Córdoba nestles between Seville and Granada in Andalucia in Southern Spain, and is the capital of the province of Córdoba. Apart from being a colourful and vibrant city, it is well known for its vineyards and olive groves. It is a city which embraces its Andalucian culture, even though it started off life as a Roman metropolis in 152BC.
If you are considering moving to Córdoba, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in one of UESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
Quick Córdoba Facts:
- Population: 345,000 (2022 estimate).
- 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: $18,770 USD (2015 estimate)
- Largest and Wealthiest: By the 10th century, Córdoba was one of the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). As of early 2023, $1 USD = €0.94 EUR, £1 = €1.14 EUR, $1 CAD = €0.69 EUR, $1 AUD = €0.63 EUR
1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Córdoba
Below are sample international shipping rates to Spain from various countries around the world.
2. Córdoba Housing Costs
Housing prices are very affordable compared with other cities around the world and there’s a large selection of different housing types, from small studios to beautiful villas. Prices obviously vary from area to area but the figures below will give you an indication of what’s available at what price.
Monthly Rental Prices in Córdoba:
- 1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: €600.00+
- 1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: €400.00+
- 3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: €875.00+
- 3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: €700.00+
Madrid Home Purchase Prices:
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: €2,000+
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: €980.00+
Córdoba Housing Cost Comparison:
This is how rents in Córdoba compare with other cities around the globe.
- London is 76% more expensive
- New York is 84.2% more expensive
- Los Angeles is 78.6% more expensive
- Toronto is 67.5% more expensive
- Vancouver is 69.8% more expensive
- Sydney is 71.9% more expensive
- Melbourne is 59.8% more expensive
- Dubai is 68% more expensive
- Paris is 63.3% more expensive
Source: Numbeo
How to Save on Housing Costs:
- Share a Flat or House: Sharing a flat or a house in Córdoba is very popular, especially among its younger residents. 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 available for shared rental as well. Have a look at RoomLaLa, Piso Compartido, Gabino Home, Gomfy and Erasmusu to find someone you can get on with to share the costs with you.
- Different Areas – Different Prices: Most people say there are no bad areas in Córdoba. It is a small city whose inhabitants are very proud of its history and heritage. Ciudad Jardin is an affordable area which is very popular with students and academics. Accommodation consists mainly of apartments. It’s a cosmopolitan area which is well-served by shops, restaurants and bars. Vallellano is another student area which is also close to the city centre. This area has apartments and delightful whitewashed Andalusian houses. The city centre has a good selection of apartments which are close to international stores, restaurants and other amenities.
3. Córdoba Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs
Córdoba has some good restaurants where you can spend hours sitting, eating and drinking, while soaking up the atmosphere.
- Inexpensive Restaurant: €9.00 – €12.00
- Takeout Coffee: €1.40 – €1.50
- Bottle of Coke: €1.40 – €1.80
- 1L of Milk: €0.62 – €1.00
- Loaf of Bread: €1.00 – €1.50
- 12 Eggs: €2.00 – €2.25
- 1kg Chicken: €5.50 – €6.50
- 1kg Beef: €8.50 – €14.00
- 1kg Apples: €1.20 – €2.25
- 1kg White Rice: €1.55 – €1.70
This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.
- New York restaurants are 62.7% more expensive and groceries are 63.9% more expensive than Córdoba.
- Los Angeles restaurants are 58% more expensive and groceries are 52.2% more expensive than Córdoba.
- London restaurants are 51.2% more expensive and groceries are 32% more expensive than Córdoba.
- Paris restaurants are 45.9% more expensive and groceries are 50.3% more expensive than Córdoba.
- Toronto restaurants are 50.8% more expensive and groceries are 45.6% more expensive than Córdoba.
- Vancouver restaurants are 47.8% more expensive and groceries are 47.6% more expensive than Córdoba.
- Sydney restaurants are 52.9% more expensive and groceries are 52.5% more expensive than Córdoba.
- Melbourne restaurants are 50.2% more expensive and groceries are 53% more expensive than Córdoba.
- Dubai restaurants are 48% more expensive and groceries are 24.8% more expensive than Córdoba.
Source: Numbeo
Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:
- Know Your Supermarkets: OpenCor is a very affordable supermarket chain which is also open on Sundays – a rare find in Spain. Dia is also reasonably priced and well stocked but isn’t open on Sundays. Eroski is a hypermarket which sells almost everything under one roof. Its food section is quite extensive and competitively priced. On the market front, Mercado Victoria is a new food market near the centre of the city, situated on an avenue of trees in a lovingly restored 19th-century wrought-iron pavilion which used to be used for fairs and exhibitions. It has an excellent selection of food, most of which is available for tasting. El Arenal is another very popular market for fresh fruit, veg, meat, fish and flowers.
- Find Cheap Eats: There are restaurants in Córdoba that offer excellent value for money. Have a look at the following sites to see which restaurants tantalise your taste buds – Trip Advisor and Lonely Planet.
4. Córdoba Alcohol Costs
Córdoba has a good selection of bars, clubs and nightlife. 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: €2.00 – €3.00
- Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: €3.00 – €4.00
- Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: €0.98 – €1.50
- Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: €1.20 – €1.50
- Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: €8.00 – €10.00
How To Drink For Less in CórdobaL
- Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays
- Córdoba 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, Culture Trip, Yelp and Yelp (Happy Hour).
