Wondering where the cheapest places to live in Spain are?
Are you dreaming of living in Spain? The Mediterranean country is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning mountain ranges and vibrant cities. But what about the cost of living? Where are the cheapest places to live in Spain?
Whether you’re looking for a permanent home or just a holiday destination, it’s important to know how much money you’ll need. To help with that, we’ve compiled this list of the most affordable places to live in Spain.
We’ll look at various aspects of life from housing costs and transportation expenses to leisure prices and groceries so you can make an informed decision about where to settle down. So get ready – let’s explore some of the best (and cheapest) places to live in Spain!
Cheapest Places to Live in Spain
If you are looking for the most affordable places to live in Spain, then look no further. Here is a list of the best places where you can enjoy all that Spain has to offer while still keeping your budget in check:
1. Madrid
Madrid is one of the most affordable and enjoyable bigger cities in Spain. With its rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife and world-class cuisine, it’s no wonder why so many people choose to make this their home. Personally, I loved my year living abroad in Madrid (although a decade ago!).
Not only that but living costs are surprisingly low compared to other major European capitals. From housing to groceries, public transportation to leisure activities – you can find a great deal in Madrid! Let’s explore some of the best reasons why Madrid is worth visiting and even living in for anyone craving an amazing lifestyle abroad.
Renting a 1-bedroom apartment these days in the city center will cost you around €1,034 per month. Outside of the city center, the cost is closer to €800. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will only set you back around €12.25, often for a 3-course menú del día.
While groceries average about €30-€40 per week for one person. Fortunately, great bottles of wine are just as affordable at the grocery store – often costing between €3-€6 each! Public transportation is also a great bargain, with most tickets costing only €1.50 each. Uber and other ride shares are available for destinations not covered by public transportation.
Madrid offers up a wide range of leisure activities at very economical prices. You can spend an entire morning exploring the many museums located throughout the city and still have money left over for lunch.
There are plenty of parks to hang out in throughout the day as well, and other free sites to visit. Plus, Madrid is safe and you can explore the city with confidence even if you’re solo.
So if you’re looking for an affordable city with plenty of things to do, Madrid may be just what you’re looking for! Whether it’s exploring its historic sites, trying out unique cuisine or simply enjoying a night out on the town – living in Madrid can be a great experience and won’t break the bank either compared to living in many major US cities!
Nausheen, Globe Gazers
2. Bilbao
Another cheap city to consider is Bilbao. On average, residents in Bilbao spend about: €935 per month for a centrally located studio apartment, €132 per month on basic utilities, and roughly €400 per person on groceries each month.
Although it may seem like a lot to pay for a single-person apartment, the city center is one of the nicest parts of Bilbao and provides easy access to other activities! For instance, you can find an inexpensive meal at a local restaurant for €14 on average.
Similarly, many of the museums and activities in Bilbao are pretty affordable. For example, the Fine Arts Museum in Bilbao offers admission for €7 and is free for people under the age of 25.
Thus, you can expect to spend as little as €10 a month on leisure activities or opt to spend more if you want to discover nearby areas, like the famous Rioja region.
With regard to transportation, the city is pretty walkable. But, you can get a Barik Card that can be used for public transportation and topped up as needed.
Overall, the laid-back atmosphere and eclectic mix of architectural styles make this city perfect for art enthusiasts and lovers. So if you’re looking to live in an affordable city in northern Spain consider Bilbao.
Kristin, Global Travel Escapades
3. Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain is the perfect place for those looking for a small-town vibe with cultural and historical flair.
This bustling university city is hugely popular for tourists and for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago to the iconic Cathedral. The city attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, meaning there’s always something to do!
The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and there are numerous galleries and museums to explore. People come and stay for the pilgrim history, the language schools or simply to experience the laid-back buzz of this beautiful Spanish city.
Santiago de Compostela is a great choice for budget-conscious travellers. With its diverse mix of culture and regional cuisine, you get to experience the best of Spain without breaking the bank. It’s still possible to rent a 1-bedroom apartment for under €500 a month.
The city has its fair share of budget-friendly restaurants with a three-course menu del dia available for under €15 (including bread and wine!). Café con Leche costs less than €1.50 and Spanish wines less than €2 a glass, often served with complimentary tapas.
