7 Cheapest Cities For International Students Living In Spain

As an international student considering studying in Spain, a popular study-abroad destination, you may be curious about the affordability of living here.

The good news is that the cost of living in Spain is reasonably low, given the high quality of education on offer.

In contrast, studying in countries like the US or UK can be prohibitively expensive without financial aid, such as scholarships or loans. Living in one of the most affordable cities in Spain can greatly enhance your experience of studying abroad.

In this article, you will learn:

• Some of the cheapest Spanish cities for international students
• The average living expenses for each city
• How each compares with Madrid and Barcelona

Here are the top budget-friendly cities to consider as an international student in Spain.

Once you have finished this article, make sure you read our other article - How Much Does It Cost To Go To University In Spain.

Alicante

Alicante offers a warm atmosphere and stunning scenery, making it a popular destination for students and tourists alike. Additionally, its cost of living is relatively affordable, with the cost of groceries, entertainment, and public transportation ideal for those on a budget.

Although rent is not the cheapest, it is still more affordable than cities like Barcelona and Madrid. In Alicante, you can enjoy activities such as going to the beach for free and taking in the beautiful local architecture.

• 1-bedroom apartment (city centre) - €662.00
• 1-bedroom apartment (outside centre) - €580.00
• 3-bedroom apartment (city centre) - €991.00
• 3-bedroom apartment (outside centre) - €824.00
• Utility bills monthly - 1-bed apt (electricity, water, etc) - €133.89
• Internet - €30.89
• Local transportation ticket (one way) - €1.45
• Meal (inexpensive restaurant) - €13.00
• Water (0.33-litre bottle) - €0.76
• Cinema ticket - €7.95
• Gym Membership - €35.00

Source: Numbeo

Córdoba, Andalusia

Córdoba, in Andalusia, is an affordable city with rich cultural and historical significance. Famous for its Mezquita-Catedral, a mosque-turned-cathedral, Córdoba offers much to see and do while keeping expenses low.

As an international student, you can find a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city centre for around €400. Enjoy the beauty of Córdoba while saving money, as it is considered one of the cheapest cities to live in Spain.

• 1-bedroom apartment (city centre) - €616.00
• 1-bedroom apartment (outside centre) - €413.00
• 3-bedroom apartment (city centre) - €875.00
• 3-bedroom apartment (outside centre) - €700.00
• Utility bills monthly - 1-bed apt (electricity, water, etc) - €124.00
• Internet - €28.75
• Local transportation ticket (one way) - €1.30
• Meal (inexpensive restaurant) - €9.00
• Water (0.33-litre bottle) - €1.18
• Cinema ticket - €7.50
• Gym Membership - €37.00

Source: Numbeo

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a budget-friendly and beautiful city to live in. With historic squares, churches, and palaces, its cobblestone streets offer stunning scenery.

As the capital of Galicia, it also offers unique local cuisine, including seafood, cheeses, and desserts. Meals at an affordable restaurant can cost as low as €10.00 per head, but prices vary.

Santiago de Compostela is a top choice for international students seeking an affordable study destination in Spain.

• 1-bedroom apartment (city centre) - €432.00
• 1-bedroom apartment (outside centre) - €375.00
• 3-bedroom apartment (city centre) - €750.00
• 3-bedroom apartment (outside centre) - €550.00
• Utility bills monthly - 1-bed apt (electricity, water, etc) - €95.09
• Internet - €36.67
• Local transportation ticket (one way) - €1.00
• Meal (inexpensive restaurant) - €10.00
• Water (0.33-litre bottle) - €1.17
• Cinema ticket - €7.50
• Gym Membership - €33.00

Source: Numbeo

Salamanca

In Salamanca, you can be part of its student culture, experience small-town life, and still enjoy cost-effective living. Home to Spain's oldest university, it offers a blend of affordability and adventure for international students.

You'll find tasty local cuisine like tapas, paella, and sangria, plus many vegan and veggie options, with drinks starting at just €1.

