Can one live in Madrid with a monthly income of 1,200 euros and still manage to save money? A Cuban woman residing in the Spanish capital has taken to TikTok to reveal her earnings, monthly expenditures, and how she organizes her budget to end each month with money left over.
The young woman, known as Betsabé (@betsabe_mayara_), detailed in a TikTok video how she uses a hypothetical salary of 1,200 euros to illustrate the funds needed to cover basic living expenses in Spain.
Breaking Down the Budget
"Let's assume you earn 1,200 euros, which is the minimum for a 40-hour work week," Betsabé began as she detailed her expenses. It's important to note that this figure is an example and not to be confused with the legal minimum wage, which is calculated in gross terms and varies with the payment distribution.
The most substantial portion of her budget goes to rent. Betsabé shared that she pays 400 euros in rent, with additional costs for utilities such as water and electricity, totaling no more than 450 euros per month for this category.
"The largest of all expenses is rent, which varies depending on the location and conditions of each apartment. For me, it's 400 euros plus utilities. Typically, I spend no more than 450 euros a month, including water and electricity," she explained.
Managing Monthly Expenses
For groceries, Betsabé allocates about 200 euros monthly. This budget allows her to prepare four daily meals, including a snack, as she cooks solely for herself.
Public transportation also factors into her spending, with 32 euros set aside each month for metro and bus travel around Madrid. However, she noted that this cost may increase based on one's living area and necessary travel routes.
Additional expenses include 50 euros for personal and household cleaning products, 25 euros for gym membership, and roughly 7 euros for her phone plan.
"I'm subscribed to the cheapest gym with the lowest rate," Betsabé remarked, highlighting how she keeps this expense minimal.
Surprising Savings
Adding up her mentioned costs, her monthly expenses total 764 euros. With an income of 1,200 euros, she has 436 euros left. Betsabé estimates her monthly savings at 433 euros.
"That's 433 euros saved monthly without buying clothes, subscriptions, or going out to parties," she concluded, emphasizing that her savings rely on sticking to her budget limits.
A standout aspect of her financial plan is the rent cost. Her 400-euro rent is below the typical price for shared room rentals in Madrid. According to La Razón, the average rent for a room in the capital reached 605 euros per month in July 2026, with varying conditions and included utilities.
Betsabé's experience provides a stark contrast to other Cubans in Spain who have shared their financial struggles. A Cuban family of four disclosed their monthly expenses, stating that despite a combined income of 2,000 euros, they barely had 400 euros left after covering essential needs.
Spain has emerged as a primary destination for Cuban emigrants. According to the National Statistics Institute, 252,290 individuals born in Cuba were living in Spain at the beginning of 2025, showcasing the growth of this community in recent years.
Through her video, Betsabé aimed to offer guidance to those considering a new life outside of Cuba, though her budget reflects her personal circumstances and may not represent the costs for all Madrid residents.
"I hope this video helps you decide if you want to move to Spain or not," she expressed in conclusion.
Understanding the Financial Landscape for Cubans in Spain
How much does Betsabé pay for rent in Madrid?
Betsabé pays 400 euros for rent, with total housing expenses not exceeding 450 euros, including utilities.
What is the average cost of rent for a room in Madrid?
As of July 2026, the average rent for a room in Madrid was 605 euros per month, according to La Razón.
How does Betsabé manage to save money each month?
By maintaining a strict budget and minimizing expenses, Betsabé is able to save 433 euros each month from her 1,200-euro income.