For groceries, Santiago has a food market — buying fresh and local is always cheaper. In supermarkets a whole chicken will set you back €8 and a small baguette less than €1.
Getting around is very affordable as well. Local bus tickets cost as little as €1. For longer trips, ALSA buses will get you to Porto for only €36, while train tickets to Madrid start as low as €21.
Colleen, Then We Walked
4. Fuengirola
Fuengirola is a very affordable city to live in, in the south of Spain. If you are looking for a seaside town with a blend of locals and expats, then Fuengirola is the right choice for you.
Renting an apartment in Fuengirola starts from €500 a month, depending on the area and on how many rooms you are looking for. A beachfront apartment with sea view will be more expensive than one on the outskirts of the city. Bills are another €150-€200.
There are three large supermarkets in Fuengirola: Carrefour, Mercadona and Corte Ingles. There is also a local market where you can buy fresh fish, meat, fruits and vegetables daily.
Mercadona is the most affordable supermarket, with a weekly cost for groceries at around €30 per person. Corte Ingles is the most expensive, as they cater more to expats and offer high-end products.
Fuengirola is a small city, and you don’t really need to use the public transport, unless you want to go to another town. The town is connected to Malaga by the Cercania train, which costs less than €4 for the entire journey.
Eating out in Fuengirola is affordable as well, with a meal with wine costing around €15-€20 per person.
There are plenty of things to do in Fuengirola, from enjoying the beaches to exploring the Sohail Castle which often hosts festivals. There are also a lot of events going on in Fuengirola, year-round, as there is always a reason to celebrate with a fiesta.
Joanna, The World in My Pocket
5. Pamplona
Pamplona is one of those cities where you cannot help but see yourself living for an extended period.
It’s a smaller city in Spain compared to Madrid and Barcelona but that’s what contributes to the enjoyment you will get out of being here. It is relatively quiet, safe and a perfect place to set yourself up.
Rent is very affordable with a 1 bedroom costing between €800-€1200 per month, depending on the neighborhood you choose to live in. Utilities (heating, electricity, gas) can cost up to €100-€150 per month.
But you are not just here to stay inside all the time. Going out to the local restaurants and bars for some tasty tapas and drinks is all part of the experience. You can find most places serving meals between €12-€20 per individual.
Transportation is easy with monthly passes of €30 for bus and public services, or you could get a bicycle and go exploring around at your leisure.
This city is perfect for all types of people. Whether you are traveling by yourself as an artist, entrepreneur, digital nomad or expat you can easily find something appealing with the food, music, culture, atmosphere or nightlife Pamplona has to offer.
If you are coming in with your family this is a nice place to really embrace a slower paced style of living. Enjoy some nice trips out to the countryside and just relax.
Nick, The World Overload
6. Alicante
Alicante, a port city located in the Valencia region in the southeastern part of Spain, is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable place to live. With its Mediterranean climate, stunning beaches and rich culture, Alicante offers a high quality of life without breaking the bank.
One of the biggest draws of Alicante is its affordable housing market. The average monthly cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around €600-€800. Utilities are also reasonably priced, averaging at around €100-€150 per month for a small apartment.
Groceries are very affordable, with a weekly shop for two people costing around €50-€70. Dining out and leisure activities are also budget-friendly. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around €10-€15 per person, and a cinema ticket costs around €7.
Alicante is a great option for a variety of people. Foodies will love the fresh seafood and traditional Valencian cuisine, while art lovers can explore the city’s numerous museums and galleries. Families will appreciate the safe, welcoming environment and the many parks and playgrounds.
Daily life in Alicante is relaxed and easy-going, with a strong focus on enjoying the outdoors. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, and residents often spend their weekends lounging on the sand or swimming in the clear blue water.
The nightlife is also lively and vibrant, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from.
Overall, Alicante is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high quality of life in Spain. With its great weather, stunning beaches, and rich culture, it’s no wonder that more and more people are choosing to call Alicante home.
Lara, Valencia Revealed
7. Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital city of Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands. With mild and warm temperatures all year long, this city is perfect for those who aren’t fans of cold weather. In fact, the Canary Islands are the southernmost Spanish territory, making this the warmest part of Spain.
You might think residents would pay a premium for this comfort, but Santa Cruz is surprisingly affordable. The average price of renting a 1-bedroom apartment in this city is €597 per month, with utilities coming in at an average of €67 per month.
