Best Cities to Study in Spain in 2026
Cost of Living, Universities, Business Schools, Culture and Tips for International Students
Spain is one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for international students. Its high-quality education, varied climate, safety, multicultural environment and good standard of living make it an ideal choice.
This complete guide will help you choose the perfect city according to your budget, studies and lifestyle.
Note on 2026 prices:
All prices shown in this guide are approximate averages based on 2024–2025 data. They may vary depending on neighbourhood, season, availability and demand.
1. Central Spain
Madrid · Castile and León · Castile–La Mancha · Historic and university cities
Top public universities
Madrid
- UCM – Universidad Complutense de Madrid
- UAM – Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
- UC3M – Universidad Carlos III
- UPM – Universidad Politécnica
- Universidad de Alcalá
- Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Castile and León
Castile–La Mancha
Private universities and business schools
- IE University (Madrid/Segovia) – top 10 worldwide in business
- CUNEF Universidad
- Universidad Europea de Madrid
- UCJC – Universidad Camilo José Cela
- CEU San Pablo
- Francisco de Vitoria (UFV)
- ESIC Business & Marketing School
- EAE Business School Madrid
People and culture
- Madrid: international, energetic, open
- Castile and León / Castile–La Mancha: warm, friendly and calm people
- Very safe cities
Languages
- Spanish throughout the whole region (only official language)
Approximate price table – Central Spain
| City | Room (average) | Studio (average) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid | 550–800 € | 1,000–1,500 € | Very high |
| Salamanca | 250–380 € | 450–650 € | Low |
| Valladolid | 300–450 € | 500–750 € | Low |
| Toledo | 300–450 € | 500–700 € | Medium |
| Segovia | 280–430 € | 500–700 € | Medium |
| Burgos | 300–450 € | 500–700 € | Low |
| León | 280–420 € | 450–650 € | Low |
| Ávila | 250–380 € | 450–600 € | Low |
| Soria | 230–330 € | 400–550 € | Low |
| Zamora | 230–330 € | 400–550 € | Low |
| Palencia | 230–350 € | 400–600 € | Low |
| Ciudad Real | 250–350 € | 400–600 € | Low |
| Albacete | 260–380 € | 450–650 € | Low |
| Cuenca | 250–350 € | 400–600 € | Low |
| Guadalajara | 300–450 € | 500–700 € | Medium |
2. Mediterranean Coast
Catalonia · Valencian Community · Region of Murcia
Top public universities
Catalonia
- Universitat de Barcelona (UB)
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)
- Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
- Universitat de Girona
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili
Valencian Community
- Universitat de València (UV)
- Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV)
- Universitat d’Alacant (UA)
- Universitat Jaume I (Castelló)
- Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH – Elche)
Region of Murcia
Private universities and Mediterranean business schools
Catalonia
- ESADE Business School
- IESE Business School
- EADA Business School
- Universitat Ramon Llull – La Salle, Blanquerna
- Universitat Abat Oliba CEU
Valencian Community
People and culture
- Very sociable and multicultural
- International environment in coastal and large cities
- Relaxed and healthy lifestyle
Languages
- Spanish across the whole region
- Co-official languages:
- Catalan (Catalonia)
- Valencian (Valencian Community)
- Everyone speaks Spanish perfectly.
Approximate price table – Mediterranean
| City | Room (average) | Studio (average) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 500–750 € | 900–1,400 € | Very high |
| Valencia | 350–550 € | 700–1,000 € | Medium |
| Alicante | 300–450 € | 550–800 € | Low |
| Murcia | 250–380 € | 450–650 € | Low |
| Tarragona | 280–420 € | 500–750 € | Medium |
| Castellón | 250–360 € | 430–600 € | Low |
| Girona | 320–450 € | 550–750 € | Medium |
| Elche | 260–380 € | 450–650 € | Low |
| Cartagena | 240–350 € | 420–600 € | Low |
3. South of Spain (Andalusia)
Seville · Málaga · Granada · Cádiz · Córdoba · Jaén · Huelva · Almería
Top public universities
- Universidad de Sevilla
- Universidad de Granada
- Universidad de Málaga
- Universidad de Cádiz
- Universidad de Córdoba
- Universidad de Almería
- Universidad de Huelva
- Universidad de Jaén
- Universidad Pablo de Olavide
Private universities and Andalusian business schools
People and culture
- Very warm, friendly and welcoming
- Famous for their humour and social life
- The Andalusian accent has its own characteristics, and students become familiar over time.
