Is living in Spain a dream for you?
Spain is well known for having breathtaking mountain views, amazing beaches, and vibrant towns.
But have you ever thought about the cost of living in Spain?
Maybe you just aren’t sure whether you can afford to live in Spain as much as you’d like to.
Fortunately, Spain has a variety of cheap locations for you to consider, whether you’re looking to buy a home or rent an apartment.
This guide was put together to help you during your research on finding the cheapest places to live in Spain.
You can rest assured that you’ll find something that suits your budget.
12 Cheapest Places to Live in Spain
1. Madrid
First on the list for being one of the most affordable places in Spain is Madrid.
Madrid is known for having a vibrant nightlife and a rich heritage.
It’s obvious why so many people want to choose Madrid as their hometown.
Compared to other major European towns, Madrid’s living costs are much lower.
This includes public transit, housing, and groceries.
Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Madrid is close to $1,119 per month.
And besides the affordable rent, Madrid offers a plethora of leisure activities at very reasonable prices.
There are plenty of parks, museums, and free sites to visit.
2. Bilbao
Bilbao is another affordable town in Spain to live in.
Residents typically spend close to $1012 per month on a studio apartment.
While this may seem like a lot of money, these numbers are for apartments that are located in some of the nicest parts of the city.
On average, tenants spend about $430 on utilities and groceries each month.
Similar to Madrid, there are also plenty of museums and other activities in Bilbao, all of which are affordable.
For instance, Bilbao is home to the Fine Arts Museum, which only charges an admission fee of $7.50.
It’s also free for those under 25.
3. Santiago de Compostela
Located in northern Spain and also one of the most affordable places to live, Santiago de Compostela.
It is excellent for those looking for a town that is full of history and has a vibrant culture.
It’s also a town that is popular among tourists and is home to the Camino de Santiago.
For just $540 per month, you can rent a one-bedroom apartment in Santiago de Compostela.
There are also plenty of budget-friendly restaurants and cafés around town.
There’s always something to do in Santiago de Compostela, including numerous museums and galleries to check out.
4. Fuengirola
Fuengirola is significantly affordable to live in if you’re contemplating moving to Spain.
It’s located in the southern region of the country and is known for being a seaside town.
Apartments in Fuengirola rent for around $540 per month.
However, this depends on the area and the number of rooms you’re looking for.
Moreover, beachfront apartments are slightly more expensive than those located in other parts of town.
Fuengirola has various affordable supermarkets in town.
And while it’s a small city, there are still plenty of things to do.
You can enjoy the variety of beaches in town and even check out the Sohail Castle, which frequently hosts festivals throughout the year.
5. Pamplona
Compared to Barcelona and Madrid, Pamplona is a much smaller city, but it’s also worth noting since it’s one of the more affordable ones.
Overall, Pamplona is a safe and quiet town, yet it’s extremely enjoyable.
If you’re thinking about renting, a one-bedroom apartment can range anywhere between $866 to $1,300 per month.
Utilities can cost an additional $100–$200 per month.
There’s always something of interest to do in Pamplona.
For instance, you can check out the Tour of Bardenas, the Tour of Olite and the Royal Castle, or Plaza del Castillo.
One thing is for certain: you’ll never get bored while living in Pamplona.
6. Alicante
Alicante is next on the list for affordable living in Spain.
It’s located in the southeastern region of Spain and is known for having a rich culture and amazing beaches.
You can enjoy a high quality of life without breaking your pockets.
The housing market in Alicante is extremely affordable, with one-bedroom apartments ranging from $650 to $850 per month.
Moreover, utilities and groceries are affordable for those on a tight budget.
But what about things to do in Alicante?
Alicante offers several easy-going activities around town.
You can easily enjoy a weekend at the beach or partake in the lively nightlife scene, as there are many clubs and bars to choose from.
7. Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The capital city of Tenerife is Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife also made the list for being one of the cheapest cities in Spain to live in.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is known for having mild temperatures throughout the year, making it ideal for those who dislike cold weather.
