Spain is different! This slogan was popular in the 1960s in tourist advertising that appeared wherever you went, in any airport, train station or corner of the Spanish coastline.
Nothing much has changed as far as this slogan is concerned: Spain still has a rich cultural, geographic and climate diversity. Living in Spain is about enjoying its natural landscapes, historical and artistic heritage, food and popular festivals. But which are the cheapest Spanish cities to live in?
Lugo, Spain's cheapest city to live in
Lugo is a city in Galicia, northwest Spain. It is the province capital of the same name and has a population of around 98,000 inhabitants.
It is famous for its Roman wall, which surrounds the historic centre and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also has a rich food culture based on local products such as cheese, octopus, meat and wine.
Living in Lugo has many advantages, including a quiet lifestyle, mild climate, being close to nature and low cost of living. In November 2023, the average property price was €1,251/m2, while the average rent in the area was €6.6/m2.
The city boasts a great quality of life with plenty of parks, museums, festivals and a friendly atmosphere. Besides this, you can visit the Santa María Cathedral, which is Lugo's main religious building and has a mixture of architectural styles. Highlights include its Baroque façade, Gothic cloister and Holy Sacrament chapel, where the Doña Urraca Chalice, an 11th-century relic, is kept.
Another noteworthy building is the Casa de los Mosaicos, an ancient Roman domus that preserves impressive geometric and figurative mosaics depicting scenes from everyday life, mythology and religion.
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Palencia, Spain's second cheapest city to live in
Palencia is a Spanish city located in the north of the autonomous community of Castilla and Leon and has a population of around 78,000 inhabitants. The region has a long history dating back to Roman times.
Among its most outstanding monuments are the San Antolin Cathedral, the Cristo del Otero and the Puente Mayor bridge over the River Carrión.
Living in Palencia has many advantages, which include being quiet, safe, affordable and close to nature. The town offers a great quality of life with a wide range of cultural, sporting, culinary and leisure activities.
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In November 2023, the average house price was €1,293/m2, while the average rent in the area was €6.7/m2.
Why is Zamora the best place to live?
Also located in Castilla and Leon, on the banks of the River Duero, Zamora is a city steeped in history, art and culture, which preserves a rich heritage of monuments, especially in the Romanesque style.
- The Cathedral, one of Zamora's most emblematic monuments and a Spanish Romanesque jewel, was built between the 12th and 13th centuries.
- The Castle, a medieval fortress standing on a hill next to the River Duero, was built by Fernando I of Leon in the 11th century and extended by Alfonso IX in the 13th century.
- Las Aceñas de Olivares, ancient water mills built between the 10th and 11th centuries and in operation until the 20th century.
Living in Zamora can be a good option for those looking for a quiet city with a low cost of living and a unique history.
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In November 2023, the average house price was €1,132/m2, while the average rent in the area was €6.1/m2.
Leon - a good place to live and work
Leon, also belonging to the land of Castilla and Leon, is a historic, artistic and cultural city that offers its inhabitants and visitors many attractions and experiences.
Living in Leon means enjoying its impressive monumental heritage, such as the Gothic cathedral, the Romanesque San Isidoro Basilica, San Marcos Renaissance Palace or the modernist Casa de Botines, a work by Gaudi. It also means savouring its rich cuisine, based on quality products such as cecina, botillo, Valdeon cheese and the nuns' pastries.
It is also a lively city with a wide range of leisure and cultural activities, such as MUSAC, the contemporary art museum; the Purple Weekend, a 60s pop and rock festival; and the San Juan and San Pedro festivals, which fill the streets with music, colour and tradition.
In addition, Leon is surrounded by spectacular landscapes, such as the Picos de Europa, the Médulas, the Silencio Valley and the Hoces de Vegacervera, ideal for hiking, cycling, skiing and climbing.
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In November 2023, the average house price was €1,343/m2, while the average rent in the area was €7.1/m2.
Soria - among the five cheapest cities in Spain to live in
Soria is located in the River Duero Valley, with a population of 88,636 inhabitants. It is known for its historical, artistic and natural heritage, as well as for its cuisine and festivals.
It has a peaceful, safe and healthy environment surrounded by nature and culture. Soria has a good quality of life with an affordable cost of living, quality education and health services, and a transport network that connects the city with other Spanish and European capitals.
In its old quarter, declared a historic-artistic site, you can admire monuments such as the Santo Domingo church, the Condes de Gómara palace, the San Saturio hermitage and the Numantine Museum. Moreover, its natural surroundings are home to protected areas such as the Cañón del Río Lobos Nature Reserve, the Laguna Negra Nature Reserve and the Moncayo Nature Reserve.
Living in Soria is ideal for those looking for a quiet life without renouncing the comforts and services of a modern and dynamic city.
Find flats and houses for sale in Soria and rental properties. But if you're looking for getaway options, don't miss out on the holiday rental alternatives.
In November 2023, the average house price was €1,574/m2, while the average rent in the area was €8/m2.