The Cost of a Trip to Spain
For a trip to Spain, you should plan for daily costs anywhere between $64 to $427. If there's two of you traveling, your daily expenses could range from $129 to $854. These price ranges are based on the average daily spending of $165 (€151) per person which comes from the travel expenses of other visitors. These costs include food, accommodation, sightseeing activities, and getting around locally. Keep in mind, though, these figures can vary somewhat based on your individual travel style, level of luxury, and chosen activities. Destinations across the country, such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, might might vary somewhat from the overall average price, but they usually stick close to this range. Read on for a breakdown of travel typical expenses as well as a comparison of tour prices versus Independent travel.
How much money should you budget for your trip to Spain?
If you're planning an Independent trip to Spain, budget travelers should plan to spend around $64 (€59) per day for their trip. This average includes hostels and budget hotels, affordable meal options, local transportation, and activities. If you're on a mid-range budget, plan for around $165 (€151) a day which covers the cost of typical hotels, normal restaurants, and a variety of popular attractions. Luxury travelers should allow for $427 (€391) a day, which would cover higher-end hotels, nicer restaurants, and more private tour options. All of these price ranges are based on our extensive travel cost data for Spain from other travelers, along with hotel and tour data from travel companies.
| 3 Days | 7 Days | 14 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation1 | $221 | $516 | $1,033 |
| Intercity Transportation1 | $374 | $873 | $1,746 |
| Local Transportation1 | $89 | $208 | $415 |
| Food2 | $130 | $303 | $606 |
| Water2 | $11 | $26 | $52 |
| Entertainment1 | $88 | $206 | $411 |
| Souvenirs1 | $68 | $159 | $318 |
| Communication2 | $50 | $116 | $232 |
| Living Expenses2 | $206 | $481 | $962 |
| Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1 | $13 | $30 | $59 |
| Alcohol2 | $61 | $142 | $283 |
| Tips and Handouts1 | $18 | $41 | $82 |
How much does a one week trip to Spain cost?
On average, visitors to Spain spend between $450 and $2,987 for their week-long adventure, with the average being $1,152. This covers sightseeing, local transportation, food, and accommodations. With a duration of one week, you'll have the opportunity to explore one, two, or even three locations within Spain, depending on the level of depth you desire for your visit. Some of the most popular places to consider exploring are Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. It's important to note that these figures are averages and can vary based on personal preferences and choices. Ultimately, the goal is to create a memorable and enjoyable experience tailored to your specific interests.
Cordoba, Spain
How much does a two week trip to Spain cost?
With two weeks, you should budget between $900 and $5,975 for your trip to Spain. The average price for a two week trip is $2,304. Two weeks will allow you enough time to visit between three and five places. If you're on a budget, you might want to consider some of the more affordable places such as A Coruna, San Sebastian, and Santiago de Compostela.
How much does a one month trip to Spain cost?
When embarking on a month-long trip to Spain, expenses can range from $1,928 to $12,803, with an average cost falling around $4,936. For those fortunate enough to have a full month, considering a vacation rental with a kitchen for at least a portion of your stay can help save money with meals. Backpackers often opt for hostels due to their affordability and the added benefit of a social vibe.
Hostel Prices in Spain
With more than 380 hostels in Spain, the average price is $26 per night for a dorm bed. Hostels are a terrific option for younger independent travelers looking to save money while staying social during their trip. With many types of hostels, it can be overwhelming to sort out the best places, though. Our analysis of the hostels in Spain not only found the average price, but also uncovered some surprises about the overall quality, amenities, and atmosphere of hostels in the region. You can see more details from our analysis about typical hostel prices in Spain here.
| Number of Hostels | Average Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 81 | $27 |
| Madrid | 47 | $24 |
| Tenerife | 36 | $26 |
| Seville | 24 | $22 |
| Malaga | 20 | $35 |
| Granada | 18 | $19 |
| Valencia | 15 | $23 |
| San Sebastian | 12 | $48 |
| Gran Canaria | 9 | $23 |
| Santiago de Compostela | 9 | $18 |
| Alicante | 8 | $23 |
| Bilbao | 8 | $25 |
| Tarifa | 6 | $23 |
| Santander | 5 | $28 |
| Cordoba | 4 | $20 |
| Cadiz | 4 | $18 |
| Leon | 4 | $19 |
| Pamplona | 4 | $41 |
| Zarautz | 3 | $29 |
| Oviedo | 3 | $22 |
| Tarragona | 3 | $25 |
| Lugo | 3 | $22 |
| Girona | 3 | $25 |
Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Spain.
