2026 CostLiving study: Is Spain still good value for would-be Brit-expats and remote workers?

A comprehensive new 2026 study called CostLiving, compiled by researcher Jodi Donnelly, now shows updated benchmarks that go further than just headline figures to compare real household spending patterns between Spain and the UK. The comparing tool for various countries around the World, could provide essential at-a-glance information for weighing up the pros and cons of taking on the expat life.

Dreams of Spanish sunshine, tapas evenings and lower bills continue to pull thousands of Brits each year, despite the effects of Brexit. Millions have already made that leap over recent decades, and the amount still making the move hasn’t slowed down much. However, fresh economic pressures now raise important questions about whether a life in Spain still matches those long-held expectations about the country being good value for money.

Spain’s strong economic growth, rising demand for property and competition from other international buyers have transformed many areas of the country. Coastal locations still deliver more than 300 days of annual sunshine and warm welcomes. Yet bargain-basement prices from the 1980s belong firmly in the past. Fresh 2026 comparisons across rent, energy, fuel and daily spending help paint a more realistic picture for anyone weighing up the options.

Spain’s cost of living brings clear monthly savings to rent

According to the study, typical 80-square-metre flats rent for around £1,034 monthly in Spain (€1,200). Average UK equivalents are at around £1,381. This frees up £347 less each month in Spain compared with the UK, a useful 25 per cent reduction for budgets stretched by British housing costs.

Electricity offers substantial relief

The website also reveals that regulated electricity tariffs average £57 monthly in Spain. Dual-fuel households in Britain pay an average of £137 across the country. Monthly savings of roughly £80 make a noticeable difference on regular bills.

Petrol pump costs suit regular drivers better

Petrol varies greatly but averages at 134p per litre in Spain against 157p in the UK. Diesel comes in at 125p per litre compared with 190p across Britain. These gaps cut running expenses, especially with drier weather reducing the possibility of rust and overall vehicle wear. Public transport in major cities often lands in comparable territory after local adjustments.

What the 2026 CostLiving study actually shows for Brits

 Spain cheaper in these areas:

• Rental accommodation for standard flats
• Household energy bills
• Petrol and diesel at the pump
• Overall annual household spending (£24,528 in Spain versus £33,825 in the UK)

According to the CostLiving 2026 data, these savings are particularly pronounced for remote workers earning in GBP or other stronger currencies.

Without a doubt, those remote workers who can earn a wage in the UK while living and working in Spain on a “Digital Nomad” visa, are surely onto a good thing. Those considering a move to Spain and hoping to find well-paid work that will support them and their family, need to compare the costs carefully with a comparison tool like CostLiving.

Spain matches the UK closely in shopping centres

Groceries and certain services show similar pricing patterns in direct comparisons, particularly branded goods available in both countries. If you are expecting Zara to be cheaper in Spain, think again. Spanish supermarkets like Mercadona and AlCampo may look a lot cheaper when you check the prices on the shelf, but, on average, that leads to bigger spends at the checkout, with Spain forking out 21 per cent more per household.

Some costs surprise by running higher relative to earnings

However, average annual earnings reach only £20,137 in Spain compared with £39,039 in Britain. Rent takes up 62 per cent of gross median pay in Spain versus just 42 per cent in the UK. Rising grocery price worries also affect 92.5 per cent of Spanish residents according to recent surveys.

Other popular European choices for British bargain hunters

Portugal continues attracting strong interest with competitive housing and living expenses. Greece attracts many for value across mainland and island locations. Italy and France draw those wanting rich heritage combined with practical costs. Spain holds its own strongly in this group, especially on energy and motoring.

Spain keeps reasonable pricing power in 2026

Clear advantages exist on rent, energy and fuel while total household costs run noticeably lower than British levels. Lower average earnings change the financial equation, and demand has tightened on property availability in the most popular spots.

Jodi Donnelly, author of CostLiving, put in extensive work compiling this compelling and detailed new 2026 study to separate fact from out-dated assumptions. Using the tool, potential emigrants can decide whether a move abroad would be financially viable, and where.

Spain still provides good overall value without making Spain the truly “cheap” country of past decades. Many wonder whether it fits their vision for a fresh start abroad.

What do expats think? Does Spain count as a reasonably priced place to live in 2026? Let us know in the comments below.