ICADE

Using a cell phone is very expensive in Spain because you have to use prepaid cell phones which have pretty expensive rates. Nightlife got a plus for me just because spaniards go out at night A LOT. Drink prices in Madrid are about the same as an american city and there are cheap bars to be found just like anywhere else as well. Travel is more expensive due to the fact that the dollar is weak against the euro right now so most travel is about the same price as america but only in euros which are worth 1.3 dollars at the moment. Apartments here are much less expensive than in Boston (where I came from) which is a big help when trying to budget money.

Accommodation very expencive in Madrid! You pay incredibly much for a "small hole", if you want a decentlæy central location. Food is cheap - if you buy fresh food to prepare yourself, it is very cheap, and a great selection!

Rent in Madrid is comparable to, or higher than, rent in Dublin in most cases. I didn't use the phone much. Alcohol is much cheaper (excluding in places like Kapital). Groceries are much cheaper.

It's easy to get caught up in the social buzz in Madrid - whilst going out, food and transport are all somewhat cheaper than in Dublin, my social activity increased greatly, leading to me spending more....

The thing is the prices of food (restaurant or home made)are lower in Spain than in France. It is the same for clothes, alcohol in bars, entries of discos, museums...That's why I used to do more things in Spain than in France so it compensates! the only big expense is the accommodation 'cause Madrid is a capital city.

I lived at my parent's before comming in Spain so I never had to spend money on accomodation, travel or food. But in general and in most fields, prices are lower in Spain.