The Asociación Española de Consumidores published up-to-date comparative data on back-to-school (“vuelta al cole”) costs on 18 August 2026. According to the figures, families spend an average of around €635 per child at state schools, about €733 at concertado schools and around €1,849 at private schools. Madrid records the highest amounts, while Asturias and Extremadura are among the least expensive Autonomous Communities.
Regional differences vary according to the type of school. For state schools, the largest gap is €200: initial costs in Madrid total around €756 per child, compared with around €556 in Asturias. For concertado schools, the association gives a difference of €205 between Madrid (around €825) and Galicia (about €620). Costs diverge most at private schools: a family in Extremadura would need to budget at least €1,578, compared with at least €1,923 in Madrid – a difference of €345.
The ranking within the state sector is also varied: after Madrid, Catalonia (about €735), Basque Country (around €720) and Cantabria and Navarre (around €710 each) are among the most expensive regions. This assessment is based on the prices and experience data presented by the association.
The association says its methodology combines price checks with survey data. School supplies and books account for a particularly large share of costs across all three types of school; in many cases, uniform or administrative fees are added. At private and concertado schools, enrolment and recurring fees also weigh more heavily. The association attributes regional differences to varying fee structures, different school rules and practices, and the respective share of state and private places.
In the view of the Asociación Española de Consumidores, differences in costs place a noticeable burden on household budgets – particularly where additional contributions are customary. The association is calling for greater transparency on all fee components and targeted support for low-income families. The amounts and date cited refer to the association’s documents published on 18 August 2026; its statement contains no further forecasts.
Editor: Daniel Mayer (Article created with AI assistance).