Accommodation in Spain: Average Rent, Top Cities, and Student Housing Tips (2025)

Thinking about studying or working in Spain? First big step — you need the right place to live. Accommodation in Spain decides how much you spend each month, how far you travel to classes or work, and how easily you settle into local life.

• The average rent in Madrid for students 2025 usually falls between €400–€800 (₹36,000–₹72,000) a month. 
• Professionals renting a studio or 1BHK in Madrid or Barcelona often pay around €700–€1,200 (₹63,000–₹1.08 lakh). 

Monthly rent in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia changes depending on where you stay and what you pick — city centers cost more, while suburbs offer better deals. Some affordable cities for students in Spain 2025 like Valencia and Granada also attract professionals with their lower rents and strong transport links.

This guide covers:

• Best student accommodation options in Spain
• Cost of living in Spain for international students
• How to rent a room in Madrid or Barcelona easily
• What to know about university dormitories vs private apartments in Spain
• Tips for renting an apartment in Spain as a foreigner

Ready to find your ideal space in Spain? Let’s begin.

This guide covers:

• Best student accommodation options in Spain
• Cost of living in Spain for international students
• How to rent a room in Madrid or Barcelona easily
• What to know about university dormitories vs private apartments in Spain
• Tips for renting an apartment in Spain as a foreigner

Ready to find your ideal space in Spain? Let’s begin.

Looking to study in Spain in 2025? Start by exploring bachelor’s programs abroad or check out master’s courses across top Spanish universities.

According to Spain’s Rental Housing Price Index (RHPI), rental prices rose 13.0% cumulatively from 2014 to 2021. The sharpest annual increase occurred in 2019, when rents grew by 3.5% in a single year.

Before you pick a city, take a look at the cost of living in Spain.

Rent varies by location, so knowing the numbers early can help you set a realistic budget.

If you’re trying to save, check these tips to study abroad for free or apply for a Spain scholarship for Indian students.

Finding Student Accommodation in Spain: Options and Best Cities

Housing significantly impacts your student life in Spain. Pick the right place early, and you will save on rent, settle faster, and make the most of your new life abroad. Students in Spain have a wide choice — from university dormitories to private flats and shared apartments — but rent, commute times, and comfort vary sharply across cities.

Student Accommodation Options in Spain

Students usually pick from these housing types:

Housing Type	What You Get	Best For
University Dormitories	Close to campus, basic furniture, utilities often included	First-year students, exchange students
Shared Apartments (Pisos Compartidos)	Private room, shared kitchen/living space	Budget-conscious students
Private Studios	Independent living, higher rent	Students who want full privacy
Homestays	Live with a Spanish family, meals included	Language learners, cultural exposure seekers

If you're renting a room in Madrid or Barcelona, shared flats offer affordable, social living. University dormitories offer lower costs but have limited seats.

Best Cities to Live in Spain for Students

City choice impacts everything from rent to lifestyle. Here’s where most international students stay:

City	Why Students Prefer It	Average Rent (Monthly)
Madrid	Top universities, vibrant city life	€400–€800 (₹36,000–₹72,000)
Barcelona	Multicultural atmosphere, creative hubs	€450–€850 (₹40,500–₹76,500)
Valencia	Affordable, relaxed coastal life	€300–€600 (₹27,000–₹54,000)
Granada	Student-focused, low cost of living	€250–€500 (₹22,500–₹45,000)
Salamanca	Historic campus city, affordable rent	€250–€450 (₹22,500–₹40,500)

The monthly rent in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia varies a lot, so compare options early to fit your budget.

Tip: If you are searching for cheaper places, some affordable cities for students in Spain 2025 like Granada and Salamanca offer huge savings without sacrificing quality of life.

University Dormitories vs Private Apartments in Spain

Making the decision between university dormitories and private apartments matters when budgeting the cost of living in Spain for international students.

Factor	Dormitories	Private Apartments
Rent	Lower, utilities included	Higher, utilities extra
Flexibility	Semester-based	Yearly leases common
Privacy	Shared facilities	Full independence
Application	Through university	Private agents or websites

University dormitories vs private apartments in Spain boils down to your priorities: cost savings, flexibility, or privacy.

How to Find Student Housing in Spain Early

Housing gets snapped up quickly in big cities. Here’s how you stay ahead:

• Apply for university dormitories as soon as your admission is confirmed.
• Use top rental platforms: Idealista, Spotahome, Fotocasa, Uniplaces.
• Explore temporary accommodation options in Spain if arriving before securing a lease.
• Join Facebook groups and Erasmus housing boards.
• Register early on local listing apps if you're renting a room in Madrid or Barcelona.

