The Honest Guide to Erasmus Accommodation in Spain
No sugarcoating. As an Erasmus student in Spain you'll usually choose between a homestay with a local family (~€400-700/month, meals often included), a shared flat (~€250-550/month, fully independent) or a student residence (~€600-1,200/month). Here are the real costs, the honest trade-offs, and everything you need to know before you arrive.
Why Do 40,000+ Students Choose Spain Every Year?
Spain is the most popular Erasmus destination in Europe; and it's not just about the weather. The cost of living is lower than in most Western European countries, the university system is well-integrated with Erasmus programs, and the social culture makes it easy to build a life quickly.
That said, every city is different. Barcelona is expensive and touristy. Salamanca is cheap but small. Seville is hot. Bilbao is rainy. There's no "best" city; only the right one for you.
#1
Erasmus destination in EU
40k+
Exchange students/year
€500-800
Avg. monthly budget
300+
Sunny days/year
Where Can You Live? The 3 Main Options
There's no perfect option; each one has real trade-offs. Your choice depends on your budget, personality, and what you want from the experience.
Shared Apartment (Piso Compartido)
A room in a flat shared with other students or young professionals. The most common choice; you manage your own meals, cleaning, and schedule.
Best for: Independent students on a budget
Cost: $ (cheapest base, + food & utilities)
- ✓ Total freedom
- ✓ Social with roommates
- ✓ Lowest base cost
- ✕ Food costs add up (€150-250/mo)
- ✕ Risk of scams online
- ✕ Utility bills, initial payments
Student Residence (Residencia)
Managed housing near campus with everything included. Modern facilities, organized social events, cleaning, and meal plans available.
Best for: Convenience & social life
Cost: $$$ (all-inclusive)
- ✓ Zero hassle
- ✓ Social events built-in
- ✓ Near campus
- ✕ Most expensive option
- ✕ Less cultural immersion
- ✕ Smaller rooms, less privacy
Host Family (Homestay)
Not the most common choice; but students who try it consistently say it was the most meaningful part of their Erasmus. You live with a local family, share meals, practice Spanish daily, and gain a second home in Spain.
Best for: Deep immersion & unforgettable experience
Cost: $$ (meals & bills included)
- ✓ Spanish practice every day
- ✓ Meals included (saves €200-300/mo)
- ✓ A family in Spain you can visit for years
- ✕ Less independence
- ✕ House rules to follow
- ✕ Less social with other students
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Homestay | Apartment | Residence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost (room only) | €400-700 | €250-550 | €600-1200 |
| Meals Included | Yes | No | Yes |
| Spanish Practice | High | Medium | Low |
| Independence | Medium | High | Medium |
| Cultural Immersion | High | Medium | Low |
| Setup Hassle | Low | High | Low |
| Food Cost (extra) | €0-50 | €150-250 | €0-50 |
Pro tip: a €300 room doesn't cost €300 if you're buying groceries, cooking, and paying utilities. A homestay at €500 with meals and bills included can work out cheaper than a "cheap" apartment. Always compare the real monthly total, not just rent.
How Much Does It Cost by City?
Your city choice is the single biggest factor in your budget. Here's a quick overview of the main Erasmus cities in Spain.
How to Avoid Accommodation Scams
Every year, thousands of international students lose money to accommodation scams in Spain. The most common platforms for scams are Idealista, Fotocasa, and Facebook groups. Here are the red flags to watch for:
⚠️ Too-good-to-be-true listings
A beautiful apartment at half the market price? It's almost certainly a scam. If it seems too cheap, it is.
⚠️ Payment before viewing
Never send money (especially international transfers) before visiting the apartment or doing a live video call with the landlord.
⚠️ Fake landlord profiles
Scammers copy real listings and pretend to own properties. Reverse image search photos and verify ownership.
⚠️ Pressure to decide immediately
"Someone else is interested" is a classic pressure tactic. Legitimate landlords give you reasonable time to decide.
10 Things We Wish Someone Had Told Us
1. Start early
Begin searching 2-3 months before arrival. September is the most competitive month; don't wait until August.
2. Budget realistically
Beyond rent, budget €300-500/month for food, transport, phone, and social life. Smaller cities stretch your euro further.
3. Open the right bank account
Get a no-fee card for Europe (Revolut, N26, Wise) before arriving. Spanish banks charge fees and require a NIE to open.
4. Get a Spanish SIM card on day one
Lycamobile, Orange, or Vodafone prepaid SIMs are available at airports and corner shops (locutorios). Costs €10-20/month.
5. Learn the meal schedule
Lunch is 2-4pm, dinner is 9-10pm. Most restaurants don't serve dinner before 8:30pm. This surprises every exchange student.
6. Use BlaBlaCar for travel
Cheaper than trains for city-to-city travel. Also check Ouigo and Avlo for budget high-speed rail.
7. Get your NIE early
Book your NIE appointment online as soon as you arrive; or even before. Wait times can be weeks.
8. Join ESN (Erasmus Student Network)
Your local ESN chapter organizes trips, parties, and buddy programs. The ESNcard also gives discounts across Europe.
9. Don't skip the admin
Register at your host university, get your student card, and enroll in courses within the first 2 weeks.
10. Embrace the culture shock
Things work differently. Shops close for siesta, Sundays are quiet, and plans are made last-minute. Lean into it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Erasmus accommodation in Spain cost?
It depends heavily on the city. In Granada or Salamanca, you can find rooms from €250-400/month. In Madrid or Barcelona, expect €450-700+. Keep in mind that the cheapest room isn't always the cheapest month; apartments require groceries (€150-250/mo), utilities, and initial payments on top. Homestays with meals and bills included often work out similarly or better in total cost.
When should I start looking for accommodation?
Start 2-3 months before your arrival. September intake is the most competitive; if you're arriving then, begin searching in June. For January arrivals, start in October. Residences and homestays can often confirm faster than apartment searches.
Is it safe to rent an apartment online before arriving?
Be very cautious. Scams targeting international students are common on platforms like Idealista or Milanuncios. Never transfer money without a video call or visit. If possible, book temporary accommodation for your first 1-2 weeks and search in person.
Do I need to speak Spanish for Erasmus in Spain?
Not necessarily; many programs offer courses in English, especially at master's level. However, daily life (admin, shopping, socializing) is much easier with basic Spanish. Most students pick up conversational Spanish within 2-3 months of living there.
What documents do I need for Erasmus in Spain?
As a general orientation: EU citizens usually travel with a valid passport or ID card, and for longer stays many register for a NIE (foreigner identification number); non-EU citizens usually need a student visa. Rules change and depend on your case, so always confirm with your home university's international office and the Spanish consulate.
Can I work during my Erasmus in Spain?
As a general orientation, EU citizens can usually work without restrictions, and non-EU students on a student visa are often allowed to work part-time, though conditions apply. Rules change, so confirm your case with your university and the immigration office before counting on it.
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