Moving to Zaragoza? 2025 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Zaragoza sits in the northeast of Spain with its history being firmly placed during that of the Roman Empire. Nowadays, Zaragoza is a bustling cosmopolitan city that has retained its historic roots while embracing the conveniences of the modern world.

If you are considering moving to Zaragoza, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in Spain’s fifth largest city.

Quick Zaragoza Facts:

Population: 666,880 (2018).
Official Language: Spanish (de facto) with many other languages being spoken by expat residents, including English, French, German, Italian, Arabic, Portuguese and Polish.
GDP Per Capita: $30,323 USD (2015)
Catherine of Aragon: Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon, lived in Zaragoza.
Currency: Euro (EUR). As of 2024, £1 = €1.20, $1 USD = €0.89, $1 CAD = €0.66, $1 AUD = €0.61

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Zaragoza

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from some of the largest global cities, and shipping it to Zaragoza:

Origin City	20FT	40FT
Beijing	$2,500 - $2,600	$4,500 - $4,700
Berlin	$2,000 - $2,100	$3,600 - $3,800
Chicago	$2,300 - $2,400	$4,200 - $4,400
Chongqing	$2,700 - $2,800	$4,900 - $5,100
Delhi	$2,650 - $2,750	$4,800 - $5,000
Dubai	$2,800 - $2,900	$5,100 - $5,300
Houston	$2,400 - $2,500	$4,300 - $4,500
Los Angeles	$2,300 - $2,400	$4,200 - $4,400
Madrid	$1,850 - $1,950	$3,400 - $3,600
New York City	$2,200 - $2,300	$4,100 - $4,300
Paris	$1,950 - $2,050	$3,500 - $3,700
Phoenix	$2,350 - $2,450	$4,300 - $4,500
Rome	$1,950 - $2,050	$3,500 - $3,700
Shanghai	$2,600 - $2,700	$4,700 - $4,900
Sydney	$3,000 - $3,100	$5,300 - $5,500
Toronto	$2,350 - $2,450	$4,300 - $4,500
Vancouver	$2,400 - $2,500	$4,400 - $4,600
Vienna	$2,050 - $2,150	$3,600 - $3,800

All figures are in USD;
The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (September 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from either Freightos, Flexport, or Maersk;
To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
Please also see our guide to international container shipping.

2. Zaragoza Housing Costs

Housing prices are very affordable compared with other major cities around the world and other cities in Spain. There’s a large selection of different housing types, from small studios to large villas. Prices obviously vary from area to area but the figures below will indicate what’s available at what price.

Monthly Rental Prices in Zaragoza:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: €600+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: €415+
3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: €1,150+
3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: €700+

Zaragoza Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: €3,600+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: €1,900+

Zaragoza Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Zaragoza compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 74.2% more expensive
New York is 82.4% more expensive
Los Angeles is 76% more expensive
Toronto is 63.5% more expensive
Vancouver is 66% more expensive
Sydney is 68.4% more expensive
Melbourne is 55.7% more expensive
Dubai is 63.3% more expensive
Paris is 59.5% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

Share a Flat or House: House and flat shares are very common in Zaragoza, especially among students and young professionals. With a house/apartment share you will have your own room, or, for a cheaper option, you can share a room. The bathroom/s will be shared with other people in the house. There are many flats and houses available for shared rental as well. Have a look at RoomLaLa, Piso Compartido, Just Landed and Gabinohome to find someone you can get on with to share the costs with you.
Different Areas – Different Prices: As the prices above indicate, there is very little difference in price between neighbourhoods in Zaragoza. Accommodation is excellent value for money at the moment. The main districts in Zaragoza are Old Town, Downtown and the University Delicias. The Old Town’s northern border is the River Ebro. There are many apartment blocks in this section which enjoy open green spaces and the river. The Old Town houses most of the city’s historic landmarks and is a delightful place to explore, with its plazas and alleys containing bars, restaurants and shops. Downtown is a more affluent area and has some beautiful wide tree-lined streets with apartments and houses and many parks. As its name suggests, the University Delicias area is by the University of Zaragoza. Apart from the usual student accommodation, there are houses and apartments of various sizes.

3. Zaragoza Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Zaragoza is known for its food. It has some excellent restaurants where you can spend hours sitting, eating and drinking while soaking up the atmosphere.

