In this article, we’ll discuss how to find affordable accommodation as an international student in Spain in 2025. Finding suitable accommodation in Spain is among the common challenges international students face but the good thing about you is that you won’t have to go through the same hassle as the others.
Here, we are going to look into a guide to finding affordable accommodation as an international student in Spain, the best cities in Spain with the cheapest accommodation, and other important information that can help you make a good decision in finding affordable accommodation.
How to Find Affordable Accommodation as an International Student in Spain in 2025
There are different ways by which you can find affordable accommodation as an international student in Spain in 2025. It can either be online, in forums, with friends, or face-to-face here’s what I mean
1. Leverage Online Platforms: Utilize online housing platforms like HousingAnywhere which are specifically designed for international students. Setting up alerts on online platforms will notify you of new listings. However, you need to be cautious of scams and verify the legitimacy of listings before sending any payments.
2. Explore Both Far and Near Cities: Don’t limit your search to the immediate city center. Explore neighborhoods slightly further from the university campus or city core. Public transportation in Spain is generally efficient, allowing you to commute easily. Living in less central areas can significantly lower rental costs. Use online maps and transportation apps to assess commute times and transportation expenses.
3. Prioritize Student Housing Resources: Begin by exploring university-affiliated housing options and student residences. Contact your university’s international student office for lists of recommended accommodations and any partnerships they might have with local providers. These options often offer competitive rates and a supportive student environment. Additionally, thoroughly investigate student housing foundations that may be present in your university city.
4. Embrace Shared Living: Shared apartments (“pisos compartidos”) are consistently the most cost-effective housing solution. Connect with other students through university forums and social media groups to find potential roommates. Shared living not only reduces expenses but also offers opportunities for cultural exchange and social integration.
So whether you wish to live alone or embrace shared living, this section has shown you how you can find affordable accommodation as an international student in Spain in 2025. With that said, let’s discuss the best cities in Spain with the cheapest accommodation for international students.
14 Best Cities in Spain With the Cheapest Accommodation for International Students
- Granada: Famous for its student-friendly atmosphere and affordable living. Offers budget-friendly shared apartments and a lively student community.
- Salamanca: A historic university city with lower rental prices. Ideal for students seeking a classic Spanish experience on a budget.
- Seville: Provides a rich cultural experience with relatively low living costs. Offers affordable tapas and student-friendly transportation.
- Málaga: A coastal city with a good balance of affordability and a vibrant lifestyle. It has become increasingly popular but remains relatively affordable.
- Valencia: A popular student destination with a more affordable cost of living than Madrid or Barcelona. A good combination of city life and beach access.
- Alicante: Offers budget-friendly coastal living with a relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for students who want to live by the beach without high costs.
- Murcia: Known for its low cost of living and welcoming environment. Provides affordable local markets and student-friendly cafes.
- Valladolid: A student hub with low rental prices and a safe environment. Offers a lively student presence and affordable living.
- Córdoba: Offers historic charm at a low cost.
- Cádiz: A coastal gem with affordable beach city living.
- Almería: Provides affordable beach lifestyle.
- Jaén: A city with affordable living costs.
- Lugo: Offers low property costs.
- Huelva: Provides relatively affordable housing.
Read Also: Best Cities to Live in Spain as an International Student 2025
6 Best Websites to Find Accommodation in Spain
You can utilize these 5 websites to find accommodation in Spain in 2025 as an international student.
- Student.com
- Uniplaces
- flatio.com
- HousingAnwhere
- Spotahome
- Study Abroad Apartment
1. Student.com
This was founded in 2011 and is known as a marketplace for international student housing; they help students find their perfect home abroad. Remember when we mentioned that you need to be careful of scammers when finding accommodation online, well Student.com is tested and trusted, here are some testimonials from previous clients— ’The process was very fast and efficient. It took us just a few hours to fully settle the booking. The people in charge of were very attentive and always ensure that our requests were fulfilled.’ from Amaaney.
The booking process is quite seamless as it involves 3 major steps; First, discover the accommodation options different cities have to offer as you plan for life at university. Secondly, you’ll apply for any properties that meet your needs. And submit any paperwork required. Finally, the lease is signed and any pre-payments are made and then you’re ready to embark on an exciting phase of life.