Going to the grocery store here won’t break the budget either. You can expect to pay around €1 for a gallon of milk and less than a euro for a loaf of bread.
You may spend a little more to dine out. A lunch meal averages around €10, while a nice dinner costs around €20 per person. The bus and tram system is an efficient way to get around the city and the greater island of Tenerife. You can ride the public transit for €38 per month.
Life in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is much like a typical city in Spain. Cafes line the pedestrian-friendly streets and local merchants don’t miss out on their daily siesta. While here, it’s easy to forget that you are actually on an island off the coast of Africa.
Steven, Bro On The Go
8. Málaga
Since 2020 I have been spending quite a lot of time in Málaga, a coastal city in southern opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and watersports.
The average price of renting an apartment varies a lot based on which one of Málaga’s neighborhoods you choose to live in. In the heart of the city you should easily expect to pay €1200 for a one bedroom apartment. Outside the historic center, a one bedroom apartment costs closer to €800.
According to Numbeo, a website that compares the cost of living in different cities worldwide, a single person’s estimated monthly costs in Málaga are €641 excluding rent.
Living in Málaga is more affordable than living in Madrid or Barcelona and probably quite comparable to living in Valencia. Although Málaga is not as cheap as some people expect it to be, it definitely offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major European cities.
A meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant costs about €46.00. Regarding public transportation, a one-way bus ticket is approximately €1.40. And utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water) for an 85m2 apartment average out to €131.65.
Chantal, Traveling Alone
9. Tarifa
In Andalusia, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet, lies the beautiful and chilled-out white town of Tarifa. It’s most famous for being Europe’s capital of wind, and for its stunning long white beaches.
Those two things make Tarifa a perfect living destination for water sports enthusiasts, beach lovers and fans of slow life.
What’s even better is the fact that it’s a very affordable Spanish city to live in. When my husband and I lived there in 2022, for an apartment located just a few steps from the beach we paid €950 a month with all media and internet included.
Groceries cost us about €300 (mainly a vegetarian diet), and single dining out about €70. Gasoline prices were no different from other places in Andalucia.
What is it like to live there? Well… very slow and relaxing. It’s a perfect spot for those looking for chilled and easy living without the noise or huge crowds of big cities.
If your favorite pastimes include sipping cups of coffee, taking walks on a long promenade, sunbathing on beautiful sandy beaches, eating fresh fish for dinner and surfing with the wind – Tarifa could be a great place for you to live.
Sonya, Happy Little Traveler
10. Logroño
It is widely known that Spain is one of the most affordable countries to live in Europe. In fact, it’s possible for a single person to live comfortably on a budget of €1000 a month including rent, groceries and dining out once or twice a week in many Spanish cities.
One of these affordable cities is Logroño, the capital of the north-central province of La Rioja.
Here, a one bedroom apartment in the city center costs around €600, while a three bedroom outside of the city center costs around €650.
Splitting rent costs with others is an even more affordable option, as monthly utilities can cost between €60-€85 depending on the size of the piso (apartment) and the season.
When it comes to food, an inexpensive meal of pinchos (appetizers) and wine is a treat at just €12 on average (sometimes less!). Indulging in the local pinchos on Calle Laurel at least twice a week is a way of life if you live in Logroño.
On the other hand, an upscale meal for two costs around €40. If you prefer to eat at home, weekly groceries typically cost between €25-€30.
There are different modes of public transportation available in Logroño including a bus system, a train station and taxi cabs.
The Autobuses Logroño service has 13 bus routes making a total of 260 stops. It’s also the most affordable and convenient way to get around. A one-way ticket costs €1 while a regular monthly pass costs €34.
Logroño is a laid back, family-friendly city that is the perfect home for foodies, wine aficionados and people who are passionate about learning Spanish. After all, the language was born only 26 miles away in San Millán de la Cogolla!
Alexandra, East Coast Contessa
11. Barcelona
Barcelona can be an affordable city, especially if you’re moving or visiting from the US and other European countries.
Regional train/commuter tickets are less than €3 and can be purchased in bulk. Groceries are the lowest expense, typically running between €30-€40 per week.
Eating out isn’t too costly either. For a nice tapas meal, expect to spend €20. But, there are much cheaper options as well including street vendors and cafes that will cost little more than €7 euros.
