Family Living Costs in Spain: A Breakdown for Two Adults, Two Kids, and Two Dogs

Living in Spain as a family of four, plus two dogs, can be relatively affordable compared to other European countries, though costs can vary greatly depending on the city or region.
Here’s a breakdown of the general monthly expenses you might expect for two adults, two children (one 5 months old and one 6 years old), and two dogs:

Housing
Rent: The cost of renting a family-sized apartment in Spain depends heavily on the city. In larger cities like Madrid and Barcelona, rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in a central location can range from €1,200 to €2,500 per month.
In smaller cities or suburban areas, this can drop to around €800 to €1,200 per month​
(Spain.info.)

Utilities: Expect to pay around €100 to €200 for utilities (electricity, water, heating) depending on the season and location.
Internet and phone bills could add another €40 to €70 per month.

Groceries
For a family of four, monthly grocery costs typically range between €400 and €600, depending on your dietary preferences and whether you buy more local or imported products.

Fresh produce, bread, and local meats are generally affordable, but imported products and specialty items can raise the bill.
With two young children, formula, baby food, and diapers will also be regular expenses​
(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Childcare and Education
Public schooling in Spain is free for children aged 6 and above.
However, for younger children (like your 5-month-old), you may need to budget for daycare, which typically costs between €250 and €600 per month depending on the facility and location.

Private schooling or bilingual international schools are an option but can cost anywhere from €400 to €1,500 per month.

Healthcare
Public healthcare in Spain is free for residents, so routine check-ups, vaccinations for children, and general healthcare for the family can be covered under the public system.
However, some families opt for private health insurance to reduce waiting times, which can cost between €100 to €250 per month for a family plan.

Transportation
If you live in a larger city like Madrid or Barcelona, public transportation is efficient and affordable, with monthly passes costing around €50 to €60 per adult.
For a family, budgeting around €120 per month for transportation is reasonable.

If you own a car, you’ll need to account for fuel, insurance, parking, and maintenance, which can add up to about €150 to €300 per month depending on your usage.

Pet Care (for 2 dogs)
Owning two dogs involves costs such as food, vet visits, and grooming.
Dog food can range from €40 to €70 per month, while annual vet check-ups, vaccinations, and treatments can cost around €300 to €500 per year.

If you need occasional dog-sitting services or dog walking, this could add another €50 to €100 per month.

Entertainment and Extras
Going out for meals or entertainment varies widely.
A typical meal out for a family of four in a mid-range restaurant could cost €50 to €80.

Monthly entertainment and extracurricular activities (such as children’s sports or weekend family outings) might add €150 to €300 to your budget.

Overall Monthly Estimate:

Rent & Utilities: €1,000 to €2,700
Groceries: €400 to €600
Childcare/Education: €250 to €1,000
Healthcare: €100 to €250 (if opting for private insurance)
Transportation: €120 to €300
Pet care: €50 to €150
Entertainment & Extras: €150 to €300

Total Monthly Cost: €2,070 to €5,300
This estimate will vary depending on your exact location and lifestyle, but it provides a good snapshot of typical living expenses for a family in Spain.