From the lively city streets of Madrid and Barcelona to the sun-drenched beaches of the Costa del Sol, Spain is a destination that truly has it all – rich cultural traditions, incredible art and architecture, vibrant nightlife, and that signature laidback Spanish lifestyle. However, accommodation costs in major cities and resort areas can quickly add up, especially if you’re looking for the space and convenience of a full apartment.
The good news is that with some savvy tips and local knowledge, it’s easy to unlock outstanding value on apartments, flats and holiday rentals that allow you to experience the best of Spain like a local, all without breaking the bank. From modern city lofts perfect for couples to spacious seaside condos ideal for families, affordable apartment options abound across this beautiful country. Let’s dive into finding the hidden rental gems!
For affordable city living at its best, few neighborhoods can top the areas around Madrid’s La Latina district or Barcelona’s trendy El Born quarter. Here you’ll find an incredible array of cozy yet chic renovated apartments from around €60-100 per night on rental platforms like Vrbo, Airbnb, and Home away. These put you steps from centuries of history, unbeatable dining and nightlife, yet you have your very own modern local oasis to call home.
Another insider locale to target for great apartment values is the area around Barcelona’s bohemian Gràcia neighborhood, lined with charming century-old apartment buildings. Or in Madrid, check out the more residential Chamberi district near the sprawling Retiro Park. These areas offer a quieter, more authentic slice of local life yet remain easily walkable or a quick metro from top attractions.
For the classic beach vacation in Spain, you can find amazing holiday rental apartments and multi-bedroom condos hugging the sunny Mediterranean coastlines, often for well under €100 per night if you book in advance. Places like Costa Brava, Marbella, and Ibiza all have dozens of options for larger groups or families, complete with pools, ocean views, and resort amenities. I’d highly recommend sites like OnlyApartments.com or HomeToGo to find insane values.
Even in smaller cities and towns like Seville, Malaga, Toledo, and San Sebastian, renting a local apartment puts you right in the heart of the action. Plus you’ll typically pay 30-50% less than for a comparable hotel room, with the added benefits of a kitchen for self-catering, separate living spaces, and washing machines for longer stays.
If you do opt for a hotel, be sure to check for apartment-style suites or residences which make for a great balance between amenities and affordability. Many major chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Holiday Inn have great options across their properties in Spain if you want that hotel experience but still value having separate living/sleeping areas, kitchenettes, and more space.
For the ultimate affordable luxury, consider splurging on a deluxe apartment through an upscale rental company like OneFineStay or BridgeStreet. They offer incredible vacation rentals in Spain’s poshest neighborhoods like Madrid’s Salamanca district, Barcelona’s Eixample, and the Golden Mile areas of Marbella – think stylish multi-bedroom palatial apartments with high-end touches like heated floors, terraces, and concierge services. The best part? You can often get 2-3 bedroom units for €300-500 per night, which is a steal when split between several people compared to hotel suite rates.
Of course, for extended stays in Spain, renting directly from a local owner for a month or longer is the way to go. In Madrid and Barcelona you’ll pay around €1200-2000 per month for lovely furnished 1-2 bedroom apartments in convenient areas. Factor in that you’d spend at least half that on daily hotel rates, and the value becomes crystal clear. It’s the perfect option for digital nomads, temporary work assignments, remote students, and more.
Speaking of remote work, both cities have seen a surge of modern co-living spaces and residential hotels aiming to cater to digital nomads and telecommuters. Unique apartment/hotel hybrids like
OD Barcelona and Outsite offer community workspaces, group events, and fully-equipped apartment accommodations for a la carte nightly rates or monthly bundles. It’s a turnkey way to live and work affordably as a remote professional abroad.
And lastly, for solo travelers, couples, or very small groups visiting Spain on a tight budget, apartment-sharing through platforms like Airbnb and WorkaHoliday can yield unbeatable value. In Barcelona you can routinely find single rooms for as little as €20-30 per night, while in Madrid I’ve seen private apartment shares for just €15-25 per night per person. Not only affordable, but an amazing way to connect with locals!
So whether you seek a city pied-a-terre, seaside paradise, or anything in between, with some local knowledge and an open mindset, incredible apartment rental values are well within reach across sunny Spain. It’s truly the best way to immerse yourself fully into the vibrant tapestry of Spanish life and culture!