“Surviving on a small Salary: The struggles of being young in Spain”

The Reality for Young Spaniards
Being young in Spain today often means facing significant financial challenges, particularly due to low wages, rising living costs, and a tough job market.
Despite having one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, the reality for many young Spaniards is far from idyllic.
Surviving on small salaries has become the norm, with many struggling to meet basic expenses like rent, food, and transportation.

Low Wages and High Unemployment
Spain’s youth unemployment rate has been historically high compared to other European nations.
Although it has improved slightly in recent years, it remains one of the biggest challenges for young people.
The average monthly salary for young workers is often below €1,200, with many earning even less in part-time or temporary jobs.
With many jobs being temporary or poorly paid, this makes it difficult to save money, plan for the future, or even afford basic living expenses
​(Spain.info)​(Scope Group).

The Cost of Living
The cost of living in Spain has increased, especially in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Rent prices in urban areas can consume up to 40-50% of a young person’s salary,
with the average monthly rent for a small apartment ranging from €600 to €1,000.
Many young people are forced to live with their parents well into their late twenties or thirties because they cannot afford to move out​
(EmbassyPages).

In addition to housing, everyday costs like groceries, transportation, and utilities make life even more challenging.
Public transport costs, although relatively affordable, still add up, with a monthly pass in major cities costing between €40 and €60. Meanwhile,
food and basic groceries can cost a young person around €200 to €300 per month.

Side Hustles and Gigs
In response to the low salaries, many young Spaniards turn to side jobs, freelancing, or the gig economy to make ends meet.
Platforms like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Glovo have become popular, with many young people taking up food delivery or driving jobs as a way to supplement their incomes.
However, these jobs often come with no job security or benefits, further contributing to financial instability​
(Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

Shared Housing and “Mileuristas”
A common solution to the housing crisis is shared living.
Many young adults share apartments with multiple roommates to divide the costs, though even this can still be expensive in larger cities.
This trend has led to the rise of the so-called “mileuristas”—a term used to describe young people earning around €1,000 per month, barely enough to cover basic expenses​
(Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

Mental Health and Social Impact
The constant financial pressure is taking a toll on the mental health of young people in Spain.
Many feel trapped in a cycle of low-paying jobs, unable to advance in their careers or achieve financial independence.
This stress often leads to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and hopelessness.
The inability to afford social activities or even basic leisure further isolates many from enjoying the vibrancy of Spanish life​
(Scope Group).

Coping with Creativity
Despite these struggles, young Spaniards have found creative ways to make the most of their situation.
From organizing free social events to embracing minimalism, they’ve learned to live on less while still finding joy in Spain’s beautiful landscapes,
vibrant culture, and strong social connections.

Additionally, many have embraced entrepreneurship or remote work opportunities in hopes of finding better income streams
​(Spain.info).

Conclusion
Being young in Spain today means navigating a complex landscape of low wages, high living costs, and economic uncertainty.
For many, surviving on a small salary involves shared housing, side gigs, and cutting down on non-essential expenses.
Despite the challenges, young Spaniards continue to show resilience, adapting creatively to find ways to survive—and thrive—in this difficult economic climate.