If you’re thinking about moving to Castellón de la Plana, whether for studies, work, or a new lifestyle in Spain, you’re probably wondering how much it really costs to live here.
The good news: Castellón is significantly more affordable than most European cities and even cheaper than many places in Spain.
The following breakdown highlights Castellón’s typical living costs and how they stack up against those in major European countries including Germany, the UK, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Housing Costs: Renting in Castellón
Housing is one of the biggest advantages of living in Castellón. Compared to cities like Barcelona, Valencia, Amsterdam, London, or Munich, prices here are refreshingly low.
- Room in a Shared Apartment (WG): €300–€450 per month. This is the most common option for students and young professionals. Rooms are usually well-located and often include utilities.
- Small Private Apartment: often start at about€400 per month. Studios or 1-bedroom flats can start around this price depending on location, condition, and whether the flat is furnished.
Tip: Neighborhoods like City Center, Avenida del Mar, Parque Ribalta, or areas close to the university are popular yet still affordable. Read more here about the best places to live in Castellón.
Daily Living Costs
Living in Castellón comes with low everyday expenses, making it easy to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle even on a modest budget.
- Coffee: €1.50–€2. Whether you order a café con leche or an espresso, coffee culture is cheap and accessible.
- Restaurant Meal: €10–€15. A typical menú del día (starter, main, drink) often falls right within this range, excellent value for Spain.
- Groceries: Groceries in Castellón are comparatively cheaper than in countries like Germany, the UK, Italy, or the Netherlands. Products like fresh vegetables, fruits, bread, and local fish/meat are especially affordable.
- Average monthly grocery budget: €120–€200 depending on eating habits.
Transportation
Public transport is inexpensive and easy to use.
- Bus ticket: around €1.20, when you buy a 10-trip pass, each ride costs just 50 cents.
- Monthly pass: around €15-20
- Bicycle: for €24 per year or €2 per day you can use the bicycles of Castellón, they have multiple stations all over the city.
Since Castellón is compact, you can walk to many places, great for saving money.
Utilities & Internet
Depending on your flat size and usage:
- Utilities (electricity, water, gas): between €40–€100 per month
- High-speed internet: €20–€35 per month. In shared apartments, these costs are usually included or split among roommates.
Lifestyle & Free Time Activities
Castellón offers many affordable leisure activities:
- Gym memberships: €20–€35
- Cinema: €5–€8
- Beer or wine at a bar: €2–€3
- Beach days: free, the Costa Azahar coastline is right next to the city!
- Events, festivals, and cultural activities are also budget-friendly. La Magdalena, the city’s major festival, is a must-experience and doesn’t require high spending.
Final verdict: Is Castellón Expensive?
No -> Castellón is one of Spain’s more affordable coastal cities.
With low rent, cheap daily costs, and budget-friendly leisure options, it’s a great location for students, remote workers, and anyone looking for a quieter city with a high quality of life.
If you’re searching for a European city where your money goes a lot further, Castellón is definitely worth considering.
