Spanish Families Turn to Second-Hand Amid Record Back-to-School Costs

Spanish households are facing significant financial strain as the 2025-2026 academic year approaches, with back-to-school expenditures reaching their highest level in seven years. This substantial annual outlay is compelling families to critically re-evaluate traditional purchasing habits and increasingly adopt cost-saving strategies, notably through the burgeoning second-hand market. This shift reflects broader economic pressures and a growing consumer emphasis on sustainability.

• Average spending per pupil is projected to exceed €500, a notable increase from the previous year.
• Key expenditure drivers include school supplies (84%), textbooks (73%), and clothing (70%).
• Regional disparities are significant, with Andalusia’s average spending 19% below the national average.
• A staggering 34% of children in Spain live at risk of poverty, exacerbating financial challenges for many families.
• The circular economy, particularly the second-hand market, is rapidly expanding as a vital cost-saving and sustainable solution.
• Families are increasingly reusing materials, purchasing second-hand items, and participating in book lending programs, achieving substantial savings.

Escalating Back-to-School Costs

Key Expenditure Categories

Data from Statista indicates that the average spending per pupil for the upcoming school year is projected to exceed €500, an increase from approximately €492 in the previous period. The primary drivers of this expenditure include essential items such as school supplies, mentioned by 84% of surveyed respondents, textbooks (73%), and clothing (70%). Additionally, 16% of families anticipate purchasing computers and other electronic devices, reflecting evolving educational demands and technological integration.

Regional Variations and Social Impact

Regional disparities in spending forecasts highlight varied economic conditions. The Cetelem Observatory, for example, estimates an average back-to-school expenditure of €340 in Andalusia, which is 19% below the national average. These rising costs disproportionately impact vulnerable populations; the Plataforma por la Infancia reports that 34% of children in Spain live at risk of poverty, exacerbating financial challenges for low-income families during this critical period of annual spending.

The Rise of the Circular Economy and Second-Hand Solutions

Market Shift Towards Sustainable Consumption

In response to escalating costs and in line with growing environmental awareness, the circular economy is gaining significant traction. The trend observed with platforms like Vinted, which popularized second-hand clothing, is now extending to school essentials. Experts project that the overall second-hand market could double the size of the fast fashion sector by 2030, driven by both economic necessity and a broader societal shift towards sustainable consumption.

Widespread Adoption and Financial Benefits

The adoption of reuse and second-hand purchasing practices is becoming widespread. In Andalusia, 64% of surveyed individuals plan to reuse materials from the prior academic year, while 36% intend to acquire second-hand items. Furthermore, 27% expressed interest in book lending programs. Platforms such as Wallapop and Milanuncios, alongside local school-based initiatives and parent associations, facilitate these exchanges. Such strategies offer substantial financial relief, potentially reducing school supply expenses by up to 50% and overall back-to-school outlays by as much as €400.

This pronounced shift towards reusing and purchasing second-hand items underscores a significant evolution in consumer behavior. It highlights how persistent economic pressures, combined with an increasing focus on environmental responsibility, are reshaping household budgeting strategies and influencing market trends during key annual spending cycles.