Renting a room vs apartment in Spain

Whether you're moving to Spain to study, work, or start a new adventure, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is choosing your accommodation. 

The two most common options for newcomers are renting a room in a shared flat or renting an entire apartment. Both come with distinct advantages and drawbacks, and the right choice will depend on your budget, lifestyle, and long-term plans. 

In this guide, we’ll compare room and apartment rentals in Spain to help you decide which is right for you.

The rental market in Spain

Spain’s rental market is very diverse, especially in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville. In these urban areas, demand for both shared housing and private apartments remains high in 2025, particularly among students, young professionals, and digital nomads.

In popular cities, the average rental price for a room in a shared flat ranges from €300 to €600+ per month, depending on location, size, and amenities. 

Meanwhile, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs between €1,000 and €1,400+ monthly. Prices drop significantly in suburban areas or smaller towns but it’s important to ensure you will still have access to all necessary amenities.

Renting a room: pros and cons

What are the pros and cons of renting a single room in shared accommodation in Spain?

Pros

• Affordability: Renting a room is usually the most cost-effective option, making it ideal for students or those on a limited budget.
• Built-In Community: Living with roommates can ease the transition to a new country and reduce loneliness.
• Lower Setup Costs: Rooms in shared flats often come furnished, with utility bills included in the rent.
• Short-Term Flexibility: It can be easier to find short-term leases, which is ideal for exchange students or those on internships. It’s also an opportunity to see which areas of the city you like if you’re planning to rent a flat or buy a property.

Cons

• Limited Privacy: You’ll be sharing common areas like the kitchen and bathroom.
• Variable Living Standards: Quality and cleanliness can vary widely depending on your roommates and landlord.
• Less Freedom: You might need to compromise on noise levels, cleaning schedules, and use of shared spaces.

Renting an apartment: pros and cons

How does renting an entire apartment compare?

Pros

• Privacy and Space: Ideal for couples, remote workers, or anyone who values their own space.
• Control Over Environment: You get to set the rules, decorate, and maintain your home to your standards.
• Good for Long-Term Stays: May be more suitable for those planning to live in Spain for a year or more.

Cons

• Higher Costs: You’ll pay significantly more than for a shared flat. Additionally, utility bills, Wi-Fi, and furnishings may not be included.
• Longer Contracts: Leases often require a 6 to 12-month commitment, plus a larger deposit.
• More Responsibilities: From setting up utility accounts to dealing with maintenance, you’ll be handling everything.

Location

When choosing between a room and an apartment, where you live can make a significant difference. 

In cities like Madrid and Barcelona, room rentals are popular in central neighbourhoods where apartments may be priced out of reach.

On the other hand, in smaller towns or suburban areas, you might find that a private apartment costs only slightly more than a shared flat. 

Proximity to your workplace or university, public transport options, and the lifestyle of a neighbourhood (quiet vs social, modern vs traditional) should all factor into your decision.

Furnishing and moving in

Many rental rooms in shared flats come fully furnished, which is a major advantage if you're arriving in Spain without household belongings. 

Apartments, on the other hand, may be unfurnished, particularly in long-term leases. This is something to factor into your budget and timeline. 

Navigating rental agencies & private landlords

In Spain, rentals can be managed either through estate agencies or directly by landlords. 

Agencies can provide more security and help with English-language support but often charge a fee (typically one month’s rent). 

Private landlords may offer more flexibility in terms or pricing, but communication, especially in Spanish, might be required. 

If you're unsure of the process or your language skills are limited, using a reputable agency can simplify the rental experience, whether you’re after a room or a full apartment.

Do you need house insurance in Spain?

While not always legally required, having house or renters’ insurance (seguro de hogar) in Spain is highly recommended, especially if you're renting an apartment.

For tenants renting a room in a shared flat, the responsibility for insuring the property usually falls on the landlord or primary leaseholder. However, you might still consider getting personal contents insurance to protect your valuables.

If you're renting an entire apartment, landlords may have structural insurance, but this won’t cover your personal belongings or accidental damage. In these cases, tenant insurance can cover:

• Theft or burglary
• Fire or water damage
• Liability if you accidentally damage the property

Insurance premiums are generally affordable, starting from around €60–€150 per year, depending on coverage. Spanish insurers like Mapfre and AXA offer renter-specific policies, and many banks also provide bundled deals.

Which is best? Renting a room vs apartment in Spain

Choose a room if:

• You’re on a tight budget
• You’re staying short-term (under 6 months)
• You want to meet new people and socialise
• You’re new to the country and want to ease into life in Spain

Choose an apartment if:

• You need a quiet space to work or relax
• You’re moving with a partner or family
• You’re planning a long-term stay (12+ months)
• You prefer privacy and full control over your living space

Get ready to rent in Spain

Renting a room vs an apartment in Spain ultimately depends on your financial situation, personal preferences, and duration of stay. Rooms offer affordability and sociability, while apartments provide privacy and independence.

Whichever you choose, be sure to research carefully, budget wisely, and check your rental contract terms. Spain offers plenty of housing options to suit every kind of lifestyle, so you’re sure to find the perfect place to call home.

• Find flats for rent in Spain
• Find rooms for rent in shared flats in Spain