Expats In España: The 7 Cheapest Places To Live In Spain

Spain offers several affordable havens for expats on a budget. Valencia, Málaga, Granada, Alicante, and Sevilla stand out with living costs markedly lower than other Western European destinations. You’ll find one-bedroom apartments from €400-700 monthly, efficient public transportation under €50/month, and average food costs around €210 per person. Each city boasts unique cultural benefits while remaining economically accessible. The coastal charm of Valencia and Alicante or the historic appeal of Granada await your exploration below.

Good To Know

• Valencia offers Mediterranean living for under €700/month (excluding rent) with efficient public transport and a growing international community.
• Granada features affordable housing (€400-€800 for 1-bedroom) and budget-friendly living with free tapas when ordering drinks.
• Alicante provides coastal living at nearly half the cost of comparable Western European cities with apartments from €450-€650.
• Sevilla combines rich cultural heritage with monthly expenses lower than 92% of Western European cities.
• Málaga remains relatively affordable despite recent popularity, with cost-saving options like monthly €25 unlimited public transport passes.

Valencia: Spain’s Budget-Friendly Mediterranean Gem

While many expats flock to Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia offers all the Mediterranean charm without the hefty price tag. You’ll find monthly expenses averaging around €657-€693 excluding rent.

Valencia provides Mediterranean living at a fraction of Spain’s big-city costs, with monthly expenses under €700 excluding rent.

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately €1,070. Your food budget stretches further here too, with affordable supermarket prices and diverse dining options from traditional paella to casual eateries. A good quality red wine can be found for as little as €1.05 per bottle. Compared to beach destinations like Malaga in Spain, Valencia generally offers better value for long-term living.

You won’t need a car thanks to efficient public transport and extensive bike lanes throughout the city. The lifestyle perks are impressive: beautiful beaches, vibrant cultural events like Las Fallas, and plenty of green spaces.

With a growing international community, you’ll easily integrate while enjoying considerably lower costs than other major European cities—making Valencia an ideal choice for budget-conscious expats.

Málaga: Affordable Coastal Living on the Costa Del Sol

Nestled along Spain’s sunny southern coast, Málaga offers expats an irresistible combination of affordability and Mediterranean lifestyle. You’ll need around €1,884 monthly to cover all expenses as a single person, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranging from €750-€1,100 in central areas.

Your money stretches further here than in northern European cities—groceries cost €200-€300 monthly, and you can enjoy tapas for just €1.50-€3. The city’s excellent public transport €25/month unlimited and walkable center mean you won’t need a car.

While prices have increased recently, Málaga remains notably cheaper than other European hotspots. Day trips to nearby destinations like Tenerife are accessible, though travel costs vary seasonally.

With the growing expat community in Soho and Centro, you’ll easily find like-minded internationals while enjoying authentic Andalusian culture.

Granada: Historic Charm With Student-Friendly Prices

Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada attracts expats with its abundant Moorish heritage and remarkably affordable cost of living.

A single person can live comfortably on €1,409 monthly, while a family of four needs around €2,930.

You’ll find housing particularly reasonable, with one-bedroom apartments ranging from €400-€800 and two-bedrooms from €600-€1,200.

Student-friendly neighborhoods like Realejo, Zaidín, and Centro offer the best value.

Granada’s 60,000+ university students keep the city vibrant and prices competitive.

Similar to Mediterranean countries like Malta and Greece, Granada offers an enticing mix of history and affordability.

You’ll love the authentic tapas culture where drinks (€2-€3) often come with free food.

Dining out remains budget-friendly, with a typical meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costing only €15.00 on average.

Public transport is just €40 monthly, and the compact layout makes walking or cycling practical alternatives.

For quality of life versus cost, Granada simply can’t be beat.

Alicante: Low-Cost Beach Life on the Costa Blanca

The glittering jewel of Spain’s Costa Blanca, Alicante offers expats an irresistible combination of Mediterranean beach living and remarkable affordability. You’ll find city center one-bedroom apartments starting around €460 monthly, with purchase prices averaging €2,588/m².

