The Most Expensive And Cheapest Places To Rent A Property In Spain

Last Updated on December 10, 2024 by Laila Oliveira

The beauty of living in a diverse country like Spain is knowing that you will find expats from various backgrounds. From affluent individuals who relocated with the Golden Visa to working-class individuals who relocated to create a better life for themselves. For that reason, a frequently asked question is: what are the most expensive and cheapest places to rent a property in Spain? 

Some of the most expensive cities come with their own perks. Like Barcelona and Madrid’s entrepreneurial landscape and thriving expat community. But the biggest challenge is finding a suitable place to rent within a budget. 

If you look around for the most affordable cities to live in, you’ll find much cheaper rent in Alicante, even down to €400 per month. However, you’ll have a relatively more difficult time finding your community. 

So what is life really like living in a small city in Spain? Is it completely incomparable to living in the popular cities? Keep reading till the end to find out what renting a property could look like. Happy reading! 

The Challenges Of Finding A Property To Rent In Spain

Home to nearly 49 million people, with around 85 million tourists visiting each year, you can expect that the biggest challenge is high demand. 

Despite the fact that overseas visitors spend more than $90 billion in Spain annually, resources for housing are often strained. This makes it increasingly difficult for locals and expats to find reasonable accommodation easily. 

Before diving into the details of the most expensive and cheapest places to rent a property in Spain, we want to be as transparent as possible about the current realities. 

Complex Rental Market for Expats

Apart from the challenge of limited availability, understanding legal requirements and customary practices can be overwhelming for an expat who hasn’t dealt with this before. 

The paperwork can be complicated, and you may be required to present a guarantor (which is not always possible) and proof of income. Of course, this isn’t always feasible for someone new to the country. 

Additionally, language barriers can further complicate the situation if you’re unable to explain your circumstances to the landlord. The last thing you want to deal with is a legal misunderstanding or even a scam. 

Seasonal Fluctuations

This one may be the most challenging situation to navigate. Due to the high influx of tourists and, subsequently, the high demand from them, landlords may prefer short-term rentals. This leaves long-term renters with only a few options. 

More often seen in coastal or holiday destinations, the landlords may offer leases that end just before tourist season starts. Or offer skyrocketing rates during the peak tourist months. 

Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence among the most expensive and cheapest places to rent a property in Spain. The best way to cope with this is to plan ahead and look for the most stable option. 

• Read Also: Weather In Spain: Best Time To Visit.

How To Find A Property To Rent In Spain

Finding a property to rent in Spain requires careful planning, sometimes well in advance. This is especially because of the challenges of high demand and seasonal fluctuations.

As an expat, you might face additional technicalities due to bureaucracy and language barriers. But with the right help, everything can be seamless. 

Reputable online platforms like Idealista and Fotocasa are good tools for finding rental properties in Spain. 

It’s still important to verify the details and visit the property (if possible) to ensure its authenticity before making any financial commitments. 

Another tip, which may not be applicable in every scenario, is to search for a property during less busy tourist months (October–March). This can improve your chances of finding long-term options at better prices.

Lastly, when it comes to submitting documents, it is expected that you provide your proof of income, a work contract (if applicable), and any other supporting documents. 

You can also find a lot of properties via Facebook Groups and their respective expat communities. But remember to always do your due diligence and avoid any transactions until you’re sure. 

Let’s explore the most expensive and cheapest places to rent a property in Spain in more detail. 

The 5 Cheapest Places To Rent A Property In Spain

Spain offers plenty of affordable cities for those looking to save on rent while enjoying a great quality of life. 

Discover where you can stretch your budget without compromising on your lifestyle!

Murcia

Murcia is one of Spain’s most affordable cities. Located in the southeast of the country, it is well-known for its rich agricultural landscape. Thus earning the nickname “Europe’s Orchard”. A huge perk is that residents enjoy fresh, local produce at reasonable prices, adding to the low cost of living here.

The city is also rich in history, featuring landmarks like the Cathedral of Murcia and Plaza Cardenal Belluga. But it doesn’t attract a lot of tourists like other main cities. Despite that, the public transport system is efficient, and the city is well-connected to other regions. 

Why does it count as one of the 5 cheapest places to rent a property in Spain? Let’s talk about some numbers. 

The average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment in Murcia is around €400 to €500 per month. And larger family apartments can range from €600 to €700 in central areas.

A three-bedroom apartment within €700 is an amazing deal if you’re someone who doesn’t mind living in a smaller city. 

Granada

Thanks to the prestigious University of Granada, this historic city is a haven for international students. The youthful energy is reflected in its vibrant nightlife and cultural events. 

Granada’s low cost of living plays a huge role in attracting international students who wish to pursue higher education in Spain. 

It is possible to rent out a one-bedroom apartment for €350 to €500 and up to a four-bedroom apartment for under €1,000. For the quality of life you can get, it’s a steal! 

If you’re drawn to a culturally rich and affordable lifestyle, Granada ticks all the boxes. That said, it’s a hot spot for students and tourists, which means rental availability can be challenging. Starting your search early and exploring options outside peak tourist areas can make all the difference.

Despite its popularity, the cost of living remains surprisingly low, with budget-friendly public transport and countless dining spots where you can indulge in delicious tapas that often come free with your drink.

Valladolid

As a former capital of Spain, Valladolid is steeped in history, featuring stunning architectural landmarks like the Valladolid Cathedral and the National Sculpture Museum.