Furthermore, short stays are accepted too and you can get accommodations for as low as 350 AUD/week.
Contact information
- +44 800 041 8764
- Twitter (X)
2. Uniplaces.com — How to Find Affordable Accommodation as an International Student in Spain in 2025
Uniplaces come in handy when you want to rent an apartment as an international student. Uniplaces has one advantage: they can give you the supporting documentation for your visa application. They can give you a prepaid accommodation certificate if you require an official document to confirm that you made your reservation with Uniplaces and to obtain your visa.
Aside from that, here is a detailed guide on utilizing Uniplaces to rent a home: First, you must choose the location, kind of housing, bedroom features, and rent pricing using their site. Afterwards, you will need to fill out the form with your payment information and personal data. The landlord will then respond in a span of 48 hours. Upon acceptance of your reservation, the space becomes yours! (Note: At this stage, you will mostly communicate with the landlord, however, Uniplaces will be available if you require prompt support from their representatives.).
Additionally, for around €1,100 per month, you may rent a one-bedroom apartment in Barcelona, Spain that can accommodate up to two people.
Contact Information
3. Flatio.com
Online house rental service Flatio caters to slow travelers, remote workers, and digital nomads seeking flexible, deposit-free accommodations anywhere in the world for five days to a year. The cost of housing for international students in Spain generally can range from about €200 to €1450 per month, depending on the city, type of housing, and amenities. They have fully furnished apartments that you can choose from, and they have houses all over the world in places like Barcelona, Granada, and Almeria.
Contact Information
- Email: support@flatio.com
4. HousingAnywhere.com
In 2009, HousingAnywhere was created as a messaging platform for students to communicate with one another. By 2025, it has partnered with more than 300 foreign colleges and is assisting more than 18 million people annually in their home search.
Among the benefits of using HousingAnywhere are 1. You will receive assistance in finding a new residence or a short-term hotel stay if the landlord abruptly cancels or postpones your move-in. 2. They will assist in resolving any issues that may arise with the booking you made. and 3. Until you move in, HousingAnywhere protects your payment. You will receive a refund if the location does not match the description. Now consider these benefits and decide to use their services.
Student accommodation in Spain can cost anything from €360 to €650 per month for dorms, €600 for living with a host family, and €300 for a room to around €1,300 for a private sector apartment, using HousingAnywhere.
To find affordable accommodation on HousingAnywhere, the first thing is to explore available houses on the site, message the landlord, seek a booking request, and pay the first month’s rent to confirm your booking.
Contact Information
- Email: support@housinganywhere.com
HousingAnywhere B.V.
- Chamber of Commerce number: 58882693
- Address of corporate HQ: Blaak 555 in Rotterdam, Netherlands
- VAT number: NL853222368B01
5. Spotahome.com
Spotahome is a 100% online booking platform that offers the most complete catalog of flats, rooms, apartments, studios, and student residences. To find accommodation as an international student, you’ll first search and select your preferred house—as you do this, don’t forget to also look into the landlord’s policies to ensure you can comply with them before you think of moving in.
Next, you’ll make a reservation (this usually takes up to 24 hours for the landlord to respond) after which the landlord will confirm your payment, and then the moving-in stage.
One of the advantages of using Spotahome is that they ensure complete protection against fraudulent landlords, hence they transfer the money to the landlord 48 hours after you have moved in.
Additionally, if the landlord has to cancel at the last minute, they will move you and, if necessary, cover your hotel expenses.
How Much Will the Housing Cost Using Spotahome?
According to Jeduka.com, a room in private student housing in Spain will typically cost between €300 and €700 per month, with larger cities like Barcelona and Madrid having higher prices.
Contact Information
- Registered Office: Calle de Piamonte, 23, 28004, Madrid, Spain
- Email: impressum@spotahome.com
6. Study Abroad Apartment
The greatest housing options for students studying overseas are provided by Study Abroad Apartments. You will live in the same buildings as other international students, have your own apartment, and be free to choose your own itinerary for a whole semester in Spain and other European countries. Here’s how it works
- Search among thousands of rentals after choosing your city, move-in date, and move-out date. Find what you’re looking for by narrowing down your search.
