Spain’s rental market continues to evolve. According to fresh data from idealista, the highest demand for rentals in the first quarter of 2025 was not in city centers but in their suburbs. This trend has been growing for years but is now more pronounced than ever.
Top Municipalities: Where Are People Renting the Most?
The leader of the ranking is Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona province) — a city that has long competed with Barcelona itself in market dynamics. It is followed by Manresa, Leganés, Terrassa, and Móstoles, confirming that demand is shifting to areas with developed infrastructure but more affordable prices.
Interestingly, of the 30 most popular cities, 16 are located in the provinces of Barcelona and Madrid (8 in each). Another 12 are provincial capitals like Guadalajara, Vitoria, and Pamplona, where renting remains a cost-effective alternative to buying property.
Other Standouts:
- In the Madrid region, Alcalá de Henares, Alcorcón, and Getafe stand out.
- In Barcelona province, high demand persists in Sabadell, Mataró, and Sant Cugat del Vallès.
- Beyond the two capitals, Zaragoza, Palma de Mallorca, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Toledo are also popular.
Where Are Prices Breaking Records?
Nearly half of the municipalities in the ranking (48.6%) have average rents exceeding €1,000/month. The main drivers of growth are premium tourist areas and high-income neighborhoods.
Most Expensive:
Santa Eulària des Riu (Ibiza) — €4,113;
Madrid’s upscale La Moraleja district — €3,976;
The resort town of Benahavís (Málaga) — €3,677.
- Between €2,000 and €3,000:
Marbella, Sotogrande (Cádiz), Pozuelo de Alarcón (Madrid), and Calvià (Mallorca) lead here.
Major Cities:
Barcelona (€1,815), Madrid (€1,613), and Palma de Mallorca (€1,689) remain in the upper price tier, though their rates are still lower than those in “tourist hotspots.”
Even amid high demand, some cities offer relatively affordable prices. For example, the average rent in Hospitalet de Llobregat is €1,190 — cheaper than neighboring Barcelona.
In some regions, mid-sized cities outperform provincial capitals. For instance, Elche sees higher demand than Alicante, and Algeciras outpaces Cádiz.
Why does this matter?
Experts at idealista/data note that renters are increasingly seeking a balance between budget and quality of life. Suburbs attract residents with better transport links, while tourist areas appeal to those looking for temporary stays or investment opportunities.