• 1-bedroom apartment (city centre) - €614.00
• 1-bedroom apartment (outside centre) - €447.00
• 3-bedroom apartment (city centre) - €783.00
• 3-bedroom apartment (outside centre) - €612.00
• Utility bills monthly - 1-bed apt (electricity, water, etc) - €150.37
• Internet - €33.60
• Local transportation ticket (one way) - €1.05
• Meal (inexpensive restaurant) - €12.00
• Water (0.33-litre bottle) - €1.60
• Cinema ticket - €7.00
• Gym Membership - €31.00

Source: Numbeo

Zaragoza

International students often appreciate Zaragoza for its university, bustling city centre, and cultural events. From tapas bars to historical landmarks and the Pilar Festival, it’s a balanced place for study and social life.

• 1-bedroom apartment (city centre) - €614.00
• 1-bedroom apartment (outside centre) - €417.00
• 3-bedroom apartment (city centre) - €1,150.00
• 3-bedroom apartment (outside centre) - €712.00
• Utility bills monthly - 1-bed apt - €115.49
• Internet - €32.57
• Transport ticket (one way) - €1.35
• Meal (inexpensive restaurant) - €12.00
• Water (0.33L) - €1.21
• Cinema ticket - €7.00
• Gym Membership - €32.75

Source: Numbeo

Seville

Seville is well-known, budget-friendly, and one of the most popular cities in Andalusia. Traditional tapas, flamenco, and a walkable city centre make it attractive to students.

• 1-bedroom apartment (city centre) - €661.00
• 1-bedroom apartment (outside centre) - €467.00
• 3-bedroom apartment (city centre) - €1,033.00
• 3-bedroom apartment (outside centre) - €767.00
• Utility bills monthly - 1-bed apt - €120.75
• Internet - €35.17
• Transport ticket - €1.40
• Meal (inexpensive restaurant) - €10.00
• Water (0.33L) - €1.26
• Cinema ticket - €8.00
• Gym Membership - €39.58

Source: Numbeo

Granada

Granada is a charming Andalusian city with stunning architecture and cobblestone streets. Free tapas with drinks are a bonus, and rent is lower than most mid-sized cities.

• 1-bedroom apartment (city centre) - €537.00
• 1-bedroom apartment (outside centre) - €450.00
• 3-bedroom apartment (city centre) - €950.00
• 3-bedroom apartment (outside centre) - €650.00
• Utility bills monthly - €107.96
• Internet - €37.91
• Transport ticket - €1.40
• Meal (inexpensive restaurant) - €11.00
• Water (0.33L) - €1.73
• Cinema ticket - €7.47
• Gym Membership - €39.38

Source: Numbeo

Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most expensive cities in Spain, especially for rent. Daily expenses are slightly higher, but the difference is most felt in housing. Consider flat shares or student halls to cut costs.

• 1-bedroom apartment (city centre) - €1,043.00
• 1-bedroom apartment (outside centre) - €811.00
• 3-bedroom apartment (city centre) - €1,752.00
• 3-bedroom apartment (outside centre) - €1,296.00
• Utility bills - €161.38
• Internet - €37.53
• Transport ticket - €2.40
• Meal - €14.00
• Water - €1.52
• Cinema - €9.00
• Gym - €44.17

Source: Numbeo

Madrid

Madrid isn’t cheap, but student housing and flat shares can make it manageable. It’s a great base for travel and offers a wide cultural scene and job opportunities.

• 1-bedroom apartment (city centre) - €1,016.00
• 1-bedroom apartment (outside centre) - €797.00
• 3-bedroom apartment (city centre) - €1,750.00
• 3-bedroom apartment (outside centre) - €1,247.00
• Utility bills - €165.00
• Internet - €35.21
• Transport ticket - €1.50
• Meal - €12.00
• Water - €1.60
• Cinema - €9.00
• Gym - €40.35

Another option for those looking for cheaper accommodation is coliving in Spain, where residents share communal housing and facilities.

Source: Numbeo

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