How Much Is Food in Spain? 2025 Guide to Average Restaurant, Grocery & Market Prices

Whenever I plan a trip to Spain one of the first things I wonder about is how much I’ll spend on food. Spanish cuisine is famous for its bold flavors and fresh ingredients but figuring out the real cost of eating out or shopping for groceries can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the country.

I know it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options—tapas bars bustling markets and cozy cafés on every corner. Whether you’re dreaming of paella by the beach or a quick bite from a local bakery it helps to know what to expect when it comes to prices. Let’s dive into what you might pay for food in Spain so you can plan your budget and enjoy every delicious moment.

Average Food Costs in Spain

Average food costs in Spain vary by city, type of establishment, and meal choice. Basic breakfast options like café con leche with a pastry usually cost €2 to €4 in local cafés. Standard lunch menus del día, including a starter, main dish, bread, drink, and dessert, generally range from €10 to €15 at small restaurants in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Dinner at a mid-range restaurant for one person usually falls between €15 and €25 without wine. Tapas bars offer small plates for €2 to €4 each, so sharing several is typical for groups. Supermarket groceries for one person typically cost around €35 to €50 per week, covering staples like bread, eggs, fruit, vegetables, chicken, and local cheese. Fresh produce and seafood are less expensive at municipal markets in southern regions such as Andalusia compared to northern cities. Pricing in tourist areas or popular resorts tends to be higher, especially near attractions or beaches.

Grocery Prices in Spain

Grocery prices in Spain tend to be affordable, with supermarkets and local markets offering a wide range of fresh foods and household staples. I usually find Spanish grocery costs much lower compared to other Western European countries, especially when focusing on fresh, local products.

Common Items and Their Prices

I notice that staple foods in Spanish grocery stores remain budget-friendly. Fresh milk often ranges from €1.04 to €3.95 per liter, with bread averaging about €1.17 to €1.29 per loaf. A dozen eggs typically costs around €2.54, while cheese per kilo sits between €5.53 and €12.10. Chicken prices range from €3.29 to €7.15 per kilo, and a kilo of apples or tomatoes is usually under €2.50. Rice stays inexpensive at €0.63 to €1.37 per kilo. Wine bottles of mid-range quality hover near €5, and domestic beer (0.33 to 0.5 liters) is about €1.08. I find local supermarket brands at Mercadona, Lidl, and Carrefour help reduce overall shopping bills.

Price Differences by Region

I see that grocery prices in Spain may shift depending on location. Coastal tourist areas, such as Costa Blanca, often remain affordable, while larger cities and the northern regions sometimes list higher prices. Local street markets regularly deliver better deals on fresh produce than supermarket chains in most regions, and I find southern areas, especially Andalusia, even more budget-friendly for everyday groceries. Regional variations are generally moderate, so my grocery bill doesn’t change dramatically unless shopping in central city zones or exclusive neighborhoods.

Eating Out: Restaurant Costs

Eating meals out in Spain costs less than in many other Western countries, especially for budget and mid-range options. I find a wide range of price points, from casual tapas bars to formal dining, across major cities and small towns.

Typical Restaurant Meals

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Spain averages €10–€15 per person, placing it about 30%–50% below similar spots in the U.S. I usually pay about €10–€15 for a lunch menu del día, which includes a starter, main, dessert, bread, and a drink. A mid-range restaurant offering three courses for two people typically bills €45–€55—this comes out to about €25 per person. Dining at popular urban restaurants in Madrid or Barcelona can add a few euros to the bill, but small-town eateries in Valencia or Seville keep prices lower.

Fast Food and Street Food Prices

Fast food and street food remain affordable in Spanish cities. Tapas bars and casual spots offer snacks or budget meals between €5 and €15 per person. Street food, such as sandwiches or pastries, usually costs just €2–€8, and they’re common near markets and plazas. Trendy urban areas slightly increase prices, though daily options at market stalls or bakeries keep expenses low for most travelers.

Budgeting Tips for Food in Spain

Shopping at neighborhood markets offers lower prices on seasonal produce, bread, and specialty Spanish items when compared with most big supermarket chains. I prioritize local vendors since prices for staples like fruit, vegetables, and fish fall well below supermarket rates in Madrid and Barcelona, depending on the market location and time of year.

Choosing house-brand products in supermarkets such as Hacendado at Mercadona or Carrefour’s own label lets me reduce my weekly grocery bill. House brands of milk, bread, cereals, and cleaning supplies typically cost 10–30% less than branded competitors across Spain.

Opting for a set lunch menu (menú del día) at small local restaurants provides a generous meal for €10–€15, including bread, a drink, and dessert. I rarely find dinner menus offering the same value since evening prices for similar portions rise noticeably, especially in city centers or tourist districts.