Surprisingly, rent in Santa Cruz de Tenerife averages around $650 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Utilities cost an additional $72 per month.
Moreover, grocery shopping in the city is extremely affordable.
For those wondering what Santa Cruz de Tenerife has to offer concerning entertainment, check out the Museum of Nature and Archaeology, Plaza de Espana, or the Parque Rural de Anaga.
8. Malaga
Malaga is known as a coastal town in the southern region of Spain.
If you enjoy cycling, hiking, and being outdoors in general, you will love Malaga.
But besides the opportunities for enjoying the outdoors, Malaga offers affordable living.
So, if you’re contemplating moving to Malaga, the average rent paid for a one-bedroom apartment costs $1,300 per month.
But you’ll pay closer to $866 per month if you live closer to the historic center in Malaga.
Malaga provides much more affordability than Barcelona and Madrid.
There are also a lot of attractions in Malaga to visit.
Some of the most frequently visited attractions include Alcazaba, Picasso Museum Malaga, and Castillo de Gibralfaro.
9. Tarifa
Tarifa is located just along the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s known for being the capital of the wind in Europe. It’s also known for its amazing beaches and affordable living.
If Tarifa sounds like a place you could see yourself moving to, you can count on paying around $1,028 a month to rent an apartment here.
This includes most of the utilities, and you’ll have easy access to the beach.
Groceries in Tarifa cost close to $325 per month.
Living in Tarifa is extremely relaxing, but also very slow.
It’s ideal for someone looking for a place that offers easy living without crowds and a lot of noise.
While living in Tarifa, be sure to check out the Castle of Tarifa, Puerta de Jerez, and Baelo Claudia.
10. Logrono
Next on the list for being one of the cheapest places to live in Spain is Logrono.
It’s perfect for those looking to spend no more than $1,082 a month on groceries, rent, and food.
Logrono is known as being one of the most affordable places to live in the province of La Rioja.
Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Logrono may cost you around $650 per month.
A three-bedroom apartment may cost you around $700 per month, outside the city center.
There is also a wide range of activities to enjoy in Logrono.
For instance, you can check out the Museum of La Rioja, Casa de las Ciencias, and Espolon Park.
11. Barcelona
While many of the towns mentioned above are much more affordable than Barcelona, it’s still worth mentioning.
There are still many areas in Barcelona that are affordable.
Like other places in Spain, renting in Barcelona can range anywhere from $850 to $1,050 per month.
Depending on your preferences, you may even be able to find some cheaper options.
Transportation in Barcelona is also affordable. Commuter and regional train tickets cost as little as $3.25.
There are also many things to do in Barcelona, including Park Guell, La Sagrada Família, and the Picasso Museum.
12. Seville
If you have a love for art, food, and the Andalusian culture, Seville may be perfect for you.
It’s also known as a very affordable place to live in Spain.
Renting in Seville can cost anywhere between $640 and $850 per month.
This amount includes food.
Public transportation in Seville averages no more than $43 per month.
Seville offers plenty of attractions, including the Plaza de Espana, La Giralda, and the Royal Alcazar of Seville.
Seville also offers plenty of things for students and families alike.
You’ll find plenty of parks, theme parks, and green spaces around town.
Spain Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Spain Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to live comfortably in Spain?
Ultimately, the cost of living in Spain depends on your location and lifestyle.
On average, you will need about $1,300 per month for one person to live how you’d like.
Moreover, as mentioned above, it’s possible to find cheaper places to live that can offer you a lower cost of living.
Are there any cheap places in Spain that are located close to the sea?
There are, in fact, plenty of places in Spain that are cheap and located near the sea.
These places are Malaga, Alicante, Tarragona, Cadiz, and Tenerife.
Living in these locations provides you with access to many attractions and a plethora of beaches.
In terms of safety, what are the safest places to live in Spain?
If affordability is your main priority, but you’re also looking for some of the safest places to live in Spain, consider Malaga, Madrid, or San Sebastian.
These three cities have the highest safest index rating in the country.
