Spain Explained

Where’s the cheapest place to live in Spain?

Last updated on March 2nd, 2020 at 01:00 pm.

Attractive prices on Spain’s property market mean that foreigners have been snapping up Spanish property in their thousands. Moreover, the cost of living in Spain is lower than in many other western European countries. Of course, this varies from place to place. Certainly, major metropolises like Madrid or Barcelona are at the more expensive end of the scale, but generally, Spain is very affordable. This means Spanish homeowners can get excellent value beyond the purchase price of their home. For instance, the average beer in some cities costs as little as €1.50. In this article, we look at the cheapest place to live in Spain – where perhaps you could enjoy an escape to the sun for less than you think.

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Lesser-known Spanish cities

Spanish towns and cities have loads to offer those looking for a winter escape or permanent home in the sun. With rich culture, thriving artistic scenes and delicious cuisine – not to mention beautiful weather – Spanish cities are a great place to relocate. Plus, the cost of living tends to be quite low. Popular coastal cities like Malaga or Palma de Mallorca are pricier, but lesser-known towns like Cadiz or Almería in west and east Andalucia respectively are equally as attractive and more economical. Although there’s no definitive answer as to where is the cheapest place to live in Spain, you certainly have options.

For instance, in Cadiz, monthly rents can be as low as €250 per month. Equally, it’s perfectly feasible to go out for dinner and drinks for less than €10. Another cost-effective area is the hugely underrated region of Galicia in northern Spain. For instance, beautiful cities like Santiago de Compostela have stunning architecture and culture to offer residents. With generously-sized homes coming in at just under €200,000, this area is a great place to invest in property off the beaten track.

Cheapest coastal locations

For those looking for a more peaceful escape, there are plenty of economical coastal towns. This is especially (and perhaps surprisingly) the case along the south coast. Some of the best places to live in Spain by the sea are in Andalucia. Small beach towns like Mojácar and Vera have beautiful scenery and year-round sunshine, as well as fascinating architectural heritage from the Moorish era. What’s more, property prices can come in at less than €114,000. All this, and residents can enjoy the affordable prices at rustic local restaurants.

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The cheapest place to live in Spain – a wealth of options

There isn’t a single town that stands out as the cheapest place to live in Spain. In fact, those looking to invest in property have a wealth of options. With so many stunning coast cities and secluded enclaves, Spain has numerous secrets just waiting to be discovered. With affordable prices and a very reasonable cost of living to boot, property in Spain is an increasingly shrewd investment, from small coastal villages to chic historic cities. So if you’re looking for a place in the sun, we’d recommend researching what’s on the market before the secret gets out.

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4 comments

Anna Finkelstein

13 February, 2021 1:24 pm

We would like to retire to Spain. We have savings and can support ourselves. Where would be the cheapest place to rent a one bedroom apartment? We would prefer to live quietly away from the coastal areas.

Oscar Paoli

15 February, 2021 9:50 am

Hi Anna,
It is difficult to say what is the cheapest place, but we found some good articles that might guide you in the right direction.

https://www.thelocal.es/20181102/spains-ten-cheapest-cities-and-why-or-why-not-you-should-move-there

https://myfunkytravel.com/cheapest-cities-to-live-in-spain.html

https://familylifeinspain.com/2020/11/where-are-the-best-safest-cheapest-places-to-live-in-spain/

Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any further queries.
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers

Angela Dutton

13 May, 2024 6:49 pm

I cannot wait to reach my state pension age. That’s 17 years away. I should be getting £190 a week in my pension. Plus with my workplace pensions and my savings I’ll be able to live like I’ve always wanted to live, basking in the sunny weather and my arthritis not being made worse by the cold weather here in England. I’ll definately start learning the Spanish language.

Oscar Paoli

27 May, 2024 3:15 pm

That sounds like a wonderful plan! It’s great that you’re looking ahead and planning for your future. Living in a sunny climate will surely be beneficial for your arthritis, and learning Spanish will definitely enhance your experience. Seventeen years may seem like a long time, but with such exciting goals, I’m sure it will fly by. If you need any tips on learning Spanish or planning your move, feel free to reach out!