, sports, and free entertainment.
• Sports Centers: Many cities offer affordable public gyms and pools.
• Libraries & Cultural Centers: Centros Culturales in major cities offer free books, Wi-Fi, concerts, movie screenings and even Spanish classes!

• Public Health Coverage: Spain's public healthcare system is excellent and free for residents.
• Cheaper Medications: With your Tarjeta de Salud, medications can cost up to 90% less.
• Generic Medications: Ask for 'genéricos' at pharmacies, it's often 50% cheaper than name-brand meds.

• Plan your high consumption chores during off-peak hours (Hora Valle): You can save a lot by running washing machines after 12 PM for example (The most expensive hours are 10 AM - 2 PM & 6 PM - 10 PM).
• Compare Energy Providers: Using the multiple comparison services online, find cheaper electricity and gas rates.
• Budget-Friendly Mobile Plans: Several companies offer plans for as little as €10/month.
• Bundle Internet & TV: Avoid expensive contracts by comparing providers online before contracting.

• Choose No-Fee Banks: Many banks offer zero monthly fees, beware as some banks might require you to direct a minimum monthly amount (or your salary) to your account, otherwise you might be subject to account maintenance and card fees. Always check the fine print!!
• Avoid ATM Withdrawal Charges: Use your bank's ATMs to prevent costly fees.
• Avoid Currency Exchange rates: Skip expensive bank rates by using Wise for international transfers or use Revolut or Wise to pay in other currencies without hidden conversion fees!.

• Tax Breaks for Expats: You might be eligible for the Beckham Law offers a flat lower 24% tax rate for new expats.
• Self-Employment Grants (Ayudas para Autónomos): New freelancers can access reduced social security fees (Tarifa Plana), significantly lowering startup costs.
• Other Deductions: You might qualify for education, rent, unemployment or childcare tax deductions. Also, filing taxes as a family unit (unidad familiar), offers reduced tax liabilities.