Spain is renowned for its vibrant culture, picturesque landscapes, and progressive stance on LGBTIQ+ rights, making it a top destination for the LGBTIQ+ community. Whether you're planning to relocate or simply curious about the expenses in these welcoming cities, understanding the cost of living is crucial. In this article, we'll explore the financial aspects of residing in Spain's most LGBTIQ+-friendly cities, from housing and utilities to entertainment and dining. Discover how these inclusive urban havens balance affordability with a high quality of life, ensuring you can make an informed decision about your next move.
Madrid, one of Spain's gay-friendly destinations
The Spanish capital is one of the best LGTBI destinations in the world, and its Pride celebrations are an unmissable event for thousands of people.
The celebrations begin every year at the end of June, with International Pride Day, and kick off a week full of protests, and cultural and entertainment activities that culminate in the big citywide march on the first Saturday in July. This year's programme includes the Pride opening speech on 3 July in the Plaza de Pedro Zerolo, as well as concerts, the Heel Race and conferences on human rights. During these days, the Chueca neighbourhood becomes a reference point for the LGTBI+ movement worldwide.
As for property prices in Madrid, according to the latest idealista data report, they were around €4,473/m2 in May 2024. This implies an increase of 12.4% compared to the same month the previous year. Rent, on the other hand, was around €19.4/m2.
Sitges, one of Spain's most LGTBIQ+-friendly cities
Sitges, a Spanish coastal town just 30 minutes south of Barcelona, is known as a major destination for its Gay Pride celebrations – one of the biggest events in Spain and Europe, which in 2024 is expected to attract more than 5,000 people.
The programme runs from 17 May to 28 June, with a variety of cultural and entertainment events including concerts, conferences, sports competitions and night-time parties, although the open-air stage is the heart of the celebrations, featuring international artists and celebrity guests. The Pride parade is the central event, which takes place on the first Saturday in July.
The average property price in Sitges was around €4,594/m2 in May 2024. This is 7.6% more than in the same month of the previous year. As for renting, during the same month, prices were €17.3/m2.
Torremolinos, a safe location for the LGTBI community
Another LGTBI Pride festival is held in the Andalusian province of Malaga, specifically in Torremolinos, with a week full of activities culminating in a massive march.
The celebrations begin on 25 May when the rainbow flag is hoisted in the Plaza de La Nogalera. From then on, a programme full of cultural, sporting and recreational events takes place. The high point of the celebrations is the weekend of 31 May to 2 June, when the big march takes place.
As a curious fact, the Junta de Andalucía awarded Torremolinos LGTBI Pride the title of Event of Tourist Interest of Andalusia, highlighting the importance of this event for the city and the region, both in terms of visibility and demand for rights, as well as economic impact.
Properties for sale in Torremolinos, Malaga, were priced at €3,081/m2 in May 2024, representing an increase of 16.2% compared to the same month in 2023. Rents in the area were €15.8/m2 for the same date.
Maspalomas, a popular LGTB+ tourist destination
Every year, Maspalomas, a town in Gran Canaria, celebrates LGTBI Pride with a week full of activities. In 2024 it was from 2 to 12 May 2024, and was a celebration of colour, music, love and unity.
The programme of events included concerts, exhibitions, competitions and parties at the Yumbo Shopping Centre, the epicentre of the celebrations. Most of the events and shows were free of charge and streamed live. The march was the central event of Maspalomas LGTBI Pride.
This festival has generated a huge impact in the region and has been recognised internationally. In 2023, it set its own attendance record with more than 200,000 people, confirming its relevance.
The average price of a property in Maspalomas, according to the idealista price report, was around €4,780/m2 in May 2024. This implies an increase of 29.3% compared to May of the previous year. Rent, on the other hand, was around €21.2/m2.
Cadiz, another LGBT-friendly city
Cadiz, a city with a rich history and a strong LGTBI identity, celebrates this festival by preparing a host of activities and welcoming thousands of people who come together to demand LGBT rights.
The festival begins on 22 June, with the raising of the Pride flag in Plaza Sevilla and a march through Cadiz's city centre. The programme includes concerts, exhibitions, competitions and parties in different parts of the city.
This festival has had a huge impact on the region and has been recognised internationally. In 2023, it broke its own attendance record with more than 50,000 people, strengthening its effort to promote freedom, equality and unity throughout society.
The average price of property for sale in Cadiz in May 2024 was €2,825/m2. This figure is 8.8% more than in the same month of the previous year. In terms of rental properties, the per-square-metre price was €11.1.