Sorting out your electricity, gas, water, internet, TV and phone is one of the first steps to feeling truly at home in Spain. This guide walks you through what to expect, what it costs and how to get connected with minimal hassle.
Once you’ve moved into your new home in Spain, getting the utilities set up quickly is essential to making everyday life run smoothly. If you’re buying a resale property, most services should already be in place, but you’ll need to switch accounts into your name. With new builds or off-plan purchases, you’ll want written assurance from your developer that everything will be legally connected before completion.
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Contents
Electricity
Spain’s electricity market has opened up in recent years, giving you a choice of providers. Expect two main contract types: fixed-rate (stable monthly cost) and variable-rate (tied to market prices). Which suits you best depends on how much and when you use power. Comparison sites such as Rastreator and consumer groups like the OCU (Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios) are good places to research deals. Bear in mind that Spain has some of the highest electricity costs in Europe, partly due to historic government subsidies now being clawed back.
Gas
Unlike electricity, gas in Spain is comparatively cheap. Many households rely on bottled gas cylinders for cooking and heating, delivered regularly under contract. In some areas, piped natural gas is available but less common. Larger properties may have gas tanks that tie you to a specific supplier.
Water
Water charges vary depending on your property type and usage. For a three-bedroom apartment, expect to pay around €35 per month. Villas with gardens and pools will cost considerably more. Filling a pool can cost several hundred euros depending on size. Consider using taps with water-saving filters, shower regulators and other gadgets to keep bills manageable.
Internet
Major providers include Movistar, Vodafone, Orange and Jazztel. Packages typically combine broadband, landline, mobile and TV. Fibre optic is widespread in larger towns, though coverage in rural areas can be patchy. Basic broadband starts at around €16 plus IVA (VAT) per month. If you’re not fluent in Spanish, check whether English-language support is available.
Telephone
Getting a fixed line can take time – two weeks to two months – especially for new properties without existing connections. Monthly line rental costs around €14-16 plus IVA. Many telecom providers offer the best value when you bundle a landline with a mobile contract. Most agreements are now rolling rather than fixed term, so you can usually switch to another company without facing a penalty.
TV
If you want to keep up with British programmes, you’ll need a satellite system and decoder. Local installers (often British run) can help set this up. The big Spanish telecom companies often include extra streaming services in their deal. For example, Movistar may include a Netflix subscription, Vodafone sometimes bundles HBO and Orange offers sports packages. Spanish broadcasters also show many films and series in English with subtitles, which can help you pick up the language faster.
FAQs
How do I connect electricity in Spain?
If you’re moving into a resale home, you’ll usually just transfer the account into your name. For new builds, ensure the developer provides proof of connection. Then choose a supplier and contract type (fixed or variable) that suits your usage.
How much are utilities per month in Spain?
Expect to pay around €100 to €200 a month in total for electricity, water, gas and internet in a typical apartment. Villas with pools and gardens will be higher, especially for water and electricity.
Is electricity cheaper in Spain or the UK?
As of 2024, electricity in the UK cost around $0.37 per kWh, while in Spain it was about $0.23 per kWh [1].
Source:
[1]: Cost of Electricity by Country 2025
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