Find your accommodation in Madrid
Lisa
◦
6 minutes reading time
Step foot into the capital of Spain, home to the biggest expat community in the country with its rich history, delicious tapas, and the flamenco.
The city seamlessly blends the bustle of a modern metropolis with the charm of a historic place and offers a high quality of life at an affordable price. Welcome to Madrid! In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of finding your ideal place to stay in Madrid, ensuring that your transition to this exciting city is smooth and stress-free. On average, the cost of a room for rent in Madrid in a shared apartment ranges from €300 to €700 per month. If you want to have your own apartment, prices will go up. For a studio it will be around €850 and for an apartment it will be €1,295. Prices vary depending on the neighborhood, apartment features, and whether it's furnished or not.
How to find accommodation?
A useful website that you can use when searching for a place in Madrid could be HousingAnywhere, where we can give you a 20% discount on booking fees if you use this link! If you want to know a bit more about finding housing, check out this page on finding accommodation abroad.
Other useful websites:
Social networks
You can easily discover different expat, student, or interest-based associations, organizations, or groups in your host city. When looking for accommodation or connecting with like-minded individuals, a quick search in the social network using the name of your host city can lead you to valuable resources. Additionally, many Erasmus cities have dedicated Erasmus associations where you can find groups that align with your specific interests.
Facebook groups
Where?
Choosing the right neighborhood in Madrid can indeed be an exciting but challenging task, given the city's diverse offerings. To help you make an informed decision, here are the top 6 neighborhoods in Madrid, each catering to different expat lifestyles.
Sol 🏙
Sol, also known as the neighborhood around "Puerta del Sol," is not only the very center of Madrid but is officially considered the center of all of Spain. It's like the starting point (kilometer zero) for all roads that lead to different parts of the country, originating from this key location in Madrid. Sol remains the beating heart of traditional Madrid landmarks. The symbols of Madrid, “the Bear” and “Strawberry Tree statue”, proudly stand here. Sol is an excellent choice for a first neighborhood to reside in if you're eager to explore Madrid while still having easy access to international, English-speaking restaurants, shops, and bars.
Budget
The prices for renting a room are definitely more on the pricey side. Since you are in the “heart” of Madrid this is to be expected. The prices range mostly from 400-1000 euros for a room.
La Latina 🏡
Nestled within the heart of the city, La Latina is a vibrant and intense neighborhood, offering a unique and immersive experience for those seeking a memorable stay. La Latina's streets are teeming with cultural and leisure venues, making it an enticing choice for travelers and residents alike. The neighborhood is brimming with character and charm, with friendly and neighborly locals who are always ready to strike up a conversation or share information about special events. Considered one of the city's best districts to live in, La Latina offers the convenience of several markets for your daily grocery needs, vibrant bars with an animated ambiance, and comfortable pedestrian zones that make strolling through the neighborhood a joy. Its close proximity to Madrid's city center ensures easy access to and from this dynamic district, making your explorations of the city seamless and enjoyable!
Budget
This area has a fair number of offers but at a high price, a victim of its success just like Sol. (expect to pay €100 more than the city average).
Retiro 🌳
Retiro, Madrid, derives its name from the iconic El Parque del Buen Retiro, known affectionately as "El Retiro." This neighborhood offers the best of both worlds – it's connected to the vibrant city center while preserving an authentic, traditional way of life.
The heart of Retiro is the beautiful park, a serene escape from urban life. Here, you can experience Madrid's historic charm and a laid-back atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for those who want the feel of the city without being in the center. Retiro encapsulates Madrid's past and present, offering a unique and genuine living experience.
Budget
The prices are more affordable and there is quite a fair amount of rooms available. The prices are between 450-750 euros.
Moncloa 🛍️
Moncloa is a dynamic district that hums with life, offering a wealth of shops, vibrant bars, and delightful dining options. Nestled close to the iconic Gran Vía, it's a hub of shopping and cultural experiences, making it a perfect choice for enthusiasts of both. For students, Moncloa is a dream come true, as it's in close proximity to major universities! This not only makes daily commutes a breeze but also immerses you in a dynamic and youthful atmosphere. Moncloa is more than just a lively neighborhood; it's your escape when the city feels a bit too crowded. Its excellent connectivity and accessibility to all your daily needs make it a convenient and well-rounded place to call home!
Budget
This area is a lot cheaper than the rest and is perfect for students. The prices are around 400-600 euros.
Lavapiés 🌆
Lavapiés is a neighborhood located just south of the central part of Madrid. It stretches from Tirso de Molina Square in the north to the Embajadores metro station in the south. It's an excellent choice for people looking to live near the city center without breaking the bank.
Lavapiés is a diverse neighborhood with a unique blend of cultures. It's particularly known for its vibrant Indian and African communities. But, it's not only about these groups. Lavapiés also has a traditional side with classic bars and shops, making it a place where you can enjoy a wide range of cultural experiences.
Budget
This neighborhood offers a lot of accommodation at the average Madrid price.
Malasaña 🏙️
Malasaña is renowned in Madrid for its lively bars, a thriving artist community, and its historical "movida legacy," which symbolizes the cultural awakening of the 80s in Madrid after the Franco era. This neighborhood is a hub for the gentrified, the alternative, and those who love being at the heart of the action, whether it's about partying, embracing alternative art and music, or immersing themselves in the vibrant city life. Situated in the center of Madrid, just north of the famous Gran Vía avenue, Malasaña is surrounded by the traditional neighborhood of Chamberi to the north, the lively and artistic Chueca neighborhood to the east, and offers an ideal location for those who want to be at the epicenter of Madrid's bustling cultural scene.
Budget
This neighborhood offers a lot of accommodation at the price range of 450-650 euros.
We hope that this blog helps you decide where you want to live in Madrid! Need some more inspiration? Take a look at Kate’s blog about her experience in Madrid or discover Madrids best hotspots! 🚀