Living in Madrid on a Student Budget: Discounts, SIM Cards & Money-Saving Tips

Madrid is one of Europe's most liveable capitals — and you can absolutely enjoy it on a student budget if you know where to look. Here are the tips locals and savvy students actually use.

Groceries: where locals really shop

• Mercadona — the all-round favourite for the weekly shop.

• Lidl & Aldi — best for budget basics.

• Carrefour Express — handy and late, slightly pricier (good for emergencies).

• Neighbourhood markets (mercados) — fresh, cheap fruit, veg and fish.

Get a Spanish SIM

Skip roaming. Prepaid SIMs from Simyo, Lowi, Digi or Vodafone yu give you generous data for a few euros a month, no contract. Bring your passport to a shop or order online to your address.

Student discounts & free culture

• Many museums (Prado, Reina Sofía, Thyssen) have free entry windows in the evenings/Sundays.

• Carry your student card / ISIC — discounts on transport, cinemas, events and software.

• The Abono Joven transport pass is incredibly cheap (often free) for under-26s — see our transport guide.

Eating out without overspending

Lunch is the secret: the "menú del día" gives you a starter, main, drink and dessert for a fixed, low price on weekdays. Then "cañas" (small beers) and free or cheap tapas make nights out affordable.

Rent smart

A room in a shared, all-inclusive flat is usually the cheapest and easiest way to live: one fixed price, bills included, furniture sorted, and instant flatmates. No surprise costs, no buying furniture you will leave behind.

That is exactly how AdastraHouse works: furnished rooms with WiFi, utilities and a clear monthly price — plus a house guide, support and a flatmate WhatsApp group from day one. Spend your money on experiences, not on setting up a flat.