Any tips on surviving in Madrid with little money?

Question

I'm an American student, going to study in Madrid next semester. I'll be there a total of 6 months. Money is going to be really tight for me...does anyone have any tips on how to stretch my euros?
What are some things that I really need to pack with me when I go? Are there some items that would be more expensive in Spain than they are in the US?
I'll also have to find my own apartment shortly after arriving...any money-saving tips as far as that goes?

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Madrid is expensive. Well, Spain is expensive. I'm sorry to say that George W has destroyed the value of the dollar and you can do nothing about it.

To save money you have to share an apartment. It can also be more fun. There will be lots of opportunities to find a share at the college / university, school you are going to. I suggest you contact them for advice. These places always have contacts and often can help with short term accomodation. Although public transport is safe and cheap, it is always better to live near work.

Do your own cooking. Buy food at local markets (you do not have to buy top quality). Dia, Lidl etc (The discount supermarkets) own brands can save you a lot on cleaning materials and non -foods basics.
I do not agree with the idea of eating tapas. Tapas are expensive for what you get. If you do eat out, I recommend the business lunches, Menu del Dia. You get a three course meal with water, beer or wine for around ten Euros. A real bargain.

Source(s):

Live in Spain.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thanks, you made a good point about the tapas.

Answer 2

It might be a good idea to post this question on Yahoo Answers Spain. You'll probably get more response there.

Answer 3

Everything is more expensive in Madrid. The Euro costs $1.50, which means you'll pay about $1.75.

Eat tapas, not meals, when you go out. Your friends will teach you the cheapest places to drink. Don't do clubs a lot...they are expensive.

Share apartment/living quarters, with one more person than you think you should...rent is almost ALWAYS your biggest expense.

Geeze! You need to travel! How are you gonna travel without money?

Take the time that you have to figure out what you can sell. You have a car? Get something for it? You have some stocks or investments? Borrow against them!

You don't want to do this TOO cheaply!

Source(s):

Did it.

Answer 4

Almost all the things you like in the USA will be 3 or 4 times the price in Madrid, eat locally, tapas etc., try local markets out of town, try and live out of the centre of Madrid if possible, if you have actually come to study, you could have possibly tried to get in a different college or uni in a cheaper area?
Madrid is just like any other capital city you have to pay the price!