- A booking specialist will be assigned to assist you in your search for accommodations.
- Your booking request has 48 hours to be approved or denied by your landlord.
- Within three days of your reservation being verified, you will pay the first month’s rent. You and your roommates can choose to divide the cost.
- Fly to your destination city and move in. Your landlord will receive rent payments directly from you, and StudyabroadApartments will provide you with the assistance you require throughout the duration of your stay.
Contact Information
Email: info@studyabroadapartments.com
You can also utilize online platforms like Idealista, Piso compartido, Erasmusu…to find available rooms.
What are the Factors to Consider While Choosing Accommodation in Spain as an International Student in 2025?
When choosing accommodation in Spain, here are some factors to consider:
1. Location and Accessibility: Consider the location of the accommodation in relation to your travel plans. If you plan to explore a certain city or region, consider staying in a central location with easy access to public transportation. In addition, if you have any specific accessibility needs, make sure the accommodation can accommodate them, such as wheelchair access or an elevator.
2. Consider Your Budget: Spain offers a range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Consider your budget and choose a suitable option that meets your needs.
3. Type of Accommodation: Choose the type of accommodation that suits your needs, whether it’s a hotel, hostel, apartment, or villa. Each type of accommodation has its own advantages and disadvantages.
4. Check for Testimonials or Reviews From Clients: Read reviews from previous guests to get an idea of what to expect from the accommodation. Reviews can help you make an informed decision and avoid unpleasant surprises.
5. Ensure the Security of the Environment is Safe: Consider the safety of the accommodation and the surrounding area. Check if the accommodation has security measures in place and if the area is safe for tourists.
Other factors to consider are; If you’re interested in experiencing the local culture, consider staying in a traditional Spanish accommodation, such as a Parador or a casa rural. In addition, Consider the amenities that are important to you, such as air conditioning, wifi, pool, gym, and breakfast.
Tips for Finding Student Accommodation in Spain
Finding a student accommodation in Spain is not an easy task, with that, these following tips should help you in making the search much easier for you.
A. Tell People About Your House Hunting
Do not keep your search for a home or lodging a secret; instead, share it with other students, locals, university instructors, or lecturers. Eventually, your house-hunting journey will come to a lovely conclusion when you express your aspirations to them. This is another reason it’s a good idea to network strategically; if you’re lucky, you might be able to get a house at a discount. Don’t be hesitant about speaking up when you’re an international student in Spain looking for accommodation.
B. Start Your Search Early —How to Find Affordable Accommodation as an International Student in Spain in 2025
The second piece of advice is to get started early to avoid the time and worry that comes with the entire house-hunting process. Finding reasonably priced housing in Spain can sometimes take a long time, but if you begin your search before the time you need the property the most, you won’t have to wait that long. For example, if you want to move into your new apartment by June and it’s March, don’t wait until May to start making reservations; you may start as early as March or April. Instead of having to settle into an accommodation you don’t like, this will assist you in choosing the best option available to you during the process.
C. Attend Expos or Housing Fairs
Attending housing fairs and expos is a great way to meet real estate brokers, landlords, and other students looking for housing in Spain. These gatherings frequently bring a variety of ideas together in one location, which facilitates questioning and exploring several options. To maximize these opportunities, keep an eye out for information about housing fairs at your campus or neighborhood.
Conclusion on How to Find Affordable Accommodation as an International Student in Spain in 2025
In conclusion, finding affordable accommodation as an international student in Spain in 2025 can be a smooth process if you leverage the right resources and strategies. By utilizing online platforms, exploring various neighborhoods, prioritizing student housing options, and considering shared living situations, you can secure a comfortable and budget-friendly home. Additionally, choosing one of the many cities in Spain renowned for their affordability will enhance your overall experience as a student.
As you embark on this exciting journey, it’s also essential to ensure your professional presence is polished. If you need assistance with crafting a standout CV, optimizing your LinkedIn profile, or writing a compelling Statement of Purpose, our expert services are here to help you succeed. Don’t hesitate to reach out and take the next step towards your future!
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