Some Price Comparisons of Common Items
Logically, prices for any item will vary. Prices may be higher in larger cities than in small towns. Prices will be higher in touristy or trendy places. Below, you will find some general comparisons of items that can be gotten in both the US and Spain.
Food products
- Soft drinks are more expensive in Spain than in the US but beer and wine is cheaper.
- Mixed drinks are cheaper per ounce but more expensive because they are served in larger amount.
- Bottled water is about the same price.
- A cup of coffee is cheaper but there are no free refills. Of course, the coffee is different anyway so refills seem unnecessary.
- Orange juice is usually fresh-squeezed and more expensive (but wonderful). Bottled juices are about the same price.
- Fast food places (burgers, chicken, pizza, etc) are a little more expensive in Spain than in the US.
- Most fresh food bought in a grocery store is less expensive in Spain than in the US.
- Bread (as in what we would call French bread here) is cheaper than in the US but sandwich bread (pan de molde) is about the same price.
- Non fast food restaurant snack food (such as sandwiches) is cheaper than in the US.
- Restaurant dining (medium to fancy) can be more expensive than in the US.
Clothing
- Import items from the US (such as Levi jeans) can be much more expensive in Spain than in the US.
- Import items from Europe and Asia (such as tennis shoes) can be much less expensive in Spain than in the US.
- Spanish-made clothing is about the same as a no name brand in the US.
- Luxury items, such as bathing suits, are a little more expensive in Spain than they would be in the US.
- Leather products, such as shoes, are much cheaper in Spain than in the US as long as they're a Spanish brand and not purchased in a touristy place, are much cheaper than they are in the US.
Toiletries
- Shampoo, toothpaste, cologne, etc. are about the same price as in the US as long as you stay away from designer brands.
- Personal hygiene products are generally about the same price as in the US.
- Razor blades are about
the same price as in the US.
Travel
- Bus and train travel is relatively inexpensive in Spain and very convenient.
- Air travel in Spain is about the same as in the US.
- Hotel accommodations run from boarding rooms with no baths to 4 and 5 star hotels and are quite reasonable.
- You can find lodging for $10 per night in most major cities without much problem.
Miscellaneous
- Photocopies are about the same price in Spain as in the US.
- School supples are about the same prices in Spain as in the US.
- Daily newspapers vary in price from free to about $1.50.
- Books are much cheaper in Spain,
- Electronic equipment is more expensive in Spain but the ancillary merchandise (film, cassettes, CD's, videos) are about the same.
- Batteries can be more expensive, especially if you buy them in tourist shops.
- Computer stuff is more expensive in Spain than in the US.
Entertainment
- Soft drinks are generally more expensive in Spain but alcoholic beverages are not, except for import varieties.
- Many night establishments have a cover charge which may be more expensive than in the US but a drink is usually included in the price.
- Often the cover charge is discretionary and females may not have to pay to get in (watch for dress codes).
- Movies are about the same as in the US.
- Theater is often cheaper than in the US.
