How much does it cost to live in Cordoba?

When international students, especially those participating in exchange programmes such as the Erasmus programme, arrive in a new city to study, they face an exciting and challenging period of adaptation In addition to academic and cultural concerns, it is natural for concerns related to living costs and financial management in an unfamiliar environment to arise. In this guide, we will focus on addressing these specific concerns and provide detailed information on the cost of living in Cordoba, so that you can plan your budget effectively and fully enjoy your study experience.

Being away from home and having to take on financial responsibilities can be anxiety-inducing. From accommodation and utilities to everyday expenses such as food and entertainment, it is essential to understand the big picture of the cost of living in Cordoba to make informed decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Accommodationis one of the key aspects to consider. Finding a comfortable and affordable place to live is essential. You may be wondering how much it will cost to rent a room or flat in Córdoba, and whether you can afford to live on your own or whether it is better to opt for shared accommodation with other students. In addition to the monthly cost of rent, you should also consider utilities such as water, gas and electricity, as well as internet access. These additional costs can have a significant impact on your monthly budget, although these costs are shared between all tenants in the flat.

At Interasmundo we will always recommend you to rent a room in a shared flat, as this is the option that 99% of students choose, as it is the most economical. The price of a rented room varies between 240€ and 400€ per month, depending on your needs: single or double room, with shared or private bathroom, etc. In our room search engine, you are sure to find the room that best suits your requirements. If you want to know all the information about it, you can consult our article: What costs are included in the prices of rented rooms?

Another common concern is related to transport. As an international student, you may want to explore the city and its surroundings, or commute to the university. Although Cordoba is a medium-sized city, and most people get around on foot, knowing the prices of bus or train tickets, as well as monthly passes or transport cards, will help you to calculate the cost of your daily commute or eventual trips. We recommend our article: Urban bus transport.

One way to save money on bus travel is to purchase a bonobús. When you buy this voucher, you need to pay €1 for the card and make a first minimum top-up of €5. However, over the course of the month, you will spend no more than €30 on transport, as each ticket, when paid for using the bonobús, will cost €0.70. This option gives you access to significant discounts compared to buying individual tickets and is particularly beneficial if you use public transport regularly.

The cost of food can be complicated to calculate, as everyone has different eating habits and the cost will depend on where and what you buy. In Cordoba, there are different supermarkets, such asLidlwhich are usually the cheapest, but they can be located on the outskirts of the city, which can be inconvenient if you don’t have a car. A good option is the supermarketDíawhere you will find quality products at very competitive prices. However, “Mercadona” is probably the most recognised supermarket in Spain, although their prices have increased a lot in recent years.

On average, an Erasmus student can spend between 85 and 100€ per month on food. However, this range can vary depending on your preferences and whether you enjoy cooking or not. It is important to keep in mind that prepared food will always be more expensive than food you can cook yourself, so if you are inclined to prepare your own meals, you may be able to adjust your budget even further and save money on this aspect.

When it comes tomobile phone service in Spain, unfortunately, the country is among those with the highest prices compared to other European countries. Although there are several companies offering services in Spain, prices do not vary significantly between them. However, one of the cheapest options is the companyYoigo, which offers good conditions and quality service.

If you are looking for the cheapest option, you can consider a prepaid card for your mobile phone. With this type of card, you will pay around €8 per month as a base cost, plus any additional credit you spend on calls or mobile data. This option allows you to have better control over your spending and adjust your usage according to your needs and budget.

It is important to keep in mind that the prices of mobile telephony services may vary over time and according to the offers and promotions available. We recommend that you compare the different options available and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. Some of them are: PepePhone, Lowi, MasMóvil, O2 or Digi.

In addition, as a student, you are likely to want to enjoy social life and leisure time. Going out for drinks, clubbing or eating out is an important part of the student experience. It is crucial to be aware of both expensive and cheaper dining options, especially those that are popular with students and offer special menus or promotions to suit your budget. Typically, a drink will cost around €8 on average in the clubs themselves, whereas it will cost €5 or €6 if you order in a bar The average price of a beer is around €1.50 or €1.80.

Cordoba, as you will have seen, is not an expensive city in general terms. However, the cost of living will largely depend on the lifestyle you decide to lead during your Erasmus year. Our recommendation is that you plan your monthly budget, taking into account your fixed expenses, and set that amount of money aside in a safe place, such as a drawer or a separate bank account. By doing so, you will be creating a reserve and will find it easier to resist the temptation to overspend.

If you manage your expenses effectively, you may even have a small amount of money left over some months. Instead of spending it unnecessarily, we suggest you save those savings for future trips or other enriching experiences during your stay in Cordoba. This way, you can enjoy additional moments of exploration and adventure without worrying about your budget.

Remember that the key to leading a balanced and economical life during your Erasmus year in Cordoba is planning. With a conscious approach to your expenses and a savings mentality, you will be able to make the most of your experience without excessive money worries. Enjoy all that Cordoba has to offer and make your Erasmus year unforgettable!