Cooking at home using local ingredients proves cost-effective, with my monthly grocery expenses staying between €200 and €300, depending on dietary choices. For basic meals of bread, vegetables, eggs, and chicken, my weekly spending ranges from €40 to €60, while including imported or organic foods pushes the total up.

Avoiding tourist-heavy zones for both shopping and dining means I sidestep inflated prices. Local bakeries or cafeterias offer fresh bread, pastries, and coffee at about €2–€4 per breakfast—far less than cafes near major city landmarks.

I stick to daily or weekly market promotions and buy in-season goods for extra savings. Since many supermarkets and shops in Spain discount fresh products toward closing time, timing my visits lets me secure marked-down meat, chicken, or fish.

Factors Influencing Food Prices

Economic shifts directly impact food costs in Spain, with energy prices and wage changes acting as primary drivers. In 2023, food inflation in the broader Euro area surged to almost 15% due to sharp increases in electricity and commodity prices; as of January 2024, it’s dropped to about 5.7%, yet this remains higher than the 2.1% pre-pandemic average.

Regional differences create price fluctuations across Spanish cities and provinces. Popular tourist zones, such as parts of Barcelona or coastal resorts, usually show higher store and restaurant prices than inland towns or neighborhoods away from main attractions. Southern regions like Andalusia feature lower produce and seafood costs thanks to local agricultural production.

Shopping habits and store choices influence overall grocery bills. National supermarket chains—examples include Mercadona with its Hacendado house-brand—offer lower food prices, especially compared to small convenience stores or tourist-centric markets. Budget-conscious shoppers lower expenses by choosing these brands and frequenting municipal markets for fresh fruits, vegetables, and seasonal products.

Dietary preferences also shape total spending. Basic home cooking with conventional ingredients averages €40-60 per week. Combining branded packaged foods with fresh items brings weekly costs to €60-80, while opting for exclusively organic or gourmet products can exceed €90 weekly.

Shifts in consumer demand and policy changes, such as taxes or subsidies on food products, further affect retail prices. Fluctuations in global export and import rates for staples like grain or meat also ripple across Spain’s markets, influencing availability and affordability for both locals and visitors.

Conclusion

Spain offers a fantastic range of food experiences for every budget and taste. Whether I’m grabbing a quick bite at a local market or sitting down for a leisurely meal, I’ve found that planning ahead helps me make the most of my money without missing out on the country’s rich flavors.

With a little research and smart choices, it’s easy to enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine while keeping expenses in check. I always look forward to discovering new tastes and saving a bit along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I budget for food per day when visiting Spain?

On average, travelers should budget about €25–€40 per person per day for food in Spain. This covers basic breakfast, a lunch menu del día, and a mid-range dinner. Eating at tapas bars, bakeries, or choosing street food can reduce costs further.

Are groceries cheaper than dining out in Spain?

Yes, groceries are generally cheaper than dining out in Spain. Weekly supermarket expenses for one person are around €35–€50, making home-cooked meals more cost-effective than eating at restaurants.

What is the typical price for a meal at a restaurant in Spain?

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant typically costs €10–€15 per person. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant averages €45–€55, excluding drinks.

How much do tapas cost in Spain?

Tapas in Spain usually cost between €2 and €4 per plate. Sharing several tapas is a common and affordable way to experience local cuisine, especially in groups.

Where can I find the best deals on groceries in Spain?

Local street markets and municipal markets often offer the best deals on fresh produce, meat, and seafood. Prices are usually lower than in large supermarket chains, especially in southern regions and smaller towns.

Are food prices higher in tourist areas?

Yes, food prices are typically higher near tourist attractions, beaches, and resort areas. Dining or shopping in less touristy neighborhoods can save you money.

What are some tips for saving money on food in Spain?

Shop at local markets, prioritize seasonal produce, and buy house-brand products for lower grocery bills. Opt for menu del día lunches and avoid eating or shopping in tourist-heavy areas to get better value.

Does food cost vary by region in Spain?

Yes, southern regions like Andalusia generally have lower food prices, especially at markets. Larger cities and popular tourist destinations tend to be more expensive for both dining out and groceries.

How has food inflation affected grocery costs in Spain recently?

Food inflation in Spain peaked around 15% in 2023 but is now closer to 5.7%. While prices have stabilized somewhat, they still vary by region and are influenced by energy and wage changes.

How much does basic home cooking cost per week in Spain?

Cooking basic meals at home costs about €40–€60 per week for one person, covering essentials like bread, eggs, vegetables, chicken, and fruit. Organic or specialty diets can be more expensive.