Valladolid offers a quieter, more authentic Spanish lifestyle surrounded by culture. While it may be a small city, it’s only an hour away from Madrid via the high-speed train. This is a huge pro for residents as they benefit from Madrid’s growing job market.

If you’re a food lover, Valladolid is waiting to be explored. Known for its vibrant culinary scene, the city is famous for its tapas culture, where you can hop between bars to savor bite-sized delights, often paired with a glass of local wine. The Ribera del Duero wine region is right next door, making Valladolid a dream spot for wine enthusiasts, too.

Rent prices are only slightly higher, but you can find a one-bedroom apartment for €450 to €550. And a three-bedroom apartment for €800. 

Zaragoza

Despite its size, Zaragoza remains less crowded and more affordable than Spain’s largest cities. As the fifth-largest city in Spain, it definitely is an excellent option for those looking to live a simpler life. 

It is centrally located, right between Madrid and Barcelona, which helps to explore the more popular cities without traveling too far. 

Zaragoza is also considered a pretty family-friendly city, considering all the amenities it offers. For families with children, the city has excellent schools and parks. However, summers can be quite hot, so just take that into consideration if you don’t like warm weather. 

You can find a one-bedroom apartment in Zaragoza for around €450 and a larger apartment in the city center for around €750. 

Alicante

Alicante, located on Spain’s sunny Costa Blanca, is a favorite among expats for its affordability and picturesque coastal lifestyle. This vibrant city combines a relaxed Mediterranean vibe with modern amenities. 

Loved by Digital Nomads who don’t wish to live in Madrid or Barcelona, Alicante is the go-to for remote workers who want to live a comfortable lifestyle. It’s also well-connected to other cities and has an international airport and a modern tram system. This makes it easier for people to travel whenever they want to. 

While Alicante is more affordable than larger coastal cities like Valencia or Malaga, the demand for rentals can increase during tourist seasons. You may find that the growing popularity has contributed to an increase in rent rates. 

Despite that, renting a one-bedroom apartment for the lifestyle in Alicante is well worth €500 for a one-bedroom apartment. 

The 5 Most Expensive Places To Rent A Property In Spain

Spain’s most expensive cities are also the most popular ones, despite the price tag. Discover where renting a property means living the dream in style!

Madrid 

As you may know, Madrid is a city that never sleeps. It’s always buzzing with energy and opportunities. As Spain’s capital, it’s no surprise that rental prices reflect its central role in the country’s economy and lifestyle.

The city is also famous for its vibrant tapas bars, iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace, and a dynamic art scene. 

As a result of the popularity, millions of tourists visit each year and it is also home to a huge expat community. This includes digital nomads, global talent, and some retirees. Its excellent infrastructure is another main reason why people are comfortable moving here. 

But the fierce competition for housing means you’ll need to act fast. A one-bedroom apartment can cost around €1,000, and larger apartments can cost up to € 2,500. 

• Check out the Cost Of Living In Madrid: Estimates & Tips. 

Barcelona 

Barcelona’s appeal lies in its versatility. You can spend your morning at a tech startup in the city’s innovation hub and your evening strolling along Las Ramblas or savoring paella by the beach.

Although it is home to a large expat community, the locals may feel a little less welcoming due to certain valid reasons. Tourism is high, and it can get overwhelming during peak season. As a result, it can drive up housing prices, making it difficult for the general population to afford housing easily. 

Renting in central areas like Eixample or El Born can range from €1,200 to €2,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Larger apartments are well above that. However, expats may still find this to be a reasonable deal. 

• Read more about the Pros And Cons Of Living In Barcelona As An Expat.

San Sebastián

San Sebastián is a dream for those who value beauty, tranquility, and world-class food. Life here moves at a more relaxed pace compared to Madrid or Barcelona, but it’s far from dull. 

The city’s pintxos (Basque tapas) culture is an experience in itself, where every bar feels like a culinary adventure. Add in the serenity and cultural festivals, you can easily see why people fall in love with San Sebastián. 

But this charm doesn’t come cheap. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost €1,000 to €1,200. You may be able to find three-bedroom apartments for around €1,600, but newly renovated ones can go up to €3,000 per month.

Marbella

Marbella is one of the most expensive cities in Spain to rent property in. Located on the Costa del Sol, this city attracts everyone from celebrities to affluent retirees seeking sunshine and sophistication.

Rent prices in Marbella are some of the highest prices in Spain, approximately €1,500 for one-bedroom. And €2,800 for a two-bedroom apartment. 

It’s the perfect spot for those who want the finer things in life with a Mediterranean twist.

Ibiza

Known for its legendary nightlife and breathtaking landscapes, this Balearic Island offers a unique blend of excitement and tranquility. 

Ibiza’s appeal goes beyond the summer season. The island’s serene villages, yoga retreats, and crystal-clear waters make it a haven for those seeking balance.

However, rent prices in Ibiza are not for the faint of heart. You can expect rent to start from anywhere above €1,000 and go up to €6,000 for a three-bedroom apartment with amazing views. 

When Are You Moving To Spain? 

Need help finding the most expensive and cheapest places to rent a property in Spain? 

It’s okay to be confused and look around for more options. With the right amount of research, you will be able to find something within your budget that aligns with your preferences. 

If you’re ready to start your process of moving to Spain, get in touch with our experts at Viv Europe. Book a free consultation and learn more about the process! 

Join our Facebook Group, All About Spain For Expats, to post questions and learn more through articles and updates. See you soon!