Inexpensive Restaurant: €12.00 – €15.00
Takeout Coffee: €1.50 – €1.60
Bottle of Coke: €1.80 – €2.20
1L of Milk: €0.80 – €1.00
Loaf of Bread: €0.80 – €1.00
12 Eggs: €1.80 – €2.00
1kg Chicken: €5.90 – €8.00
1kg Beef: €9.10 – €14.00
1kg Apples: €1.80 – €2.00
1kg White Rice: €1.00 – €1.50

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

New York restaurants are 55.5% more expensive and groceries are 62.3% more expensive than Zaragoza.
Los Angeles restaurants are 50.8% more expensive and groceries are 50.9% more expensive than Zaragoza.
London restaurants are 44.7% more expensive and groceries are 32.8% more expensive than Zaragoza.
Paris restaurants are 36.4% more expensive and groceries are 50.1% more expensive than Zaragoza.
Toronto restaurants are 40% more expensive and groceries are 44% more expensive than Zaragoza.
Vancouver restaurants are 66% more expensive and groceries are 46.3% more expensive than Zaragoza.
Sydney restaurants are 41.8% more expensive and groceries are 51.2% more expensive than Zaragoza.
Melbourne restaurants are 40.1% more expensive and groceries are 52.1% more expensive than Zaragoza.
Dubai restaurants are 37.5% more expensive and groceries are 22.9% more expensive than Zaragoza.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

Know Your Supermarkets: Zaragoza has the usual supermarket chains including El Corte Ingles, Taste of America, Mercadona and Carrefour. It also has some excellent privately owned food stores. Markets are always a pleasure to visit and the ones in Zaragoza are no exception. The Central Market has been running since the 13th Century and provides visitors with such a selection of fish, fruit, vegetables and meat that it’s difficult to choose. Another excellent food market which houses many restaurants and tapas bars to add to the experience is Puerta Cinegia Gastronómica.It’s a modern market next to the El Tubo district where you can choose your ingredients and have your food cooked on the spot, while you sip a cocktail.
Find Cheap Eats: There are many restaurants and bars in Zaragoza that offer reasonably priced food, especially around the university. Have a look at the following sites to see which restaurants tantalise your taste buds – Trip Advisor, What Zaragoza and Erasmusu.

4. Zaragoza Alcohol Costs

Zaragoza has many interesting bars and clubs where you can meet locals, expats and tourists alike. The following is a list of basic prices of beer and wine from the supermarket and restaurants.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: €2.50 – €3.00
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: €2.75 – €4.00
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: €0.80 – €1.00
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: €1.20 – €2.00
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: €5.00 – €7.00

How To Drink For Less in Zaragoza:

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
Zaragoza has many bars and clubs which offer their guests specials at certain times of the day or evening. Have a look at the following sites to find where your favourite tipple is on special – Trip Advisor and Happy Hour.
You often find the best alcohol deals in the bars around the university.

5. Zaragoza Transportation Fares

Zaragoza has a good public transportation system which consists of 31 bus routes and tram routes.

Here are some example ticket costs.

Adult single – €1.38
One day ticket for bus and tram – €4.00
Monthly season ticket for bus, tram and metro – €40.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

Buy a 10-trip ticket – €11.00
Buy a bike. There is an excellent system of cycle lanes all around the city and cycling is welcomed and encouraged.
Walk. Depending on where you live and work, walking is certainly an option.

6. Cost of Internet in Zaragoza

Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Ono: €33.40 a month (fiber broadband up to 600mb)
Orange: €30.95 a month (fiber broadband up to 500mb)

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

Zaragoza has a continental climate, with hot summers and mild winters with the temperature rarely going below zero. July and August are the hottest months, with an average high of 31°C, although the temperature can rise into the early 40s. January is the coldest month with an average maximum of 11°C. Zaragoza’s wettest month is April with an average rainfall of 40mm.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: €70.00 – €100.00
Summer Dress: €30.00 – €35.00
Running Shoes (Trainers): €70.00 – €80.00
Business Shoes: €80.00 – €90.00
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): €65.00
Deodorant: €2.50
Shampoo: €3.20
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): €1.50
Gym Membership: €30.00 – €50.00 per month
Movie (cinema) Ticket: €7.00

Source: Numbeo and Expatistan

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Zaragoza

Everyone in Spain drives on the right. Driving in Zaragoza can be a little hectic during rush hour, but at other times of the day, it’s fine. Parking is also not such a problem in the city.

If you’re moving to Zaragoza from within Spain, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address with our new Zaragoza one at your nearest traffic office.

If you live outside the EU, then you can drive on that licence for six months. If your foreign licence is not in Spanish, then you must obtain a Spanish translation or get an International Driving Licence. After this six-month period, you must obtain a Spanish driving licence.

If you are from an EU country then you will need to get a Spanish licence after being in the country for two years. However, you must register your details with the Central Register of Drivers and Minor Offenders after six months. Note that persons under the age of 18 are not allowed to drive in Spain.

Residents of certain countries can exchange their licence, other people will need to take a Spanish driving test – both written and practical. Expatica.com has useful information in English for expats wanting to drive in Spain.

If you are taking a car with you to Spain, you can drive it for 6 months without registering it in Spain. After the 6 months period, you have 30 days to register it.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Zaragoza:

Volkswagen Golf: €23,700+
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): €1.55
Registration Fee (if any): the cost depends on the size of the vehicle and its CO2 emissions.

