Budget-Friendly Housing In Spain for Colombians in 2025

Moving to Spain as a Colombian immigrant, student, or worker is a big step, full of opportunities, but also new financial responsibilities. One of the biggest challenges? Finding a decent place to live without spending all your savings. In 2025, the housing market in Spain remains competitive, especially in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.

But don’t worry—this survival guide for Colombian expats will help you find affordable housing, manage expenses smartly, and still be able to send money to Colombia from Spain without stress.

The Spanish Rental Market In 2025

Rent prices in Spain vary depending on location, type of accommodation, and nearby amenities. Colombians living in Spain often choose between:

• Shared apartments (pisos compartidos): Most budget-friendly
• Student residences: Convenient but often pricey
• Private studios or 1-bedroom flats: More privacy, higher cost
• Host families (for students): Cultural experience, moderate cost

As of early 2025, average monthly rents are:

• Madrid/Barcelona: €400–€600 (shared), €800+ (private flat)
• Valencia/Seville: €300–€450 (shared), €600+ (private flat)
• Smaller towns: Often under €300 for shared accommodation

Use websites like Idealista or Fotocasa to explore available listings.

Tips For Finding Budget-Friendly Housing In Spain

Start With Online Platforms

Websites like Idealista, PisoCompartido, Spotahome, and Facebook housing groups offer thousands of rental options daily. Always apply early—good listings go fast.

Opt For Shared Flats

This is the most popular and affordable option for Colombians. Sharing rent, utilities, and internet bills significantly reduces your cost of living. Plus, it’s a great way to meet people.

Look Beyond City Centres

Apartments outside the city centre are often 20-40% cheaper. Use public transport or bicycles to commute. For example:

• Living in Leganés instead of Madrid’s city centre can save up to €200/month.
• In L’Hospitalet (outside Barcelona), rent is much cheaper than in the central districts.

Use Student Discounts Or Housing Services

If you’re a student, check if your university offers dormitories or connects international students with host families. Many offer deals that include meals and utilities.

How To Avoid Rental Scams In Spain

Unfortunately, scams exist in the housing market. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Never send a deposit before seeing the flat in person or through a verified video tour.
• Use official rental platforms, not just social media.
• Ask for a rental contract (contrato de arrendamiento).
• Confirm the landlord’s ID and property ownership if possible.

Avoiding scams helps you save more, making it easier to send money online to Colombia from Spain regularly without financial setbacks.

Budgeting For Monthly Housing Costs

Besides rent, don’t forget these monthly expenses:

• Electricity, gas, water: €50–€100 (depending on use and number of flatmates)
• Internet & mobile data: €20–€40
• Transport (monthly pass): €20–€55 (based on city and zones)
• Groceries: €150–€250

By managing these wisely, you’ll be able to maintain your lifestyle and still make regular online money transfers to Colombia from Spain.

Sending Money Home While Saving On Housing

Affordable housing lets you prioritise family needs back home. Many Colombian expats use trusted services like ACE Money Transfer to:

• Send money online to Colombia from Spain quickly
• Avoid high banking fees
• Track transfers in real-time
• Get competitive exchange rates

This combination of saving at home and efficient money transfer to Colombia from Spain ensures your support goes further.

Practical Tools To Manage Finances & Rent

Here are some apps and resources that can help:

• Splitwise: For sharing rent and utilities with flatmates
• Fintonic: A personal finance app to track your income and spending
• Transfer calculator: Available on most money transfer apps, including ACE, to plan remittances

Use these tools to maintain financial stability while living in Spain.

Housing in Spain for a Colombian in 2025

Finding budget-friendly housing in Spain as a Colombian expat is completely achievable in 2025, with the right knowledge, tools, and platforms. Whether you’re here to study, work, or start fresh, smart housing choices make it possible to live well and still send money to Colombia from Spain regularly.

Managing your living expenses wisely ensures that your financial support reaches your family back home safely and consistently. With ACE Money Transfer, you can handle your housing costs and your remittances reliably, affordably, and without stress.

FAQs

What’s the cheapest city in Spain for Colombian expats to live in?

Cities like Granada, Murcia, and Zaragoza are more affordable than Madrid or Barcelona, offering shared flats for under €300 per month.

Is it safe to rent a room online before arriving in Spain?

It’s best to avoid paying anything until you’ve seen the place in person or through a verified video tour. If needed, use platforms like Spotahome that offer verified listings.

How can I split rent and bills fairly with roommates?

Apps like Splitwise make it easy to divide costs fairly and track who owes what, especially useful for shared living.

What’s the best way to send money online to Colombia from Spain?

ACE Money Transfer is a top choice among Colombians for online money transfer to Colombia from Spain, offering fast, secure, and affordable services.

How can I lower my monthly housing expenses in Spain?

Live with roommates, choose a location outside the city centre, and cook at home. These small changes can save you hundreds of euros monthly.