Languages
- Spanish (only official language)
Approximate price table – South
| City | Room (average) | Studio (average) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seville | 300–450 € | 600–850 € | Medium |
| Málaga | 450–650 € | 850–1,200 € | High |
| Granada | 250–400 € | 450–650 € | Low |
| Cádiz | 280–430 € | 550–800 € | Low |
| Córdoba | 280–400 € | 500–700 € | Low |
| Huelva | 230–350 € | 400–600 € | Low |
| Jaén | 230–350 € | 400–550 € | Low |
| Almería | 250–380 € | 450–650 € | Low |
4. North of Spain
Galicia · Asturias · Cantabria · Basque Country · Navarre · La Rioja
Top public universities
Galicia
Asturias
Cantabria
Basque Country
Navarre
La Rioja
Private universities and northern business schools
- Universidad de Navarra (Pamplona)
- Universidad de Deusto (Bilbao / San Sebastián)
- Mondragon Unibertsitatea
- IMF Business School Bilbao
People and culture
- Calm, respectful and polite
- Very safe regions with high quality of life
- Naturally kind, although slightly reserved at first
Languages
- Spanish throughout the whole region
- Co-official languages: Galician (Galicia), Basque (Basque Country)
- Everyone speaks Spanish perfectly
Approximate price table – North
| City | Room (average) | Studio (average) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bilbao | 400–550 € | 700–950 € | Medium |
| San Sebastián | 500–700 € | 900–1,300 € | Very high |
| Vitoria | 350–480 € | 500–750 € | Medium |
| Santander | 320–450 € | 500–700 € | Medium |
| A Coruña | 300–450 € | 500–700 € | Low |
| Santiago | 300–420 € | 450–650 € | Low |
| Vigo | 280–420 € | 450–650 € | Low |
| Lugo | 230–330 € | 380–550 € | Low |
| Ourense | 230–330 € | 380–550 € | Low |
| Oviedo | 250–380 € | 450–650 € | Low |
| Gijón | 260–380 € | 450–600 € | Low |
| Pamplona | 350–500 € | 550–800 € | Medium |
| Logroño | 250–370 € | 450–650 € | Low |
5. Eastern Inland
Aragón · Lleida
Top universities
Private institutions
People and culture
- Simple, friendly and straightforward
- Calm and safe lifestyle
Languages
- Spanish (official)
- In Lleida: Catalan as co-official (but everyone speaks Spanish)
Approximate price table – Eastern Inland
| City | Room (average) | Studio (average) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zaragoza | 300–450 € | 550–750 € | Medium |
| Lleida | 250–380 € | 450–650 € | Low |
| Huesca | 240–350 € | 400–600 € | Low |
| Teruel | 230–340 € | 380–550 € | Low |
6. Canary and Balearic Islands
Top universities
Canary Islands:
Balearic Islands:
Private institutions and business schools
People and culture
- Very relaxed, sociable and approachable
- Almost perfect climate all year round
- Growing international environments
Languages
- Spanish (official throughout the region)
- In the Balearic Islands: Catalan/Balearic (everyone speaks Spanish)
Approximate price table – Islands
| City | Room (average) | Studio (average) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Palmas | 300–450 € | 550–750 € | Medium |
| La Laguna | 280–400 € | 450–650 € | Low |
| South Tenerife | 280–420 € | 450–650 € | Low |
| Palma de Mallorca | 450–600 € | 700–950 € | High |
| Ibiza | 600–800 € | 1,000–1,400 € | Very high |
| Menorca | 300–450 € | 500–700 € | Medium |
7. Accommodation and housing tips
Essential accommodation tips for students
How to look for a flat safely
- Prioritise university halls of residence for your first year.
- Use verified agencies.
- Check the building’s online reputation.
- Always ask for a real video of the flat or a virtual viewing.
How to research areas and neighbourhoods (very important)
Before booking:
- Check the area on Google Maps + Street View.
- Make sure there are supermarkets, pharmacies and public transport nearby.
- Look up the real distance to campus and the city centre.
- Use student reviews in:
- WhatsApp/Erasmus groups
- Reddit Spain / Erasmus
- University forums
Before signing a contract
- Check whether bills are included.
- Confirm the amount of the deposit.
- Make sure the contract states:
- Fixed price
- Duration
- Leaving conditions
- Inventory of furniture
How to avoid housing scams (very important)
Unfortunately, every year there are scams targeting foreign students.
Here are the rules that will protect you 100%:
- NEVER pay without a contract
- NEVER send money via Bizum, Western Union or PayPal Friends
- NEVER accept flats that are “too cheap to be true”
- NEVER trust landlords who say they are “out of the country”
ALWAYS request:
- Signed legal contract
- Official receipts
- Real video of the flat
- Landlord’s ID (ID card or company details)
Safe options:
- Official student residences
- Verified estate agencies
- Flats with proper contracts through recognised companies
Key fact:
Over 70% of scams against students in Spain come from unverified private adverts.
8. Conclusion: Which is the best city to study in Spain?
It depends on you:
- Best value for money: Salamanca, Granada, Murcia, León
- Most international environments: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia
- Climate + beach: Valencia, Alicante, Málaga
- Nature + peace and quiet: Vigo, Oviedo, Santander
Spain has an ideal city for every type of student and every budget.
At Spain Study Advisors we can help you choose the university that best fits your lifestyle and budget.