For first-timers, the moving to Spain housing guide for students and expats recommends lining up at least two solid rental options before you land.

Quick Tips Before Signing Any Rental Agreement in Spain

Checklist Item	Why It Matters
Always check lease terms	Housing deposit and contract terms in Spain vary city to city
Confirm furniture and appliances	Some furnished apartments for rent in Spain might still lack essentials like microwaves
Double-check included bills	Water, gas, and Wi-Fi aren't always bundled
Read about deposit rules	You usually pay a 1–2 month deposit upfront

Renting an apartment in Spain as a foreigner often requires extra paperwork like a NIE (Foreigner ID Number) and proof of income or scholarship.

Planning ahead? Read the Spain study visa guide for Indian students to avoid delays.

There are updates too — Spain's new visa relaxations make it easier to stay after your course.

You can also explore how to settle in Spain from India after your degree.

Accommodation in Spain for Expats and Working Professionals

Good accommodation in Spain is important when moving for work. Professionals and expats typically choose from modern apartments, studios, or shared houses depending on their budget and preferred lifestyle.

Housing Options for Professionals in Spain

If you are relocating to Spain for work, these are the typical options available:

Housing Type	Features	Ideal For
Apartments (1–2 BHK)	Private living, usually semi-furnished, secure leases	Professionals, couples
Studios	Compact, affordable, ideal for single expats	Young professionals
Shared Houses (Pisos Compartidos)	Shared utilities, lower costs, social living	Newcomers looking to save

Many furnished apartments for rent in Spain cater specifically to working professionals, saving you the trouble of buying furniture right after landing.

Best Cities for Expats and Working Professionals in Spain

Living the right city changes everything — from rent costs to networking opportunities.

City	Why Professionals Prefer It	Average Rent (Monthly)
Madrid	Business, finance, tech hubs	€800–€1,400 (₹72,000–₹1.26 lakh)
Barcelona	Startups, tech companies, global offices	€850–€1,500 (₹76,500–₹1.35 lakh)
Seville	Lower cost of living, relaxed lifestyle	€600–€900 (₹54,000–₹81,000)
Malaga	Coastal living, growing tech scene	€650–€1,000 (₹58,500–₹90,000)

The monthly rent in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia may feel high compared to smaller cities, but they offer better job markets and transport connectivity.

Popular Residential Areas Near Business Hubs in Spain

Picking the right neighborhood matters when you're working full-time.

City	Popular Neighborhoods for Expats
Madrid	Chamartín, Salamanca, Chamberí
Barcelona	Eixample, Poblenou, Gràcia
Seville	Nervión, Los Remedios
Malaga	Soho, El Limonar

Expat-friendly neighborhoods in Madrid and Barcelona are well-connected by metro, close to co-working spaces, and offer easy access to gyms, cafes, and shopping centers.

Renting an Apartment in Spain as a Foreigner

Spain's rental system is organized, but knowing the basics speeds things up. Here's what to prepare:

Requirement	Details
NIE (Foreigner ID Number)	Mandatory for all rental contracts
Proof of Income	Work contract, bank statements, or payslips
Housing Deposit	1–2 months’ rent held as a security
Rental Agreement	Lease contracts typically last 6–12 months
Furnishing	Check if appliances and furniture are included

When renting an apartment in Spain as a foreigner, always request a written lease and ensure your deposit is protected under regional laws.

Quick Tip:

If you're planning a temporary stay, there are temporary accommodation options for students in Spain and professionals too — serviced apartments, short-term studio leases, and even co-living spaces are popular choices.

Looking at the bigger picture? Spain has growing job opportunities for international students, especially in major cities.

If you plan to stay back, here’s how the stay back option after master’s in Spain works.

Also, Spain is known for quality education. Check where it stands in the best education systems in the world and see the advantages of studying abroad overall.

Family Accommodation in Spain: Where to Live and What to Expect

Good family accommodation in Spain affects your lifestyle from day one. Space, neighborhood quality, school access, and monthly rent all influence where you eventually settle. Spain offers excellent family housing options, especially across cities like Valencia, Seville, and Malaga that balance affordability and lifestyle.