Like most places, the highest cost of living comes from rent. Average rent in Barcelona ranges from €800-€1,000 per month. It’s also a competitive market. But, there are options above and below this price range as well depending on your preferences.
Barcelona is perfect for foodies and nightlife lovers. It’s also incredibly warm year-round. So, if you love outdoor activities like beach days, hiking, and picnics at the park living in Barcelona is for you.
12. SevilleSeville is a fantastic city for expats who want to immerse themselves in the Andalusian culture. Whether you are a foodie or love art, Seville has it all.The food scene is incredible and full of delicious traditional dishes that you will want to eat repeatedly.When it comes to historical buildings, you are spoilt for choice: from the impressive Cathedral of Seville and Giralda Tower to one of the most beautiful squares in Spain, Plaza de España.Life in Seville is tranquil, vibrant and full of things to do for students and families. The city is home to lovely green spaces, parks for kids to play in and even a fun theme park.In addition to these advantages, living in Seville isn’t as expensive as living in other Spanish cities. For example, food and monthly rent are between €750-€800. In the case that you need to use public transport, you can usually get a monthly pass for less than €40.One of the downsides of living in Seville is the heat. During the summer months, Seville often reaches plus 40 degrees Celsius, which is one reason why many locals and expats have holiday homes in nearby coastal cities. Cristina, My Little World of Travelling13. Valencia Xativa Castle.In terms of monthly costs, Valencia is comparable to other large cities in Southern Spain.Outside of the city center, you can find a one-bedroom apartment for under €600. My monthly gym pass was €30, and you can eat out for less than €10 although there is no lack of expensive specialty restaurants if you don’t mind paying more.Because of the great bike paths, many people chose to buy or rent a scooter or a bike. Valenbisi is the city’s bike-share program and it’s a great way to get around! There is also a small metro system, and it’s only €8 for a 10-ride pass.Valencia has become a hub for digital nomads, which has driven prices up a bit in the last few years but has also added to the international flavor of the city. The pace of life is slower here, with most shops closing for long lunch hours or even Monday mornings.In general, Valencia is a great bargain for the quality of life that you get for the price.Kristin, Growing Global Citizens14. CádizIf you’re looking for an affordable city in Spain to live in, look no further than the historic port city of Cádiz. Located in the southwestern region of Spain, this Andalusian city is welcoming and lively while exuding a laid-back beach town vibe.As a city, Cádiz has a little bit of everything. History lovers will love its Old Town which is full of historic buildings, quaint little plazas and pretty cobblestoned streets. If you love the sun and sea, Cádiz is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in southern Spain and with its Andalucian climate, you can enjoy the beaches in Cadiz any time of the year!Cádiz also has a vibrant food scene, with many cafes and restaurants offering good value. You can get a satisfying meal for under €30 for 2 persons. If you prefer eating in, there are many supermarkets and local markets where you can get groceries and fresh produce for cheap.In Cádiz, for about €700 per month, you can find a one-bedroom apartment in a central location for long-term rental. Prices go up to around €1,000 for short-term stays but you can easily find a good deal if you’re staying in the low season.If you’re staying near the center of town, you can save money on transportation as you can walk to most places. What’s more, public transportation in Cádiz is reliable and cheap. A one-way bus ticket is €1.40 while a monthly pass costs €47.50.Liza, Always in Spain15. CórdobaHistory lovers will love living in Córdoba Spain, nestled in the heart of Andalucia where you can admire 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites, wander the picturesque Jewish Quarter and take pretty pictures of the colorful patios along cobbled streets in the historic center.Most travelers only spend one day in Cordoba, but the city has so much to see and do that it makes for a wonderful place to live. Dining out is affordable and most places that are not touristy will serve you a free tapa when you order a drink, which means you can go out and eat for barely anything.A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will run you about €9, whereas a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages around €30. A breakfast of tostada and cafe con leche (coffee with milk) ranges between €3-€5 per person.For groceries, we typically spend €30-€50 a week in Mercadona for two people eating strictly vegan.Rent is cheap at €400-€450 a month for a one bedroom or studio outside of the city center, or €600-€700 in the city center. The city is walkable which means you can save money without needing a car or even public transportation. But if you did choose to take public transportation ticket prices start at an affordable €1.30.If you want