Most expensive city to study in Spain

Most Expensive Cities to Study in Spain 

Spain is a known destination to attract students wanting to study abroad due to its vibrant culture, delicious local food, and rich history. It’s a country offering both small towns and large Spanish cities, all with varying costs of studying abroad for international students. To help you out, we’ve compiled a guide for the most expensive cities in Spain. 

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1. Barcelona 

Barcelona is the number one most expensive city to study in Spain. With its stunning architecture, unique local restaurants, and bustling nightlife, it’s a popular destination amongst abroad students and tourists alike. Despite being relatively cheaper than many destination cities in the U.S., Barcelona is certainly pricey compared to some of the cheapest cities to live in Spain, such as Seville or Valencia. However, given how much there is to do and see in the city, such as visiting the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, it shouldn’t be ruled out for its pricier atmosphere. Plus, there are cheaper activities if you’re on a budget, such as enjoying the warm sunshine at one of the city’s many beaches. Studying in Barcelona can be incredibly rewarding with the correct planning and budgeting. 

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2. Madrid 

While Madrid isn’t at the top of our list for most expensive cities to study in Spain, it’s a very close second. Located near the center of the Iberian Peninsula, and the country of Spain as a whole, this city offers much to visitors and locals in terms of beautiful landscapes and easy travel access. Madrid is both the capital city of Spain and the richest city in Spain, and it is home to many prestigious universities such as the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. However, despite its pricier atmosphere, Madrid has so much to offer to visitors with its access to Spanish and Latin art, exciting nightlife, and spectacular living conditions. For students in Madrid, the options of living in a residencia, shared apartment, or homestay can help with budgeting due to their varying prices. Living just outside the second most expensive city in Spain can also help alleviate financial burdens, and given the excellent public transportation in large Spanish cities like Madrid, getting into the heart of the city is as easy as possible. 

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3. San Sebastián

Despite being lower on our list of most expensive cities to study in Spain, San Sebastián is not short of beauty, opportunity, and culture. It’s a lively place that is popular amongst international students looking for a slightly more affordable cost of studying in Spain. The bulk of the reasoning for being so costly compared to the cheapest cities to live in Spain is due to its bustling tourism and stunning atmosphere. San Sebastián is known to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, and is a splendid combination of beach living and urban life. Mountains surround the city, and it is close enough to nearby cities to provide easy access to travel and has over 40 Michelin-rated restaurants. The locals are friendly, the activities are endless, and the scenery is out-of-this-world. San Sebastián is not one of Spain’s largest cities, but it still provided plenty of options for international students studying abroad and enjoying Spanish culture. 

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Conclusion

Despite being some of the most expensive cities in Spain, Barcelona, Madrid and San Sebastián should not be overlooked when it comes to studying abroad and exploring Spanish culture. With both Barcelona and Madrid being large Spanish cities, and San Sebastián being an urban beach town, these locations offer endless opportunities for  immersing oneself in the Spanish culture. With the right budgeting and planning, the cost of studying in Spain for international students can be stress-free and the experience can be extremely beneficial. Being an international student in Spain is a rewarding experience unlike any other, and even the most expensive cities in Spain are worth the cost.