Exchange in Spain: what are the most expensive cities to live in in 2025?
Are you thinking of doing an exchange in Spain but don't know how much it will cost to live in the main Spanish cities? Understanding which are the most expensive cities in the country is essential to properly plan your budget and make informed decisions about your exchange destination.
At Be Easy, we know that more expensive cities generally offer better infrastructure, renowned universities, and an unparalleled cultural experience. However, the higher cost of living requires careful financial planning. Let's get to know in detail the 5 most expensive cities in Spain and what they have to offer for exchange students.
Why visit the most expensive cities in Spain?
Before embarking on your journey of ANDStudy and Work in Spain, it's essential to understand the costs involved. An expensive city doesn't necessarily mean that you should avoid it, but rather that you need to prepare properly for your spending.
Knowing this data will help you:
- Plan your monthly budget more precisely
- Identify part-time work opportunities compatible with your studies
- Understand the relationship between cost of living and quality of experience
- Make more conscious decisions about accommodation and location
Top 5 most expensive cities in Spain
1. San Sebastián: premium experience in the Basque Country
Located in northern Spain, San Sebastián (or Donostia, in Basque) leads the ranking of the most expensive cities in the country, with a cost of living 13.92% above the national average.
Why San Sebastián is expensive:
- Most expensive square meter in Spain (€5,631 in 2024)
- High demand for properties in privileged areas
- Strong gastronomic and luxury tourism
- Thriving local economy with high average salaries
Monthly cost of living for students:
- Shared room rental: €550-750
- Food: €300
- Transportation: €32 (monthly ticket)
- Leisure: €150-200
Advantages for exchange students:
- City with one of the highest average salaries in Spain (€2,364)
- Gastronomic excellence (city with the most Michelin stars per capita)
- Stunning beaches like La Concha
- Safe environment and high quality of life
Be Easy tip: If you dream of San Sebastián but your budget is tight, consider living in peripheral neighborhoods like Intxaurrondo or nearby cities like Pasaia, where the rent can be up to 40% lower.
2. Madrid: the capital of opportunities
As the capital and largest city in Spain, Madrid offers a unique mix of tradition and modernity, with a cost of living 12.50% above the national average.
Why Madrid is expensive:
- Economic and political center of the country
- High real estate demand (especially in the center)
- Cosmopolitan city with first-rate infrastructure
- High prices in tourist and commercial areas
Monthly cost of living for students:
- Shared room rental: €450-650
- Food: €250
- Transportation: €32 (youth transport ticket)
- Leisure: €150-200
Advantages for exchange students:
- Largest offer of part-time jobs in all of Spain
- Internationally renowned universities such as Complutense and Carlos III
- Intense cultural life (museums, theaters, festivals)
- Excellent connectivity with all of Europe (international hub)
Be Easy tip: Madrid has one of the best public transport systems in Europe, making it possible to live in more remote neighborhoods such as Vallecas or Carabanchel, where rent is significantly cheaper without sacrificing access to downtown opportunities.
3. Barcelona: Catalonia's multicultural hub
The Catalan capital is the third most expensive city in Spain and one of the most sought after by international exchange students, combining beach, culture and a vibrant atmosphere.
Why Barcelona is expensive:
- High rental demand with limited supply
- Strong tourist presence throughout the year
- Hub for startups and technology companies
- Cosmopolitan city with international influence
Monthly cost of living for students:
- Shared room rental: €450-600
- Food: €250
- Transportation: €23 (T-Jove quarterly)
- Leisure: €150-200
Advantages for exchange students:
- Diversified job market with opportunities for English speakers
- Over 20 universities and international schools
- Balance between urban life and beaches
- Active international student community
Be Easy tip: To save money in Barcelona, consider living in neighborhoods like Horta, Sant Andreu, or nearby cities like L'Hospitalet, with good metro connections and more affordable prices.
4. Palma de Mallorca: island paradise with a premium price
Capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma combines the Mediterranean lifestyle with an economy strongly driven by luxury tourism.
