Is It Expensive to Live in Mallorca in 2025? Full Cost Breakdown

Is It Expensive to Live in Mallorca? A Local-Style Breakdown €

Thinking about moving to Mallorca or just wondering how much everyday life costs on the island? Here's a casual, insider-style breakdown of what it's really like to live here in terms of expenses — from rent and groceries to transport and eating out. Spoiler: it depends where you live and how you like to live 😉

🏡 Cost of Renting in Mallorca

Rent is by far the biggest factor when it comes to your monthly cost of living.

• Palma de Mallorca: Expect to pay €1,000 to €1,500/month for a one-bedroom apartment in central Palma. Want sea views or a place in trendy Santa Catalina? You’ll be looking at upwards of €1,700+.

• Other towns (Inca, Manacor, Sa Pobla): You could find decent apartments for €600 to €900/month, sometimes even less if you're lucky.

• Rural areas & small villages: Prices can dip to €500/month, especially if you're renting a more basic place or sharing.

Local tip: Many landlords rent short-term in summer, so long-term options are easier to find in winter or spring.

🍬 Grocery & Food Prices

Groceries are generally reasonable and comparable to mainland Spain. Shopping local saves you money and supports small producers.

• Loaf of bread: €1.20

• Milk (1L): €1

• Dozen eggs: €2.50

• Fresh fish (per kg): €10–15

• Fruit & veg (local, per kg): €1.50–€3

Head to markets like Mercat de l'Olivar (Palma), Santa Maria (Sundays) or your village market — the produce is often fresher and cheaper than supermarkets.

Tip: Buying seasonal and local is not only cheaper, but much tastier too.

🍽️ Eating Out & Coffee Culture

Mallorca has a strong café culture, and even in touristy areas, prices aren’t outrageous.

• Menu del día (3-course lunch): €12–€18 — great value and widely available

• Coffee at a café: €1.80–€2.50

• Dinner for two (mid-range): €40–60

• Beer in a bar: €2.50–€3.50

Mallorcans love socialising over food, so don’t be surprised if restaurants fill up, even midweek.

🚌 Transport & Getting Around

Public transport in Mallorca is decent — especially in and around Palma. But if you're living more rurally, a car becomes almost essential.

• Single bus fare in Palma: €2

• Train Palma to Inca: €2.80

• Monthly public transport pass: ~€30 (or free for under 30s in 2025!)

• Petrol (per litre): €1.60–€1.70

• Taxi starting fare: €4 (plus €1/km after)

Tip: Renting or owning a car can add €200–€400/month (insurance, fuel, maintenance).

🌳 Utilities, Internet & Other Costs

These vary by season — especially in summer if you're running A/C regularly.

• Electricity, water, rubbish: €100–€150/month

• Fibre internet (high speed): €30–€40/month

• Mobile plans: from €10/month (depending on data and coverage)

Winter heating costs are often overlooked — some homes aren't well insulated, and heating with gas bottles or electric radiators can add up.

⚖️ Mallorca vs Mainland Spain: How Does It Compare?

Living in Mallorca is more expensive than smaller mainland towns and rural areas, but still cheaper than Barcelona, Madrid, or Ibiza.

It’s really a lifestyle choice. You’re paying for sea, sun, and scenery — and many say it’s worth every cent.

So, Is It Expensive to Live in Mallorca? It can be, but not always.

If you’re smart with your spending — rent in a quieter area, shop local, limit car use — you can enjoy an amazing Mediterranean lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Plus, you get the perks: great weather, beautiful nature, and a laid-back island vibe that’s hard to beat.

❌ Hidden Costs to Keep in Mind

• Tourist season inflation: Groceries, bars, and services often hike prices in July–August

• Short-term job market: Work can be seasonal and hospitality-heavy

• Admin costs: NIE paperwork, language lessons, private healthcare, international schools

• Air conditioning & heating: Big swings depending on how energy-efficient your home is

❓ FAQs

Is Mallorca more expensive than mainland Spain?
👉 Yes, especially for rent and eating out, but still cheaper than many EU hotspots.

Can you live in Mallorca on a budget?
👉 Definitely. Plenty of locals and expats do it by avoiding tourist traps and living simply.

Is Palma de Mallorca expensive to live in?
👉 It's one of the pricier places on the island, but manageable depending on the area.

Are groceries expensive in Mallorca?
👉 Not really, especially at markets or discount supermarkets like Mercadona or Lidl.

Is healthcare free in Mallorca?
👉 Yes, for legal residents. Expats often get private insurance for faster access or extras.

Looking for more Mallorca tips? Check out:

🌴 Best Beaches in Mallorca

🍷 Things to do in Mallorca

🛏️Where to stay in Mallorca

¡Nos vemos en la isla! 🌴🌞