to explore the towns and villages nearby, it is recommended to rent a car as the buses tend to only run 1-3 times a day. Another option is to use BlaBlaCar which is basically a carpooling service at a cheap price.Linn, Amused by Andalucia16. TarragonaTarragona is a city located on the Costa Daurada in Catalonia between the metropolises of Barcelona and Valencia. The Catalan town provides the typical Catalan charm mixed with historical elements. Here, you’ll find many Roman relics from past times.You can imagine Tarragona as a bit like the little brother of the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona. Here too, you will find numerous bars, clubs, sweet cafes and restaurants with Catalan specialties.However, Tarragona is far less touristy than Barcelona and generally quieter. So if you are looking for a calm and less-touristy place, Tarragona is a perfect choice.Thanks to the excellent train connections, you can get from Tarragona to Barcelona within an hour.So even if you were to find a job in the capital of Catalan, you wouldn’t necessarily have to move to Barcelona but could choose to live in Tarragona instead. After all, Barcelona’s rental prices are much more expensive than Tarragona’s.You can expect to pay around €500 for an average 50m2 apartment in Tarragona outside of the city center, or closer to €600 within the city center. Depending on your standard of living, you’ll end up with total monthly costs averaging around €1,200 inclusive of utilities, groceries, dining out and such.The best thing about living in Tarragona is the beach right by the city center. The Costa Daurada is far less touristy than the famous Costa Brava in northern Spain and offers plenty of great options for a long beach day or a walk or swim after work.Vicki, Vicki Viaja17. RondaRecently I discovered a new affordable city where to live in Spain while not compromising the quality of life. And this city is beautiful Ronda in the province of Malaga which is rising on cliffs in between the mountains.Ronda is known for its incredible natural scenery and cultural attractions that are among thebest Spain experiencesfor a traveler. Yet, while being one of the most popular destinations, it still maintains an affordable cost of living and affordable rent.Today, it is still very possible to find a nice one-bedroom furnished apartment for rent on a long-term basis for about €600 per month. Of course, this is going to be outside the city center but since Ronda is small, getting places is never a problem, even on foot.Groceries are generally quite affordable too with an averagebill for two people around €300-€400 per month. This amount includes a mix of local produce from markets and food items from grocery stores (mainly a Mediterranean diet with lots of fish/seafood, vegetables, fruits and of course olive products).Eating out is also reasonably priced, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing around €10-€15 per person (with wine or beer included) or tapas for two at about €10-€12.However, there is one thing to consider. Ronda city is small and has a slow pace of life. There is a ton of things to do thanks to the mountainous location and its rich history. But it is not for everyone.Ronda will suit perfectly those people (particularly couples with remote jobs, young families with little children, and senior persons) who love a small-town feel and somewhat rural location.If you love to be in the center of all events in a bustling urban environment, Ronda may be too boring in a long run and it can be much better to visit it on vacation instead of moving there.Anya, A Road is CallingFAQ: Cheapest Places to Live in SpainWhat are the cheapest places to live in Spain by the sea?The cheapest places to live in Spain by the sea are Alicante, Malaga, Tenerife, Cádiz and Tarragona. These cities provide an affordable cost of living with access to amazing beaches and attractions.How much money do you need to live comfortably in Spain?In Spain, the cost of living varies depending on your lifestyle and location. Generally, you should expect to need around €1,200 euros a month (for a single person) to live comfortably. However, as covered in this guide it is possible to find cheaper places with a lower cost of living as well.What is the safest place to live in Spain?According to Numbeo.com, the top 3 cities with the highest safety index in Spain as of March 2023 are: San Sebastian, Málaga, Madrid. Having lived in Madrid and also having returned to visit as a solo traveler to Madrid, I can attest to feeling incredibly safe in Madrid.To Conclude : Cheapest Places to Live in SpainLiving in Spain doesn’t have to be expensive; with a little research, you can find cities that offer an affordable cost of living and plenty of attractions. Whether you’re looking for a beach town or just want somewhere safe and secure, there are many options available throughout the country. From Málaga to Tarragona, Alicante to Cádiz – each city has something unique to offer while still providing a low cost-of-living compared to other parts of Europe. So if you’re considering relocating or taking your next holiday abroad, why not choose one of these fantastic Spanish destinations? You won’t regret it!Read next: 60 Best Souvenirs to Buy When You Visit