Why Palma de Mallorca is expensive:
- Insular location (higher logistics costs)
- Real estate market aimed at foreigners with high purchasing power
- High seasonality (prices rise during the season)
- High cost of food and services
Monthly cost of living for students:
- Shared room rental: €400-600
- Food: €250
- Transportation: €38 (monthly ticket)
- Leisure: €150-200
Advantages for exchange students:
- Pleasant weather all year round
- Excellent opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector
- International environment with a strong presence of foreign students
- Balance between study and quality of life
Be Easy tip: In Palma, prices vary drastically between high and low season. If possible, sign long-term contracts outside the summer season to get better prices.
5. Málaga: the sun of the Costa del Sol
Closing out our top 5, Malaga has become increasingly popular among international students and digital nomads, raising its cost of living in recent years.
Why Malaga is expensive:
- Growing interest from foreigners and investors
- Boom in the rental market for tourism
- Expansion of the technological sector attracting professionals
- Constant real estate valuation
Monthly cost of living for students:
- Shared room rental: €350-500
- Food: €250
- Transportation: €25 (monthly ticket)
- Leisure: €100-150
Advantages for exchange students:
- Over 300 days of sunshine a year
- University of Malaga with international programs
- More affordable cost of living compared to Madrid and Barcelona
- Emerging hub for startups and technology companies
Be Easy tip: Málaga offers excellent cost-benefit ratio for exchange students seeking quality of life. Consider neighborhoods like El Palo or Pedregalejo for a more affordable beachfront experience.
Practical comparison: Spain vs. Brazil
To better understand the cost of living in Spain, let's compare the values of San Sebastián (the most expensive city) with São Paulo:
Although absolute values are higher in Spain, purchasing power and quality of life make up for the difference. The Spanish minimum wage (€1,184 or R$ 7,245) is considerably higher than the Brazilian minimum wage (R$ 1,518), providing greater financial stability for students who obtain part-time work during the exchange.
Job opportunities for exchange students
The most expensive cities in Spain also offer the best opportunities for I work for exchange students, especially in the following sectors:
- Tourism and hospitality: Hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions (ideal for language learners)
- Tech: Startups and tech companies, mainly in Madrid and Barcelona
- Language teaching: High demand for native Portuguese teachers
- International customer service: Call centers and multicultural support
- Corporate internships: Opportunities in multinationals with specific programs for students
For exchange students, Spain legally allows them to work up to 20 hours a week with a student visa, as long as the course lasts at least 20 hours a week - an excellent way to partially finance your stay in the most expensive cities.
More affordable alternatives
If the cities in the top 5 seem out of your budget, consider these cheaper alternatives, but still with an excellent quality of life:
- Valencia: Third largest city in Spain, with a cost 25% lower than Barcelona
- Sevilla: Culturally rich, with rent 40% cheaper than Madrid
- Grenada: University city with a strong presence of international students
- Alicante: Mediterranean destination with a climate similar to Malaga, but reduced costs
- Santiago de Compostela: Historic city with prestigious university
Another smart strategy is to live in smaller cities close to large centers, taking advantage of reduced costs and good connectivity. For example:
- Badalona or Sabadell (close to Barcelona)
- Getafe or Alcalá de Henares (close to Madrid)
- Torremolinos (near Malaga)
Is it worth living in the most expensive cities in Spain?
The answer depends on your goals and financial situation. Generally, the most expensive cities offer:
- Best universities and academic programs
- Increased international networking
- More part-time job opportunities
- Superior transportation infrastructure
- More diverse cultural life
However, if your budget is limited, there are strategies to make your experience feasible:
- Share housing with other students
- Choose neighborhoods farther away from the center
- Take advantage of student discounts (transportation, food, culture)
- Combining studies with part-time work
- Search for scholarships specific to your area
Be Easy: make your exchange dream in Spain a reality
Na Be Easy, we specialize in transforming exchange dreams into real and unforgettable experiences. Our experienced team offers full support for your journey in Spain, from choosing the ideal city to guidance on work, accommodation and local life. Don't let the cost of living in large Spanish cities stop you from living this transformative experience. Contact us today and discover how we can help you carry out your exchange in Spain with peace of mind and security!
