Car costs Spain are among the lowest in Western Europe for fuel, but the ITV inspection and annual IVTM tax vary by region. This guide breaks down every major expense for 2026 using verified figures.
We use September 2026 data from the EU Oil Bulletin and Eurostat for petrol, diesel, electricity, inspection fees, and road tax. Enter your details in our calculator for a personalised estimate.
Fuel prices in Spain (2026)
Petrol averages €1.733 per litre and diesel €1.865 per litre according to the EU Oil Bulletin (week of 31 August 2026). Both sit below the EU averages of €1.840 and €1.966 respectively, making Spain one of the cheaper markets for fuel.
A 50-litre tank of petrol costs about €87. At 12,000 km per year and 7 L/100 km consumption, annual fuel spend reaches roughly €1,455 for petrol and €1,565 for diesel.
- Petrol: €1.733/L (EU Oil Bulletin, 31 Aug 2026)
- Diesel: €1.865/L (EU Oil Bulletin, 31 Aug 2026)
- EU average petrol: €1.840/L, diesel: €1.966/L for comparison
Prices fluctuate weekly; use the fuel cost calculator for current estimates.
Electricity costs for EV charging
Household electricity in Spain averages €0.267/kWh (Eurostat, H2 2025, band DC, incl. taxes). This is slightly above the EU average of €0.220/kWh but competitive compared to northern Europe.
Charging a 60 kWh battery at home costs about €16. At 15 kWh/100 km and 12,000 km annually, expect roughly €480 per year in electricity — well below petrol or diesel equivalents.
- Household electricity: €0.267/kWh (Eurostat, H2 2025)
- EU average: €0.220/kWh
- Home charging a 60 kWh EV: ~€16 per full charge
Public fast-charging rates are higher; many networks charge per kWh or per minute.
ITV inspection — cost and frequency
The Inspección Técnica de Vehículos (ITV) costs roughly €45, though prices vary by region from €21 to €64. New cars have their first test at 48 months, then every 24 months until 10 years old, then annually.
The test covers safety, emissions, lighting, brakes, and structural integrity. If repairs are needed, a re-test must be completed within a specified period. Authorised stations display the official ITV logo.
- Cost: ~€45 (varies by region €21–64)
- First test at 48 months (new cars), then every 24 months until 10 years, then annually
- Re-test required if repairs needed
Book early; some regions have limited stations and long waits.
IVTM — annual road tax
The Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica (IVTM) is an annual municipal tax based on fiscal horsepower (caballos fiscales). Rates vary by municipality; Madrid charges roughly €60/year for 8–11.99 fiscal hp.
Electric vehicles typically receive a 75% discount or full exemption in many municipalities. The tax is paid annually to the local town hall (ayuntamiento).
- Based on fiscal horsepower (caballos fiscales)
- Madrid 8–11.99 fiscal hp: ~€60/yr
- EV discount or exemption in many municipalities
Exact amount depends on your municipality and vehicle's fiscal horsepower.
Insurance, depreciation, and other running costs
Insurance depends heavily on driver profile, region, claims history and level of cover, so we do not publish a Spanish average. Third-party cover (a terceros) is the legal minimum; comprehensive (todo riesgo) costs more. Your own renewal quote is the only figure worth budgeting with.
Depreciation follows the general pattern: roughly 15–25% in year one and about 50% over five years. Maintenance, tyres, parking, and potential low-emission zone (ZBE) restrictions in cities like Madrid and Barcelona add to the total.
- Todo riesgo (comprehensive): costs more than third-party and varies widely by insurer, driver and region — use your own quote
- A terceros (mandatory): lower cost, covers third-party damage
- Depreciation: ~15–25% year one, ~50% over five years (approximate)
Insurance varies widely by insurer, driver history, and province.
Annual cost summary for a typical petrol car
Combining the major fixed and variable costs gives a rough picture for a petrol car driven 12,000 km/year at 7 L/100 km (Madrid IVTM rate):
| Cost item | Annual estimate (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Fuel (petrol) | ~1,455 |
| ITV (amortised per year) | ~23 |
| IVTM (Madrid 8–11.99 fiscal hp) | ~60 |
| Insurance (todo riesgo, indicative) | ~650 |
| Maintenance & tyres (indicative) | ~500 |
| Total (indicative) | ~2,688 |
Actual totals vary by vehicle, mileage, region, and personal circumstances. Use the calculator below for your exact numbers.
Use the free calculators
Frequently asked questions
How much does the ITV inspection cost in Spain?
The ITV costs roughly €45 on average, but prices vary by region from €21 to €64. New cars have their first test at 48 months, then every 24 months until 10 years old, then annually. Re-tests are required if repairs are needed.
What is IVTM and how much does it cost?
IVTM (Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica) is an annual municipal road tax based on fiscal horsepower. Rates vary by municipality; Madrid charges roughly €60/year for 8–11.99 fiscal hp. Electric vehicles often get a 75% discount or full exemption.
Is charging an EV cheaper than petrol in Spain?
Yes. Household electricity averages €0.267/kWh. Charging a 60 kWh battery at home costs about €16. At 15 kWh/100 km and 12,000 km annually, electricity costs roughly €480 per year — far below the ~€1,455 for petrol.
Are there low-emission zones in Spanish cities?
Yes. Madrid (Madrid Central) and Barcelona (ZBE Rondes) operate low-emission zones requiring an environmental badge (Distintivo Ambiental). The badge is inexpensive and available from several outlets, though costs and admin fees vary. Vehicles without a badge — typically older pre-Euro petrol and diesel cars — face restrictions, and driving non-compliant in a zone can result in fines.
Where can I calculate my personal car ownership cost for Spain?
Use the KnowCarCost car ownership cost calculator. Enter your vehicle, annual mileage, fuel type, and region to get a detailed breakdown including fuel, ITV, IVTM, insurance, depreciation, and inspection costs tailored to your situation.