What are the cheapest places to live in Spain?
Introduction
"What are the cheapest places to live in Spain?" This is a crucial question for many future expatriates and investors. It's a major decision that impacts your finances and quality of life.
As experts in the Spanish real estate market, our answer must be honest and nuanced. The cheapest places to live in Spain are generally not the tourist beaches you see on postcards. The lowest prices are found inland ("inland Spain"). This article analyzes the regions with the lowest cost of living and explores the best compromise for those who still dream of the sea.
The Beach Myth: Why Inland is Cheaper
The reality of the Spanish real estate market is simple: prices are dictated by international demand and tourism. Areas like the Costa del Sol (Marbella), the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Mallorca), and Barcelona are expensive because they attract millions of foreign visitors and buyers.
Authentic and most affordable Spain is found inland. These regions offer a cost of living (housing, food, services) sometimes 40% to 50% lower than that of major coastal capitals. The compromise? A more continental climate (very hot summers, colder winters) and fewer direct employment opportunities (excluding remote work).
Pros and Cons of Inland Spain
Choosing inland Spain ("inland Spain") offers clear financial advantages, but comes with lifestyle compromises that are crucial to understand.
| ✅ Main Advantages (Price) | ⚠️ Disadvantages & Compromises (Lifestyle) |
|---|---|
| Real estate cost (40-50% cheaper). | More continental climate (very hot summers, colder winters). |
| Very low cost of living (food, services). | Fewer employment opportunities (excluding remote work). |
| Cultural immersion and authentic Spanish life. | Distance from the sea and international airports. |
The Regions with the Lowest Cost of Living
Based on average property prices and cost of living, two autonomous communities consistently stand out as the cheapest in Spain.
1. Extremadura
Regularly ranked as the cheapest region in Spain for buying property. Bordering Portugal, Extremadura is a beautiful, historic, and very rural region.
- Key Cities: Badajoz, Cáceres, Mérida.
- Average Price (€/m²): Often less than €1,200/m² in its main cities, and significantly less in villages.
- Ideal for: Retirees, remote workers, or those seeking absolute tranquility and cultural immersion.
2. Castilla-La Mancha
The vast region surrounding Madrid (without including it) is also extremely affordable. It offers traditional Spanish life at unbeatable prices, while remaining relatively connected to the capital.
- Key Cities: Albacete, Ciudad Real, Cuenca.
- Average Price (€/m²): Very similar to Extremadura, around €1,200/m² to €1,300/m².
- Ideal for: Those who want a low cost of living while being able to access Madrid by train.
Honorable Mention: Andalusia (Inland)
Be aware, Andalusia has two faces. The Costa del Sol is prohibitively expensive. In contrast, inland Andalusia, particularly the province of Jaén (the world capital of olive oil), is one of the cheapest areas in all of Spain.
Property Cost Comparison (Estimated 2025)
To demonstrate our expertise, here is a table comparing average prices per square meter. Real estate data can be cross-referenced with the official indices from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), which is an authority on the subject.
| Region (Example City) | Area Type | Estimated Average Price (€/m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Extremadura (Badajoz) | Inland / Very cheap | ~ 1,150 €/m² |
| Castilla-La Mancha (Albacete) | Inland / Very cheap | ~ 1,250 €/m² |
| Andalusia (Jaén) | Inland / Very cheap | ~ 1,100 €/m² |
| Region of Murcia (Cartagena) | Coast / Cheap | ~ 1,300 €/m² |
| Costa del Sol (Marbella) | Coast / Very expensive | ~ 4,300 €/m² |
| Catalonia (Barcelona) | Metropolitan / Very expensive | ~ 4,150 €/m² |
The Best Compromise: What is the Cheapest Coast?
For 90% of buyers, "living in Spain" means "living near the sea". If Extremadura is too radical for you, fortunately there are affordable coastal alternatives.
The best coastal value for money: Murcia and Almería
If you're looking for sun and sea at a low price, two areas stand out:
- The Region of Murcia (Costa Cálida): This is the cheapest coastal autonomous community in Spain. Cities like Mazarrón, Águilas or Cartagena offer property prices significantly lower than those of the neighboring Costa Blanca.
- The Costa de Almería: The easternmost part of Andalusia, it is much cheaper than the Costa del Sol. Cities like Roquetas de Mar or El Ejido are very affordable.
Conclusion
Living for less in Spain is absolutely possible, but it involves a crucial strategic choice regarding your lifestyle.
For the lowest possible price, aim for inland areas: Extremadura or Castilla-La Mancha. For the best sea/price compromise, target the Region of Murcia (Costa Cálida) and the Costa de Almería.
In any case, a financial decision of such importance requires the guidance of experts who understand the legal and market specificities of these regions.
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Article Summary
FAQ: Budget-Friendly Living in Spain
Your guide to Spain's most affordable regions for living
The inland regions are generally the most affordable. Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha are consistently highlighted as the most budget-friendly regions in the country.
For those seeking the best value on the coast, the Region of Murcia (Costa Cálida) and the Costa de Almería offer excellent options.
The Spanish property market is heavily influenced by tourism and international buyer demand, which primarily focuses on the coasts. Inland areas, being further from the sea and major airports, experience lower demand, which in turn keeps property prices more accessible.
The primary trade-off is often the lifestyle. These regions typically feature a more continental climate (very hot summers, colder winters), are further from the coast, and may offer fewer direct job opportunities (outside of remote work).
The difference can be substantial. An inland city such as Jaén might have an average property price of 1,100 €/m², whereas Marbella on the Costa del Sol can command prices up to 4,300 €/m². Overall housing costs can be 40% to 50% lower than in popular coastal areas.
This guide highlights Badajoz, Cáceres, and Mérida as key cities in the region, where the average property price per square meter is often below 1,200 €.
In this region, Albacete, Ciudad Real, and Cuenca are prominent, with average property prices similar to Extremadura, ranging from 1,200 €/m² to 1,300 €/m².
Andalusia presents a dual picture: the Costa del Sol (Marbella, Malaga) is renowned as one of Spain's most expensive areas. Conversely, inland Andalusia, particularly the province of Jaén, stands out as one of the most affordable regions in the country.
It encompasses the entire cost of living. This guide indicates that food, services, and accommodation can be 40% to 50% cheaper there compared to the tourist-heavy coastal regions.
The Region of Murcia is consistently ranked as the most affordable coastal autonomous community in Spain. Cities such as Cartagena, Mazarrón, or Águilas provide access to the sea at very competitive property prices.
Yes, it is the other highly recommended coastal area. Situated in the easternmost part of Andalusia, it is significantly more affordable than the Costa del Sol. This guide highlights towns like Roquetas de Mar and El Ejido as prime examples.
This guide provides the example of Cartagena, in the Murcia region, where the average property price is estimated at around 1,300 €/m². This is considerably lower than the 4,300 €/m² found in Marbella.
If budget is the absolute priority and you're seeking authenticity and tranquility, Extremadura is an ideal choice. However, if proximity to the sea is important, the Region of Murcia offers the best value.
For robust rental yields, coastal areas like Murcia and Almería generally offer better prospects. Inland regions (Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha) are more suited as a "lifestyle" purchase or for remote working, given the lower tourist demand.
This guide concludes that a strategic choice is essential: either you prioritize the absolute lowest possible price by opting for inland regions (Extremadura), or you seek the best value for proximity to the sea by targeting the Costa Cálida (Murcia) or the Costa de Almería.
