According to the latest idealista report, rental prices in Spain rose by 11.5% in 2024, reaching an all-time high in December with an average of €13.5 per square metre. While price increases vary across the country, they are generally more pronounced in major cities.
In this article, we highlight the most expensive cities in Spain for renting a home, based on average rental prices.
Barcelona
Barcelona is currently the most expensive city in Spain to rent a home, with an average price of €23.4 per square metre. In theory, based on this rate, renting a 100 m² flat would cost €2,340 per month, though in reality, prices are often even higher.
Rental prices in Barcelona have risen by 13.9% over the past year and by 4.4% in the last quarter. Experts attribute this increase to several factors, including the price cap, which has led to a gradual decline in supply while demand continues to rise.
Madrid
The Spanish capital is the second most expensive city to rent in 2025, with an average price of €20.7/m2, a historical high for the city. Rent in Madrid has increased by 15.3% over the last year.
The lack of supply to meet demand is once again one of the main reasons for this increase. Buying-to-let is an excellent investment.
San Sebastian
For the third-highest rental prices in Spain, we head to the north of the country. San Sebastián takes the bronze medal among the most expensive cities for renting, with an average price of €18 per square metre – an increase of 7.2% compared to the previous year.
Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca ranks fourth among the most expensive cities for renting in Spain, thanks to its climate, food and stunning scenery, which make it one of the country's most desirable places to live.
The average rental price in Palma stands at €17.2 per square metre per month, reflecting an annual increase of 11.9%. This figure is just one cent above the record high reached in August 2024
Málaga
In recent years, Malaga has experienced a remarkable boom, becoming one of the most valued cities to live in. Foreigners are falling in love with this region. As a result, the rental price has increased by 11.4% in the last year. Currently, the average cost to rent a home is €15.1/m2, reaching an all-time high for Málaga.
Bilbao
The capital of Biscay occupies the sixth position in the ranking of the most expensive cities to rent in Spain, with an average price of €14.9/m2. In the last year, rental prices in Bilbao have grown by a significant 9.2%.
Valencia
Valencia shares the same average rental price as Bilbao, also at €14.9/m2. The city has seen a sharp year-on-year increase, with a rise of 12.2%. The quality of life and the Mediterranean climate continue to attract new residents, which continues to drive up prices.
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
In eighth place is Las Palmas on Gran Canaria, with an average price of €12.9/m2, a value 10.9% higher than the previous year. This island city has gained prominence in the rental market thanks to its year-round warm climate, relaxed lifestyle and the arrival of digital nomads looking for a place to work remotely.
Girona
Girona is ranked as the ninth most expensive city to rent in Spain, with an average price of €12.2/m2. Over the last year, it has experienced a modest year-on-year increase of +3.8%, perhaps related to the growing interest in living in a quiet but well-connected city.
Seville
Closing the top 10 of the cities where it is most expensive to rent a house in 2025 is Seville. The city has an average price of €12/m2, after an increase of 9.5% in the last year. Food, culture and climate make this city one of the most attractive to live in.