- $19 for a dorm bed at St Christopher's Barcelona in Barcelona
- $21 for a dorm bed at Cats Hostel Madrid Sol in Madrid
- $18 for a dorm bed at Los Amigos Nest Hostel in Tenerife
Hotel Prices in Spain
You'll find a wide range of hotel options across Spain. Below are prices for some of the destinations, and for more details see our analysis of hotel costs in Spain.
| City | Average Hotel Price |
|---|---|
| San Sebastian | $207 |
| Hondarribia | $199 |
| Marbella | $178 |
| Playa Blanca | $138 |
| Palma de Mallorca | $126 |
| Madrid | $89 |
| Oviedo | $68 |
| La Laguna | $68 |
| Santa Cruz de Tenerife | $68 |
| Puerto de la Cruz | $60 |
| Lugo | $59 |
The Cathendral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Should you do an organized tour or travel independently in Spain?
Organized tours and independent travel are essentially the two main ways to plan a trip to Spain. Organized tours offer a convenient and hassle-free experience, with travel experts handling all the logistical details and the added benefit of an expert guide imparting valuable insights. This option is favored by those who appreciate the convenience and ease provided by tours that often include transportation and expert guides.
On the other hand, independent travel provides a different set of advantages, allowing for greater freedom and flexibility in customizing itineraries and exploring at one's own pace. This option appeals to individuals who value spontaneity and control, enabling them to immerse themselves in local culture on a deeper level.
Ultimately, the choice between organized tours and independent travel depends on personal preferences and travel style, considering factors such as convenience, guidance, and flexibility.
Comparing Trip Costs in Spain
When we compare the prices of organized tours to the average costs of independent travelers, we can see that sometimes the prices are fairly even.
| Organized Package Tours | Independent Travel | |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip Cost | $154 -$1,365 | $193 -$1,280 |
| 7-Day Trip Cost | $744 -$17,390 | $450 -$2,987 |
| 10-Day Trip Cost | $899 -$14,990 | $643 -$4,268 |
| 14-Day Trip Cost | $1,697 -$13,695 | $900 -$5,975 |
Tours vs. independent Travel: Pros & Cons
Organized Tours
Pros
- An expert guide familiar with the culture
- Convenient transportation
- Fellow travelers to socialize with
- Well researched activities
- Efficient and thought out itinerary
- The security of have a trip leader if something goes wrong
Cons
- Limited options
- Usually not customizable
- The fast pace often means you can’t visit one place in depth
- Usually more expensive than independent travel
- There may be limited time to interact with the local culture and community
Independent Travel
Pros
- Completely customizable
- Opportunity to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations
- Can fully immerse yourself in the local culture
- Freedom to move at your own pace
- Flexibility to change your itinerary at any time
- More affordable
Cons
- Challenging to plan an efficient itinerary
- Transportation may be challenging or inefficient
- Booking and trip planning can be a hassle
- Popular sights may sell out well in advance
- If something goes wrong, you're on your own
Are organized tours more expensive than independent travel in Spain?
Organized tours typically average around $224 per day and provide the convenience of an all-inclusive package with one comprehensive payment. On the other hand, independent trips usually average around $165 (€151) per day and involve individual payments for accommodations, local transportation, meals, and sightseeing. Both organized tours and independent trips have their own unique challenges and benefits, so it's crucial to thoroughly understand the aspects of each to make a fair comparison. For a detailed analysis of tour prices in Spain, check out our comprehensive guide on tour prices in Spain here.
Here are a few sample tours in Spain:
- Lanzarote, Land of Volcanoes Self-Guided Cycling Tour ($1,202)
8 days, 14 destinations - Historic Cities & Foothills of Northern Spain ($2,550)
11 days, 12 destinations - 6-Day Valencia & the Scenic Coast Small-Group Tour from Madrid ($1,873)
6 days, 10 destinations - Bicycling Catalonia's Costa Brava Plus! Barcelona ($5,995)
12 days, 9 destinations - Andalucía Cycling: Seville to Córdoba in 7 days ($4,150)
7 days, 5 destinations
More for Spain
If you're planning a trip to Spain, check out these other informative travel guides.
How much does a trip to Madrid cost?How much does a trip to Barcelona cost?How much does a trip to Seville cost?How much does a trip to Tenerife cost?How much does a trip to Valencia cost?How much does a trip to Granada cost?How much does a trip to Malaga cost?How much does a trip to Cordoba cost?How much does a trip to Palma de Mallorca cost?How much does a trip to Bilbao cost?How much does a trip to Pamplona cost?How much does a trip to Marbella cost?How much does a trip to Santiago de Compostela cost?Spain Tour PricesIs Spain Expensive?
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.