Your monthly expenses will be markedly lower than in major European capitals—singles can live comfortably on €688 (excluding rent), while couples need about €1,260. You’ll enjoy groceries that are 36-45% cheaper than London or Paris. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will cost only €15.00 on average.

Living in Alicante means stretching your euros further while enjoying Mediterranean quality of life.

The lifestyle value is exceptional—what costs €6,700 in London requires just €3,494 in Alicante. Even compared to other Spanish coastal cities like Valencia and Málaga, you’ll spend less here. While similar to destinations like Cyprus, Alicante generally offers better value for Mediterranean coastal living.

Just budget for summer price increases in tourist areas and factor in private healthcare (€50-150 monthly) if needed.

Sevilla: Cultural Riches at Reasonable Rates

As the cultural heart of Andalusia, Sevilla combines affordable living with extraordinary cultural depth that few Spanish cities can match. You’ll find monthly expenses remarkably manageable at around €1,486 for singles, with rent for a central apartment averaging €884.

The city ranks as Spain’s 4th most affluent, costing less than 92% of Western European cities. Beyond the numbers, you’ll learn about vibrant festivals like Semana Santa and Feria de Abril while exploring the Cathedral and Alcázar Palace. Daily grocery shopping is surprisingly economical with essentials like high-quality wine available for just €1.09 per bottle. Sevilla also offers culinary traditions that reflect Europe’s rich gastronomic heritage, making it a paradise for foodies.

Job opportunities abound in tourism and the growing start-up scene, though Spanish fluency helps career advancement. Healthcare access is straightforward, and education options include both public and international schools.

For the budget-conscious expat seeking cultural richness, Sevilla delivers exceptional value.

Finding Budget Housing and Long-Term Rentals Across Spain

Spain offers remarkable housing diversity across its regions, with budget-conscious expats discovering considerably lower costs outside the major metropolitan hubs.

Spain’s diverse regions reveal hidden bargains for savvy expats seeking affordable living beyond city centers.

You’ll find 1-bedroom apartments in Valencia from €550-700, Granada at €450-600, and Tenerife for just €450-650 monthly.

For the best deals, look to neighborhoods like Ruzafa in Valencia, Albaicín in Granada, or inland areas of Alicante where you’re still within 20 minutes of beaches.

Many cities offer incentives for long-term tenants, including tax breaks in Valencia and waived agency fees in Málaga for 12+ month contracts.

Consider joining local Facebook groups like “Canaries Expats” to discover unadvertised rentals, and shop at local markets like Mercado Central or Atarazanas for significant savings on daily essentials.

While Spain is a popular choice, some expats also consider Zagreb’s charm as an alternative European destination with its own unique cultural appeal.

Monthly expenses for a single person in Spain typically amount to approximately €713 excluding rent, making it significantly more affordable than most Western European countries.

Daily Living Expenses: Food, Healthcare, and Transportation Tips

Living affordably in Spain requires strategic management of your daily expenses, with food, healthcare, and transportation forming the core of your monthly budget. You’ll spend about €210 monthly per person on food, but cooking at home and shopping at local markets can considerably reduce costs compared to dining in tourist areas. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs approximately 50.00L on average. Many expats choose cities like Malaga where coastal activities and mountain excursions provide entertainment options for every preference.

• Healthcare options are flexible – public healthcare is generally free for residents with quality coverage, while private insurance offers quicker specialist access if needed
• Transportation is efficient and affordable – invest in monthly passes if you’re a frequent user of public transport
• Money-saving opportunities abound – take advantage of free museum days, cultural events, and outdoor spaces for entertainment without breaking your budget

The Sum Up

Spain offers incredible value when you know where to look. With average living costs 20% lower than other Western European countries, you’ll stretch your euros further while enjoying the Spanish lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to Valencia’s affordability or Granada’s budget-friendly charm, you’ve got options. Do your research, visit during different seasons, and connect with local expat communities before making your move. ¡Buena suerte!