Family Housing Types You’ll Find in Spain

Most expat and local families prefer these setups:

Housing Type	Key Features	Ideal For
2–3 BHK Apartments	Secure buildings, often near city centers	Smaller families, professionals with children
Suburban Houses	Private gardens, larger interiors, quieter neighborhoods	Larger families needing more space

Furnished apartments for rent in Spain are also common for families relocating with short timelines. However, suburban homes offer better space and outdoor areas if you're staying longer.

Best Cities and Suburbs for Families in Spain

Several cities consistently attract families because of their safety, schools, and outdoor spaces:

City	Top Family-Friendly Suburbs	Why Families Choose Them
Valencia	Campanar, Benimaclet	Parks, international schools, beach access
Seville	Nervión, Los Remedios	Green spaces, bilingual schools, family activities
Malaga	Pedregalejo, El Limonar	Coastal lifestyle, good schools, peaceful neighborhoods

Many families exploring affordable cities for students in Spain 2025 also find these cities ideal for long-term living after graduation.

Facilities that Matter for Family Accommodation in Spain

Spain is known for creating family-friendly environments. When renting, prioritize these:

Facility	What to Look For
Schools	Proximity to public, private, or international schools
Parks and Playgrounds	Green spaces within walking distance
Healthcare Access	Availability of pediatricians, hospitals, family clinics
Public Transport	Metro, bus, and train access nearby
Community Amenities	Sports centers, libraries, local shops

Areas like Solna in Madrid and Eixample in Barcelona are often highlighted in moving to Spain housing guide for students and expats because they also work great for family needs.

Safety and Lifestyle Considerations in Spain

Spain’s suburbs and family-oriented zones are known for:

• Low crime rates compared to European averages
• High walkability and bike lanes
• Friendly community programs like weekend markets and cultural events

When you’re renting an apartment in Spain as a foreigner, always research neighborhood reviews and school ratings to make sure it fits your lifestyle goals.

Rent Expectations and Smart Budgeting Tips for Families in Spain

Family accommodation costs depend on city, size, and location. Here’s a quick guide:

City	2BHK Monthly Rent	3BHK Monthly Rent
Madrid	€1,200–€1,800 (₹1.08–₹1.62 lakh)	€1,500–€2,300 (₹1.35–₹2.07 lakh)
Valencia	€800–€1,300 (₹72,000–₹1.17 lakh)	€1,100–€1,700 (₹99,000–₹1.53 lakh)
Malaga	€750–€1,200 (₹67,500–₹1.08 lakh)	€1,000–€1,600 (₹90,000–₹1.44 lakh)

Tip:

Always check whether your monthly rent in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia includes utilities like water, gas, and community maintenance fees. It can make a huge difference to your overall cost of living in Spain for international students and expats.

Tips for Finding the Best Accommodation in Spain

Students and expats moving to cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia need to act fast. The best apartments close to universities and offices often get rented quickly. 

Use this checklist to make smart choices for student accommodation options in Spain or professional rentals across major cities.

Do’s	Why It Matters
Apply early on trusted portals (Idealista, Badi)	Increases your options
Read lease terms carefully	Clarifies deposit, maintenance rules
Verify furnished apartment details	Avoids hidden costs

Don’ts	Why It Matters
Pay cash before signing	Protects your deposit
Skip visiting neighborhoods	Safety and commute matter

Early action helps students and newcomers manage cost of living in Spain for international students better.

How upGrad Supports Students and Expats Moving to Spain

At upGrad, we guide you through your Spain relocation journey with practical, customized support.

• University Shortlisting: Find programs that match your goals and budget.
• Visa Assistance: Navigate visa requirements and timelines with ease.
• Housing Resources: Access trusted guides on student accommodation options in Spain and rentals for professionals.
• Scholarship Guidance: Learn about financial support for studying abroad.
• 1:1 Counseling: Speak directly with experts for help on moving to Spain housing guide for students and expats.

Get personalized tips that make finding affordable cities for students in Spain 2025 easier and smoother.

Is Accommodation in Spain Affordable for Students and Expats?

Pros	Cons
Affordable rent outside Madrid and Barcelona	Higher rent in Madrid and Barcelona hotspots
Many furnished apartments for rent in Spain	Limited university housing availability
Reliable public transport saves costs	Initial deposits and paperwork can be tedious

Students and expats who explore affordable cities for students in Spain 2025 early usually find good deals. Planning ahead cuts your overall cost of living in Spain for international students and working professionals.

Need help finding the right course or housing option? Get free counseling from upGrad experts.

Want to start learning now? Explore free courses to build your skills before you move.