Back-to-school expenses in Spain could reach nearly €1,850 per child, highlighting seasonal consumer spending pressure

Executive summary: Studies by Idealo and the Spanish Consumers Association estimate that back-to-school expenses for the 2026‑2027 academic year will range from €505 to €1,849 per child, depending on school type and region. This highlights a significant seasonal cost burden on households and potential upside for retail sectors linked to school supplies, apparel and electronics.

Who is involved: Idealo, Spanish Consumers Association, Spanish households, retailers of school-related goods.

Likely next: Spending will concentrate in late August and early September as schools reopen, influencing quarterly retail sales figures.

According to studies by Idealo and the Spanish Consumers Association, the average cost of returning to school for the 2026‑2027 academic year will vary between €505 and €1,849 per pupil, depending on the type of school and the autonomous community. This range reflects differences in tuition, materials, uniforms and extracurricular activities across regions. The figures underscore a notable recurring expense for families and a potential demand driver for retailers of school supplies, clothing and electronics.

Timeline

2026-08-23 — La vuelta al cole supondrá un gasto de hasta 1.849 euros por hijo (Expansión)
2026-08-23 — Mortgage and refinance interest rates today, Sunday, August 23, 2026: Higher than last weekend as prime selling season wraps up (Yahoo Finance)
2026-08-23 — Last-Minute Apparel Delivery (2026): Same-Day Options for Outfits, Shoes, and Event Essentials by Consumer365 (PR Newswire)

Back-to-school expenses in Spain could reach nearly €1,850 per child, highlighting seasonal consumer spending pressure

Timeline

Analysis — what this means

Sectors affected

Sources