Source: Expatistan

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Zaragoza:

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Carpoolworld and Carpling.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber.

9. Taxes in Zaragoza

No matter where you live in Spain, you will pay the same rate of tax. Sales Tax, or VAT (Value Added Tax) is 21% in Spain and is included in the price that is advertised.

If you own a property in Spain you will need to pay IBI tax. The amount varies depending on the size of the property, the services you receive and the area it’s in. Note if you rent a property, it is the owner who pays IBI, not the tenant.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Spain, you’ll have to pay various taxes and fees. There is a property transfer tax of between 5% and 10%, VAT is payable at 10% on new properties, notary costs, title deed tax and land registration fees are between 1% and 2.5% of the purchase price and legal fees will cost between 1% and 2%.

10. Flight Costs from Zaragoza

If you do make the move to Zaragoza, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023:

New York: €765
Los Angeles: €839
London: €26
Paris: €24
Toronto: €1,349
Vancouver: €1,071
Dubai: €717
Sydney: €856
Melbourne: €849
Cape Town: €717
Hong Kong: €801

Other Tips on Moving to Zaragoza:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Zaragoza but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Zaragoza Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be rather daunting. Here are a few tips about settling into Zaragoza.

Meetups: Zaragoza has lots of free meetup groups you can find on Meetup.com. Join WordPress Zaragoza, Zaragoza Cycling, Geek Talks, Expats and Locals in Zaragoza and many more.
Attend Local Events: Zaragoza is a vibrant city with lots of events happening every day. Find out what’s going on from Trip Advisor and Culture Trip.

12. Moving to Zaragoza with a Family

Zaragoza has a lot to offer families who enjoy a quiet life. History, culture, architecture, the largest shopping centre in Spain, green spaces and parks and some good schools and an excellent university. Here’s some extra food for thought.

New Parents (or parents to be): Mums Abroad is an excellent site which will give you information on antenatal classes, postnatal classes and general parenting. It’s an interactive site so you can ask for information directly.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: Zaragoza is a family-friendly city, where no one is in a hurry to do anything. The residents are friendly, and both expats and locals go out of their way to welcome you to their city. Downtown is probably the best area for families. It has lots of parks and a variety of housing, some set on wide, tree-lined streets. For those families that like to be closer to entertainment, then the areas around the university have everything you need. However, remember that students like to party until the early hours of the morning.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: Yelp, Minube and Zaragoza all have great ideas for activities and events your kids will love.

13. Moving to Zaragoza for Work

Moving to Zaragoza for work is one of the most common reasons people choose to move. Zaragoza is also popular with retired people especially as Spains’s unemployment rate rose to 18.75% in the first quarter of 2017. If you want to guarantee getting a job, you really need to speak Spanish as there are very few jobs available for those who don’t speak the language. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move.

Many English-speaking people move to Zaragoza to teach English. Good teachers are highly sought after. Although setting up your own business is an option, test the market well beforehand as Spain is still battling with the recession. There are jobs in the hospitality and tourism sector during the summer season.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Glassdoor and Payscale.
How to Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Zaragoza, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following site is a good place to start: Think Spain. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Zaragoza from Australia

A few Aussies are living in Zaragoza. Here’s more food for thought:

Size Comparison: If you compare Zaragoza’s population with a city in Australia, you’d be looking at a city a little larger than the Gold Coast.
Join Expat Groups: Both InterNations and Expat.com offer ways of meeting up with other Australians in Zaragoza.

15. Moving to Zaragoza from Canada

There’s a sprinkling of Canadians living in Zaragoza. Here are a few extra points to consider:

Size Comparison: If you compare the population size of Zaragoza with the population of a city in Canada, you’d be looking at a city a little smaller than Hamilton, Ontario.
Join Expat Groups: Both InterNations and Expat.com offer ways of meeting up with other Canadians in Zaragoza.

16. Moving to Zaragoza from the United States

There’s a very small American contingent living in Zaragoza. If you’re considering it, here are a few bonus tips:

Size Comparison: Zaragoza’s population is roughly the same as El Paso.
Expat Groups: Meeting Americans who are already living and working in Zaragoza is an excellent way to make friends and learn how to integrate quickly into your new life. InterNations and Expat.com will enable you to meet other expats from the States and other countries.

17. Moving to Zaragoza from the United Kingdom

There are quite a few Brits living in Zaragoza, many of whom have retired. If you’re considering it, here are a few bonus tips:

Size Comparison: If you compare the population size of Zaragoza with a city in the UK, you’d be looking at a city a little smaller than Leeds.
Expat Groups: Meeting Brits who are already living and working in Zaragoza is an excellent way to make friends and learn all about living in the city. Have a look at the following sites to find people from home – InterNations and Expat.com.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Zaragoza you can start by comparing moving quotes here.