- Walk around the university district to find the best alcohol deals
5. Córdoba Transportation Fares
Córdoba has a fairly reliable bus service in the city run by Arcosa. Bus fares are paid directly to the driver. Note that the bus drivers rarely speak English, so brush up on your Spanish. There are regional trains that run through the city, making visiting other cities relatively easy.
Here are some example ticket costs.
- Adult single – €1.30
- One day ticket for the bus – €4.00
- Monthly season ticket for the bus – €31.30
How To Save Money on Public Transport:
- Buy a 10-trip ticket. This can be shared by several people for €7.10
- Buy a bike. Cycling around the city is a pleasure
- Walk. Córdoba is a lovely city to walk around, so if you live close to where you work, walking is definitely the preferred mode of transport.
6. Cost of Internet in Córdoba
Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:
- Ono: €59.40 a month (Fiber broadband up to 600Mbps)
- Orange: €30.95 a month (Fiber broadband up to 500Mbps)
7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure
August is the hottest month in Córdoba, with an average temperature of 28°C. The coldest month is January with an average temperature of 10°C. November brings the most rain, with an average of 100mm during the month.
Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.
- Pair of Jeans: €45.00
- Summer Dress: €26.00
- Running Shoes (Trainers): €50.00
- Business Shoes: €50.00
- Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): €50.00
- Deodorant: €3.50
- Shampoo: €3.50
- Toilet Paper (4 rolls): €2.00
- Gym Membership: €30 – €40 per month
- Movie (cinema) Ticket: €7.50
Source: Numbeo
8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Córdoba
Everyone in Spain drives on the right. Córdoba is a small city and driving around it is fine. Parking can be a bit of a problem during the summer months.
If you’re moving to Córdoba from within Spain, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address with our new Córdoba 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 Córdoba:
- Volkswagen Golf: €20,000
- 1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): €1,70
- Registration Fee (if any): the cost depends on the size of the vehicle and its CO2 emissions
Source: Numbeo
Ways To Save Money on Driving in Córdoba:
- Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Carpoolworld.
- Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber.
9. Taxes in Córdoba
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 Córdoba
If you do make the move to Córdoba, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023. Note that the airport at Córdoba is for private flights only, so most people fly to Málaga and either drive or go by train to Córdoba.
- New York: €265
- Los Angeles: €380
- London: €24
- Paris: €40
- Toronto: €340
- Vancouver: €410
- Dubai: €220
- Sydney: €840
- Melbourne: €1,700
- Cape Town: €440
- Hong Kong: €660
Other Tips on Moving to Córdoba:
The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Córdoba but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.
11. Moving to Córdoba 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 Córdoba.
- Meetups: Córdoba has lots of free meetup groups you can find on Meetup.com. Join Córdoba Hiking Group, Docker Córdoba, Outdoor Activities and many more.
- Attend Local Events: Córdoba is a city which finds any excuse to celebrate its history, so there is always something happening. Find out what’s going on from Trip Advisor and Andalucia.com.
12. Moving to Córdoba with a Family
Córdoba is a small city but it still has a lot to offer families. History, culture, architecture, green spaces and parks and a choice of good schools and universities. Here’s some extra food for thought.
- New Parents (or parents to be): Mum 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: Córdoba is a friendly city with different neighbourhoods which suit different lifestyles. The closer you go to the city centre, the more likely you are to live in an apartment. Vallelano and Ciudad Jardin are family-friendly areas which are close to the various university faculties. They attract people of all ages and nationalities. The further you move out from the city centre, the more likely you are to find houses with gardens which may be more suitable for your family.
- Find Things To Do With The Kids: Triphobo, Travel for Kids, Family Travel 411 and Spain Holiday all have great ideas for activities and events your kids will love.
13. Moving to Córdoba for Work
Moving to Córdoba for work is one of the most common reasons people choose to move. The unemployment rate in Spain as a whole rose to 18.75% during the first quarter of 2017. Many Brits who used to own businesses and property in Córdoba have returned home.
Córdoba’s main employers are in education, healthcare, hospitality and retail. If you want to guarantee 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.
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 be making 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 Córdoba, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Think Spain and Xpat Jobs. 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 Córdoba from Australia
There are a few Australians in Córdoba. Here’s more food for thought:
- Size Comparison: If you compare the population size of Córdoba with the population of a city in Australia, you’d be looking at a city 10% larger than the Sunshine Coast.
- Join Expat Groups: Both InterNations and Expat.com offer ways of meeting up with other Australians in Córdoba.
15. Moving to Córdoba from Canada
There are a few Canadians living in Córdoba. Here are a few extra points to consider:
- Size Comparison: If you compare the population size of the city of Córdoba with the population of a city in Canada, you’d be looking at Windsor, Ontario.
- Join Expat Groups: Both InterNations and Expat.com offer ways of meeting up with other Canadians in Córdoba.
16. Moving to Córdoba from the United States
There’s a very small American contingent living and working in Córdoba. If you’re considering it, here are a few bonus tips:
- Size: Córdoba’s population is around the same as St. Ana, California.
- Expat Groups: Meeting Americans who are already living and working in Córdoba 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 Córdoba from the United Kingdom
There’s a relatively large number of Brits living and working in Córdoba, even if their numbers have dwindled over the last ten years. If you’re considering it, here are a few bonus tips:
- Size: If you compare the population size of Córdoba with a city in the UK, you’d be looking at The Wirral.
- Expat Groups: Meeting Brits who are already living and working in Córdoba 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 Córdoba you can start by comparing moving quotes here.
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